New Books Network Nicholas Chesterley, "Future-Generation Government: How to Legislate for the Long Term" (McGill-Queen's UP, 2025)
May 31, 2025
Nicholas Chesterley, a behavioral scientist and author of Future-Generation Government, discusses the urgent need for legislation that prioritizes future challenges. He highlights the importance of long-term governance amidst short-term election pressures. Chesterley proposes innovative strategies to combat short-term thinking, such as focusing on long-term wealth metrics and employing 'red teams.' He also emphasizes the role of automatic financial mechanisms in policy-making, advocating for transparency and community involvement in crafting effective, durable policies for future generations.
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Governments Also Discount the Future
- Governments, like individuals, show a bias towards prioritizing short-term over long-term issues due to elections, voter short-termism, and constant urgent events.
- This short-term focus undermines solving long-term problems despite their immense importance.
Leaders Overwhelmed by Time Pressure
- Nick Chesterley shares a vivid example of the extreme time pressure leaders face, contrasting FDR's need for four days to focus with modern leaders handling hundreds of issues daily.
- This overload creates an environment hostile to long-term thinking in governments.
Democracies Better for Long-Term Planning
- Authoritarian regimes can excel at long-term planning but often fail due to leadership succession risks and individual biases.
- Democracies, despite flaws, have advantages by decentralizing power and encouraging diverse long-term considerations.