New Books in Sociology Jaime Lee Kucinskas, "The Loyalty Trap: Conflicting Loyalties of Civil Servants Under Increasing Autocracy" (Columbia UP, 2025)
Jun 1, 2025
Jaime Lee Kucinskas, an Associate Professor at Hamilton College, dives into the intricate loyalties of civil servants amid political turmoil. She reveals the moral dilemmas faced during the Trump administration, highlighting their struggle between serving the public and navigating chaotic governance. Kucinskas shares insights on the concept of 'loyal dissent' and the critical value of institutional knowledge, stressing how these dynamics shape effective public policy in times of rising autocracy.
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Civil Service Culture Anchors Behavior
- Civil servants strongly value the culture of public service and ethical principles anchored in their roles.
- They aim to serve both elected officials and the American public, sometimes facing contradictory demands.
Chaos Marks Trump Transition
- The Trump administration's chaotic transition caused confusion and lack of clear leadership in many agencies.
- Civil servants often had to keep government functions running without clear guidance or direction.
Diverse Reactions to Threats
- Some civil servants compartmentalized political concerns from their professional duties, while others felt their core work was threatened.
- Around a quarter of those affected chose to leave their positions by administration's end.
