Marc J. Dunkelman, a visiting fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works," joins Jonah Goldberg to tackle America’s governance problems. They discuss the transformation of progressive policies and how NIMBYism impacts infrastructure projects. Dunkelman argues for the need for more institutions to foster effective governance. They reflect on the complexities of family decision-making as a microcosm of larger societal dynamics, and highlight the historical significance of NYC's urban planning debates.
The podcast highlights a growing disconnect in American governance, illustrating how bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder crucial infrastructure projects due to stringent regulations.
A central theme discusses the conflicting 'Hamiltonian' and 'Jeffersonian' impulses within progressivism, which complicate modern policy-making and governance.
The conversation underscores the detrimental impact of NIMBY attitudes on urban planning, revealing how community resistance obstructs solutions to pressing development challenges.
Deep dives
The Breakdown of American Progressivism
America struggles to accomplish significant projects today compared to its past, which is a key focus of the discussion. The decline in the ability to construct essential infrastructure, such as housing and clean energy facilities, exposes a breakdown in governmental effectiveness. Historical perspectives highlight a shift in progressivism—where early efforts aimed to empower institutions to address communal challenges are now overshadowed by a more cautious, distrustful approach toward centralized power. This transformative period, especially since the mid-20th century, sees progressives grappling with the consequences of their own ideological evolution.
The Dual Impulses of Progressivism
The conversation centers on two conflicting impulses within the progressive movement: the 'Hamiltonian' impulse to enhance institutional power for the common good, and the 'Jeffersonian' impulse that promotes skepticism and decentralization of authority. These opposing forces create friction within progressive policies, making it difficult for modern progressives to reconcile their approaches to varied issues like climate change and reproductive rights. For example, one instinct leads proponents to support regulatory bodies that can enforce environmental protections, while another insists on minimizing governmental interference in personal choices. This tension complicates the pursuit of cohesive, functional governance.
The Role of Bureaucracy in Governance
The inefficiency of contemporary governance can largely be attributed to an overabundance of regulatory frameworks, which stifle timely decision-making. The discussion illustrates how extensive procedural requirements, like those established by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), slow progress on vital infrastructure projects. This bureaucratic paralysis is often a response to past mistakes made by centralized power figures, but it has led to an inability to execute even necessary developments. For instance, challenges in implementing electric vehicle charging networks demonstrate the need for a balance between appropriate oversight and the ability to act decisively.
NIMBYism and Its Implications
NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes reflect a broader societal challenge in urban planning and infrastructure development. As communities become resistant to development, they further complicate the quest for generating solutions to pressing issues like housing shortages and renewable energy transitions. The podcast discusses how this resistance is exacerbated by processes that empower opposition rather than facilitating progress, leading to heightened frustration and stagnation. A notable example is the failed attempts to construct power lines necessary for harnessing clean energy from Canada, stymied by local objections amid a convoluted approval framework.
Creating a New Path Forward
The necessity of reforming governmental approaches is emphasized, advocating for streamlined procedures that facilitate action while ensuring stakeholder input. Proposed solutions include revisiting regulatory frameworks to minimize unnecessary delays and establishing clear mechanisms to prioritize public good over individual objections. Additionally, there's a call for progressives to cultivate a mindset that accommodates the need for trade-offs in decision-making while still respecting community voices and concerns. By establishing a more efficient and representative governance model, the hope is to revive the ability of government to enact significant, beneficial changes in society.
Frustrated with never-ending interstate repairs and constant airline delays, Jonah Goldberg looks to the sky and wonders; Why does nothing work? Marc J. Dunkelman, fellow at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, has the answers. Marc and Jonah discuss the origins and transformation of American progressive policy, the spirit of the NIMBYs, and a bold proclamation that we need even more institutions to achieve good governance.
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