Book Review: The Great Remobilization: Strategies and Designs for a Smarter Global Future, by Mark Esposito

In The Great Remobilization, Mark Esposito and his co-authors, Olaf Groth and Terence Tse, deliver a timely, deeply-researched, and ambitious roadmap for reimagining global systems in the wake of cascading crises. With the world still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, grappling with climate change, geopolitical fractures, and technological disruption, the authors argue persuasively that the present moment represents not only a turning point but an unparalleled opportunity.

At the core of the book is the FLP-IT framework (Forces, Logic, Phenomena, Impact, Triage), a strategic tool for leaders seeking clarity and agility amid uncertainty. Drawing on over 100 interviews with senior global figures—ranging from military generals to corporate executives—the authors blend empirical insight with actionable foresight. Their message is clear: we need “design activist leaders” who are not only reactive to crises but proactive in reshaping systems for greater trust, resilience, and equity.

The authors zero in on five seismic “C” shifts reshaping our world:

1. COVID and pandemic preparedness
2. Cognitive economy and crypto technologies
3. Cybersecurity
4. Climate change and carbon management
5. China’s evolving global role

Through these lenses, they illustrate how current institutions—economic, technological, political—are outdated operating systems ill-suited for modern challenges. What emerges is a compelling call to action for stakeholders across sectors to reprogram these systems to serve broader societal needs while fostering long-term growth.

Mark Esposito’s academic gravitas, drawn from his positions at Harvard, Cambridge, and multiple global institutions, is evident throughout. Yet the book is not a dense academic tome. It is fluidly written, accessible, and infused with urgency. Esposito, Groth, and Tse don’t merely diagnose problems—they offer tools and mindsets for those ready to lead systemic change.

The Great Remobilization is an essential read for executives, policymakers, and anyone who recognizes that the future will not be inherited—it must be consciously designed. As Esposito and his colleagues make clear, our global crossroads demands more than reform; it requires bold, intelligent remobilization.