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The Good Fight
Marc Dunkelman on Why Nothing Works
Feb 15, 2025
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.
59:24
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Quick takeaways
- The historical shift from trusting centralized institutions to skepticism has stifled significant public projects in the U.S.
- The political rise of Donald Trump reflects a widespread frustration with bureaucratic inefficiencies in governance and public service delivery.
Deep dives
The Paradox of Progress: Why Nothing Works
There's a growing sentiment that government and public institutions are failing to deliver results, with examples ranging from stalled infrastructure projects to issues in housing affordability. The discussion highlights the historical context of American development, where once it was feasible to construct ambitious projects like subways, now even simple upgrades face numerous obstacles. Mark Dunkelman points to a transformative misunderstanding in American progressivism, which shifted from empowering centralized institutions to a more skeptical, power-distrusting approach emphasized by the counterculture of the 1960s. This transformation has created a landscape where the regulatory framework hampers even environmentally friendly initiatives, such as high-speed rail, leading to a systemic inability to 'build' effectively.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode