#13076
Mentioned in 3 episodes
Demosclerosis
The Silent Killer of American Government
Book • 1994
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.
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.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 3 episodes
Mentioned by Virginia Postrel as a book that could have provided Ezra Klein with a more informed view of regulation.
19 snips
The Silicon Valley Schism
Mentioned by 
Jonathan Rauch as a book he wrote 30 years ago about how interest groups make government calcified.
Jonathan Rauch as a book he wrote 30 years ago about how interest groups make government calcified.
18 snips
S2 Ep1027: Jonathan Rauch: Focus On the Corruption
Mentioned by Jerry as a follow-up to Manter Olson's academic text.
Why Nothing Works by Marc J. Dunkelman
