Should we be nostalgic for machine politics?

Published in 1914, 'Drift and Mastery' is a seminal work by Walter Lippmann that diagnoses the societal unrest of his time. Lippmann argues that traditional institutions and ideas are no longer relevant in the face of rapid social and economic change. He advocates for a scientific and rational approach to governance, which he terms 'mastery,' to counter the forces of 'drift.' The book explores tensions between expansion and consolidation, traditionalism and progressivism, and emotion and rationality, suggesting that democracy can be enhanced through diligent attention to facts and active decision-making. It remains a valuable text for understanding early twentieth-century American political thought and continues to be relevant for contemporary discussions on governance and social change.