Rebuilding Expertise: Creating Effective and Trustworthy Regulation in an Age of Doubt

The public's trust in government has declined significantly since 1964, with only 26% of Americans trusting the federal government in 1980. This book investigates the sources of this phenomenon and offers a roadmap to rebuilding trust through effective, expert regulation that is democratically accountable and legitimate.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

The public's trust in government has been declining steadily over the years, with a significant drop in confidence observed since the 1960s. In 1964, a majority of Americans believed that the federal government was doing the right thing most or all of the time. However, by 1980, this number had plummeted to just 26 percent. This decline in trust was a major factor in Ronald Reagan's presidential victory in 1980, as he campaigned on the idea that government was not the solution to our problems but rather the problem itself.

Today, Americans' trust in public institutions is at near-historic lows, and terms such as "bureaucracy" and "big government" are often used in a pejorative sense. The causes of this phenomenon are complex and multifaceted, but one key factor is the erosion of expertise within government agencies. As government becomes increasingly complex and specialized, it becomes harder for policymakers and bureaucrats to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in their field. This lack of expertise can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of accountability, which further erodes trust in the government.

In his book, "Rebuilding Expertise," William D. Araiza investigates the sources of this decline in trust and presents a roadmap for rebuilding it. Written in accessible and engaging language, the author examines the history of this deterioration of trust and reveals how politicians from both political parties have allowed it to continue, in some cases even encouraging it. Using an interdisciplinary approach, with insights from history, political science, law, and public administration, Araiza explores our current bureaucratic malaise and presents a plan for finding our way

One key step towards rebuilding trust in government is to invest in the training and development of public servants. This includes providing ongoing education and training programs to ensure that policymakers and bureaucrats have the latest skills and knowledge to make informed decisions. It also involves promoting a culture of transparency and accountability within government agencies, where decisions are made openly and with input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Another important step is to reduce the influence of special interests and lobbyists on government decision-making. This can be done by implementing stronger regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that policymakers are making decisions based on the public's best interests rather than their own or those of their political supporters.

Finally, it is important to restore faith in the democratic process itself. This can be done by promoting greater civic engagement and participation in government, such as through voter registration drives, public education programs, and community-based initiatives. It can also be done by ensuring that elections are fair and transparent, and that voters have access to accurate and reliable information about the candidates and issues.

In conclusion, the public's trust in government has been declining steadily over the years, but there are steps that can be taken to rebuild it. By investing in the training and development of public servants, promoting transparency and accountability, reducing the influence of special interests and lobbyists, and restoring faith in the democratic process, we can create a government that is more effective, efficient, and accountable to the people it serves.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479812288