Statecraft
What Can the Brits Teach Us About State Capacity?
Dec 20, 2024
Jennifer Pahlka, a former deputy CTO under Obama and founder of Code for America, teams up with Andrew Greenway, a co-founder of Public Digital, to discuss the intricacies of state capacity. They explore why this topic is gaining traction in the UK while addressing the U.S. government's shortcomings. The duo shares insights on transforming digital services, the impact of civil service reforms, and the pressing need for collaboration to effectively tackle unemployment insurance. Their expertise shines a light on innovative strategies for rebuilding public trust.
50:37
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- State capacity is crucial for effective governance, addressing citizens' frustrations over unfulfilled political promises and service delivery gaps.
- The U.K.'s Government Digital Service provides a successful model for the U.S. to modernize its governmental services through agile practices and cross-national learning.
Deep dives
Understanding State Capacity
State capacity refers to the government's ability to achieve its policy goals effectively. This concept has recently gained relevance in public discourse as citizens express frustration over the gap between political promises and tangible outcomes. In both the U.S. and U.K., there is a growing awareness that the lack of effective state capacity leads to the ineffective delivery of essential services, despite governments having substantial budgets. This disconnect reflects a broader dissatisfaction with how governmental structures translate political decisions into real-world impacts that people can feel.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
