Niall Ferguson's "The Square and the Tower" explores how contemporary political discourse often prioritizes rhetoric over meaningful action. This tendency is fueled by politicians' desire to maintain a favorable public image through spin, while media outlets incessantly demand responsive measures following any crisis, amplifying the superficiality of political responses.

Moreover, vested interests complicate genuine progress, as lobbyists craft intricate regulations that favor specific groups, leaving the public at a disadvantage. Lawyers further capitalize on this chaotic system, profiting from the complexities that arise, thus perpetuating a cycle where genuine solutions are overshadowed by entrenched interests.