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: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
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 Drawing from a wealth of governance literature and Foucault's concept of governmentality, Quinn exposes the outdated nature of existing bureaucratic norms, which have hindered sustainability and contributed to the rise of right-wing populism. Through international examples and his extensive experience as a senior UK official in sustainability governance, the book proposes a novel civic bureaucracy that fosters societal engagement and dialogue. It 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. This thought-provoking work is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.

In this timely analysis, Matthew J. Quinn charts a groundbreaking reimagination of governance and public administration, underpinned by sustainable development and civic republicanism. He draws on governance literature and Foucault's concept of governmentality to demonstrate the anachronism of existing bureaucratic norms and how these have thwarted sustainability and fueled right-wing populism. Using international examples and the author's extensive experience in sustainability governance as a senior UK official, the book proposes a new civic bureaucracy that fosters societal engagement and dialogue. It sheds new light on debates about the emerging crisis of governance, the role of public bureaucracy, and the means to embed sustainability in governance.

This thought-provoking work is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future. Quinn's innovative approach offers a valuable roadmap for building resilient and sustainable societies, and his insights into the challenges and opportunities of governance and public administration will inspire and inform future generations of leaders and policymakers.

ISBN-13: 9781447359654