Demosclerosis

In 'Demosclerosis', Jonathan Rauch diagnoses the problem of 'demosclerosis' as government's progressive loss of the ability to adapt.

He argues that this condition is a result of the postwar style of politics that emphasizes interest-group activism and redistributive programs.

Drawing on the work of economist Mancur Olson, Rauch explains how the rise of numerous and powerful interest groups leads to a rigidification of the economy and a paralysis of government's ability to solve new problems or adapt to socioeconomic changes.

He proposes several strategies to manage this issue, including decentralization, deregulation, and cutting subsidies.

Rauch emphasizes that demosclerosis is a systemic disorder that can be managed but not cured.