

Marc J. Dunkelman
A visiting fellow at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, he is the author of several books, including "Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—and How to Bring It Back."
Top 5 podcasts with Marc J. Dunkelman
Ranked by the Snipd community

64 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 59min
Marc Dunkelman on Why Nothing Works
Marc Dunkelman, a Fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works," dives into the inefficiencies of U.S. governance and ambitious projects. He discusses the historical impact of figures like Robert Moses on urban development, contrasting centralized power with grassroots activism. The conversation also touches on the frustrations driving radical political ideas, exploring how Donald Trump represents a complex reaction to citizen disillusionment. The discussion provides insightful perspectives on infrastructure challenges and the evolving nature of political dynamics.

44 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
The “Justice Department is Dire“
This week, Marc Dunkelman, a Fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress – and How to Bring it Back," dives into modern governance challenges. He discusses the corrosive effects of political corruption, particularly highlighting NYC's Mayor Eric Adams. The conversation takes a sharp turn as the group examines the ethical dilemmas in the justice system, especially influenced by the Trump era, and touches on the troubling implications of data management in government, sparked by figures like Elon Musk.

34 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 15min
Big Government Now
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.

21 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 58min
Why Nothing Works ft. Marc Dunkelman
In this discussion, Marc Dunkelman, a Fellow at the Watson Institute and author of *Why Nothing Works*, dives into the intricate dance of power in American progressivism. He explores how the push-and-pull between centralization and decentralization has derailed effective governance. Dunkelman also critiques environmental policy, arguing for a dual approach to tackle today's challenges. With insights on past failures and the need for accountability, he stresses that understanding these dynamics is key to revitalizing our systems.

11 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 44min
Why do some parts of government work better than others?
Marc Dunkelman, a research fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works," dives into why some government projects are met with scrutiny while others succeed quietly. He contrasts the controversial Big Dig with the successful state lottery, exploring the dynamics of government efficiency and effectiveness. The discussion touches on historical governance tensions, the evolution of welfare programs, and the crucial balance between public involvement and efficient bureaucracy. Dunkelman’s insights invite listeners to reconsider the factors shaping government outcomes.