Not available to order

Publication date:

10 July 2012

Length of book:

246 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

ISBN-13: 9780739144558

Much has changed in US politics since the historic 2008 election. While the press covers the actions and agendas of the new administration, other impacts of this political shift have not received as much attention. These changes have forced the nation to rethink the necessary role of government, the role of the private market, the impact of science, technology, and information, and, ultimately, our place in the world. What Do We Expect From Our Government? provides a glimpse at this set of developments by focusing on a number of policies, such as climate change, immigration, and terrorism, as well as governance processes such as oversight, elections and campaigns, and regulation. It highlights the role of research in public sector decision-making, the role of the academy, the relationship between economic imperatives and scientific information, and dealing with uncertainty and change. In addition, it includes attention to broader issues such as national economic and fiscal policies and strategies for assuring equity and access in programs.
Beryl Radin and Joshua Chanin take us on an informative and provocative journey focusing on our changing times and challenging our expectations of the role of government. Their collection of essays, emanating from a Conference commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the American University School of Public Affairs, moves from historical background to analysis of current critical issues to the barriers to policy implementation and the task of seeking reforms. This book should be required reading for policy makers, academicians, business and civic leaders.