Marc Dunkelman, a Fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works," dives into the inefficiencies of U.S. governance and ambitious projects. He discusses the historical impact of figures like Robert Moses on urban development, contrasting centralized power with grassroots activism. The conversation also touches on the frustrations driving radical political ideas, exploring how Donald Trump represents a complex reaction to citizen disillusionment. The discussion provides insightful perspectives on infrastructure challenges and the evolving nature of political dynamics.
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Penn Station's Stasis
Marc Dunkelman realized Penn Station hadn't been renovated in 20 years despite plans.
This sparked his broader inquiry into why infrastructure projects struggle in America.
insights INSIGHT
Post-War Trust and Bureaucracy
Post-WWII, Western societies trusted large institutions and "great men" to make important decisions.
This led to the creation of powerful agencies like the Tennessee Valley Authority, which had broad discretion.
insights INSIGHT
Early Progressivism's Focus
Early progressivism aimed to use state power for progress, exemplified by large-scale projects.
This approach prioritized centralized planning and expertise to address societal challenges.
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The book explores how industrial workers, who were largely powerless in the 1910s, became politically active by the 1930s. It delves into their daily choices, such as attending ethnic benefit society meetings or shopping in local stores, which ultimately had political significance. As the Great Depression worsened, workers adopted new ideological perspectives and overcame divisions to mount collective action, transforming them into New Deal Democrats and CIO unionists. The book is based on Cohen's dissertation and provides a detailed analysis of the workers' experiences in Chicago during this period[1][3][4].
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Gerd Albers
Jane Jacobs
Published in 1961, 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' is a seminal work by Jane Jacobs that critiques the urban planning policies of the 1950s. Jacobs argues against the modernist urban renewal practices that separated uses and led to the decline of city neighborhoods. She advocates for dense, mixed-use development, walkable streets, and the importance of 'eyes on the street' to maintain public order. The book emphasizes the complexity of urban life and the need for planning that prioritizes the needs and experiences of residents. Jacobs uses her own neighborhood, Greenwich Village, as a model for a healthy and vibrant urban environment, contrasting it with the urban renewal projects championed by figures like Robert Moses[2][3][5].
Why Nothing Works
Who Killed Progress—and How to Bring It Back
Marc J. Dunkelman
This book delves into the reasons behind America's current inability to address significant challenges such as housing shortages, climate crises, and infrastructure issues. Dunkelman argues that a 'vetocracy' allows nearly anyone to stifle progress and that progressive reforms have inadvertently contributed to this gridlock. He suggests that progressivism must rediscover its roots to break through the current paralysis and restore faith in public institutions.
Seeing Like a State
How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed
James C. Scott
In this book, James C. Scott examines the failures of centrally managed social plans and the destructive consequences of high-modernist ideologies. Scott argues that states often impose simplistic visions on complex societies, ignoring local, practical knowledge and leading to disastrous outcomes. He identifies four conditions common to all planning disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society, high-modernist ideology, authoritarian state power, and a prostrate civil society. The book critiques various utopian projects, including collective farms, compulsory villagization, and urban planning, and advocates for a more nuanced approach that respects local diversity and practical knowledge.
The Power Broker
Robert Moses and the Fall of New York
Robert Caro
This book is a monumental biography of Robert Moses, who was the single most powerful man in New York City and State during his time. It explores how Moses accumulated and wielded power, shaping the city through his public works projects, including highways, bridges, and parks. The book delves into Moses's early life, his idealistic beginnings, and his transformation into a powerful figure who dominated New York's politics without ever being elected. It also highlights the social and environmental impacts of his projects and his eventual fall from power. The biography is renowned for its detailed and nuanced portrayal of power dynamics in urban politics[2][4][5].
Marc Dunkelman on Why Nothing Works
Marc Dunkelman is a fellow at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. His most recent book is Why Nothing Works.
In this conversation, Yascha Mounk and Marc Dunkelman explore the challenges facing big projects in the U.S., the origins of progressivism, and how Donald Trump fits into this story.
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