Our democracies repeatedly fail to safeguard the future. From pensions to pandemics, health and social care through to climate, biodiversity and emerging technologies, democracies have been unable to deliver robust policies for the long term. In this book, Graham Smith asks why. Exploring the drivers of short-termism, he considers ways of reshaping legislatures and constitutions and proposes strengthening independent offices whose overarching goals do not change at every election. More radically, Smith argues that forms of participatory and deliberative politics offer the most effective democratic response to the current political myopia, as well as a powerful means of protecting the interests of generations to come.
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Graham Smith. Can Democracy Safeguard the Future?
Contents
Guide
Pages
Series title. Democratic Futures series
Can Democracy Safeguard the Future?
Copyright page
Acknowledgements
1 Failing to Deal with the Long Term
The drivers of democratic myopia
Time to ditch democracy?
Conclusion
Notes
2 Reimagining Established Institutions
The legislature
Parliamentary committees
Electoral rules
The constitution
Conclusion
Notes
3 Bringing in an Independent Voice
The Committee for Climate Change
Israel
Hungary
Wales
The promise of OFGs
OFGs and the participation agenda
Conclusion
Notes
4 Deepening Democracy for the Long Term
Designing participation for the long term
The promise of deliberative mini-publics
Critical voices
Pragmatic or radical participatory governance?
Conclusion
Notes
Afterword Democratic Design for Future Generations
Further Reading
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Graham Smith
The ideas in this book emerged not only from academic conversations, but from political engagement. I am privileged to be the chair of the Foundation for Democracy and Sustainable Development and have had the pleasure of working with and learning from fellow trustees over a number of years. It does feel as if the policy window is slightly ajar. Whether we are able to force it open is another question. I would like to thank past and present trustees and associates for the inspiring conversations that have helped to develop my ideas. I can also thank future trustees, whoever you are, because the organisation will be necessary in the years to come. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to work closely with numerous impressive democratic practitioners and activists who, through their actions, have shaped my thinking about the potential for participation and deliberation. I am humbled also by fellow rebels in Extinction Rebellion, who inspire me with their courage and creativity in the face of the climate emergency.
.....
I have presented ideas in this book at numerous academic conferences and workshops. Thanks to everyone who has offered critical reflections. I would like to single out Michael Mackenzie for particular appreciation. Some years back, I had the good fortune to be a visiting scholar at the Ash Center at Harvard University at the same time as Michael. He had recently finished his PhD on future publics – a much revised version of which is soon to be published. Our long and inspiring conversations made me realise that I might have something to say on this topic.
Finally, the greatest source of encouragement has been my family. Susan pushed me to work on the manuscript when other short-term commitments seemed more pressing. She is inspirational and my most supportive and loving critic. I dedicate this book to three wonderful representatives of the world to come: my niece Marianna and my nephews Alex and Matthew. It is their future and the future of those who follow them that is my most significant motivation.
