Nolan Gray and Ned Resnikoff chat with Danielle Allen, a Professor at Harvard University, about power-sharing liberalism and abundance progressivism. They discuss the future of metropolitan governance, the impact of high rent and transient housing on civic engagement, and the need for streamlined decision-making. They also explore the perspectives of power sharing liberals and hard liner abundance progressives, recommend books by Hannah Arendt, and share their favorite travel experiences.
Abundance progressivism and power sharing liberalism both emphasize the importance of unlocking bottlenecks that create scarcity in areas like housing, clean air, and water.
Effective governance requires a combination of empowerment and material abundance to create stable and thriving communities.
Power sharing liberalism leads to stable and legitimate forms of government by maximizing human well-being and fostering a sense of collective ownership and responsibility.
Deep dives
Overlapping goals of abundance progressivism and power sharing liberalism
In this podcast episode, Professor Danielle Allen discusses the similarities and overlaps between abundance progressivism and power sharing liberalism. These two political perspectives share a focus on unlocking bottlenecks that create scarcity in areas such as housing, clean air, and water. They both recognize the need for effective governance that combines the powers of the market, public sector, and civil society. Professor Allen emphasizes the importance of empowerment in addition to material conditions, arguing that abundance alone is not sufficient for societal well-being. She believes that a combination of empowerment and material abundance is necessary to create stable and thriving communities. Professor Allen also highlights the role of technology, such as AI and structured opinion-gathering platforms, in facilitating effective and inclusive participation in policy decisions. She advocates for a reevaluation of jurisdictional structures and the removal of barriers to participation in order to achieve alignment between common good values and individual priorities.
The challenges of local governance and nimbyism
The conversation in the podcast delves into the challenges associated with local governance and nimbyism, particularly in small jurisdictions where nimbyism is prevalent. Professor Allen acknowledges the importance of historical preservation and acknowledges that decisions related to land use and housing should be made at the appropriate level, whether citywide, regional, or neighborhood-based. She emphasizes the need for streamlining jurisdictional structures and finding the right balance between community input and effective policy implementation. Professor Allen proposes the concept of aspirational federalism, which aims to achieve harmonization across different jurisdictional levels and encourages alignment between high-priority values such as climate commitments and density goals. She also highlights the relevance of comprehensive planning documents that can serve as a basis for democratic deliberation and decision-making.
The moral and pragmatic case for power sharing liberalism
Professor Allen emphasizes the moral and pragmatic benefits of power sharing liberalism. From a moral standpoint, she argues that sharing power is essential in maximizing human well-being and addressing the needs of all individuals. Inclusivity in decision-making processes ensures that those who are affected have a chance to participate. Pragmatically, power sharing liberalism leads to stable and legitimate forms of government, as it garners buy-in from the community. Professor Allen cautions against top-down approaches and highlights the importance of empowerment and the coexistence of abundance and empowerment in achieving stable and fulfilling societies. She suggests a shift from a trade-off mentality to a focus on alignment between different values, fostering a sense of collective ownership and responsibility.
The relevance of Hannah Arendt's works
At the end of the podcast, there is a discussion about the works of Hannah Arendt. Professor Allen suggests several books that provide insights into Arendt's philosophical ideas. She recommends 'On Revolution' for a comparison between the American and French revolutions and their implications for politics and legitimacy. 'Eichmann in Jerusalem' offers a powerful exploration of the banality of evil and complicity in large-scale atrocities. Professor Allen also mentions 'Men in Dark Times', a collection of essays that examines how intellectuals in Germany navigated the challenges of the Nazi regime. These books shed light on the importance of individual actions, the nuances of political decision-making, and the preservation of human values in dark and complex times.
The need for intentional jurisdictional structures and alignment
Throughout the podcast episode, Professor Allen stresses the need for intentional jurisdictional structures and alignment between different levels of governance. She highlights the importance of regional planning, while also acknowledging the challenges of jurisdictional boundaries that do not always align with the affected communities. Professor Allen advocates for a systematic analysis of jurisdictional decisions and the realignment of decision-making processes to match the actual footprint of impact. She emphasizes the necessity of considering other high-priority values while pursuing common good objectives and invites a shift towards alignment conversations rather than trade-off discussions. Professor Allen also highlights the potential of cultural narratives and aesthetic appreciation in reshaping perceptions of density and housing.
In this episode, Nolan Gray and Ned Resnikoff chat with Danielle Allen. Allen is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy at Harvard University, and director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. She is also the author of the recent book, Justice By Means of Democracy.
In this episode, they discuss power-sharing liberalism, abundance progressivism, and what it all means for the future of metropolitan governance.
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. It really helps us to reach new audiences!
