Nancy Rosenblum, a Harvard professor and co-author of Ungoverning, dives into the chaos of 'ungoverning' and its potential to dismantle vital institutions. She warns it’s like a bull in a china shop—whose chaos poses a threat to democracy. Rosenblum emphasizes how personal authority can weaken democratic values and reflects on the dangers of rising vigilantism and aggressive immigration policies. She encourages active civic engagement, urging everyone to vote at local and state levels to reclaim agency amidst unpredictability.
Ungoverning intentionally dismantles public administration, undermining democracy by reducing the capacity of government to fulfill its essential responsibilities.
Engaging in local governance and civic activities empowers citizens and helps maintain their agency amidst the unpredictability of modern democracy.
Deep dives
Understanding Public Administration
Public administration is vital for good governance, yet it remains largely unrecognized and poorly understood by the general public. It encompasses the various departments and agencies responsible for implementing and enforcing public policies, as well as providing essential services like tax collection and voter registration. Unlike the more prominent branches of government that are taught in schools, public administration's behind-the-scenes functions are critical for democracy, as they translate laws and regulations into tangible actions. Without a well-functioning public administration, the promises made by elected officials cannot be fulfilled, leading to disillusionment with the government.
The Concept of Ungoverning
Ungoverning represents the intentional dismantling of government capacity to fulfill its responsibilities effectively, characterized by the elimination of experienced personnel and disregard for established processes. This trend has been amplified through rhetoric that positions certain government entities as part of a 'deep state' conspiracy, undermining public trust. Highlighted by figures like Steve Bannon, who called for the 'deconstruction of the administrative state', ungoverning creates chaos and dysfunction within government operations. Rather than pursuing constructive reforms, ungoverning aims to vandalize and weaken public institutions, which poses significant threats to the democratic fabric of society.
The Assault on Democracy
The destruction of the administrative state is intrinsically linked to an assault on democratic principles, as effective governance is built on the constraints and accountability established by governmental offices. Ungoverning removes these essential checks, leading to a concentration of power that operates outside legal and procedural bounds, reminiscent of authoritarian rule. By dismantling the expertise and authority of various governmental departments, the political landscape can become vulnerable to the whims of individuals rather than the rule of law. This shift disrupts public trust and complicates the ability to hold government actors accountable, ultimately threatening the health of democracy.
Mobilizing for Democracy at the Local Level
Engaging in local governance and civic activities is crucial for citizens to maintain their agency amidst the unpredictability of modern democracy. Local elections, town meetings, and community involvement are essential avenues for citizens to influence policy and protect their rights in the face of larger systemic challenges. While national politics can seem overwhelming and chaotic, focusing on local issues allows for more direct and immediate impacts on communities. This grassroots engagement is not only empowering but also serves as a bulwark against the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions.
We discuss how ungoverning is the equivalent of a bull in a china shop. Many institutions will be destroyed, but we don't know which ones and to what extent!
Nancy’s civic action toolkit recommendations are:
Don’t let unpredictability strip you of your agency
Vote in local, county, and state elections
Nancy Rosenblum is the Senator Joseph Clark Professor of Ethics in Politics and Government Emerita at Harvard University, and the co-author of Ungoverning: The Attack on the Administrative State and the Politics of Chaos.
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