Towards a New Civic Bureaucracy: Lessons from Sustainable Development for the Crisis of Governance

Matthew J. Quinn's book proposes a new civic bureaucracy to foster societal engagement and dialogue and address the anachronism of existing bureaucratic norms and the emerging crisis of governance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In this groundbreaking study, Matthew J. Quinn offers a transformative vision of governance and public administration, rooted in sustainable development and civic republicanism. Drawing upon a wealth of governance literature and Foucault's concept of governmentality, Quinn compellingly argues that the prevailing bureaucratic norms, which have hindered sustainability and contributed to the rise of right-wing populism, are outdated and in need of reform. Through international examples and his extensive experience as a senior UK official in sustainability governance, the author proposes a novel civic bureaucracy that fosters societal engagement and dialogue. This insightful book sheds new light on critical debates surrounding the emerging crisis of governance, the role of public bureaucracy, and the strategies for embedding sustainability in governance. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking to navigate the complex challenges of contemporary governance and build more resilient and sustainable societies.

In this timely analysis, Matthew J. Quinn charts a groundbreaking reimagination of governance and public administration, underpinned by sustainable development and civic republicanism. He delves into governance literature and Foucault's concept of governmentality to expose the anachronism of existing bureaucratic norms, which have impeded sustainability and fueled right-wing populism. Utilizing international examples and his extensive experience as a senior UK official in sustainability governance, the author proposes a novel civic bureaucracy that fosters societal engagement and dialogue. This insightful book sheds new light on critical debates surrounding the emerging crisis of governance, the role of public bureaucracy, and the strategies for embedding sustainability in governance. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking to navigate the complex challenges of contemporary governance and build more resilient and sustainable societies.

Weight: 321g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447359647