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Bring Back the Bureaucrats
by John DiIulio • 2014
Government grew. Bureaucracy didn't. The case for hiring federal workers to make it smaller.
3.22
32
Bring Back the Bureaucrats Summary
Bring Back the Bureaucrats 90%
Government grew. Bureaucracy didn't. The case for hiring federal workers to make it smaller.
by John DiIulio 2014
3.22
32 ratings
Recoding America
by Jennifer Pahlka • 2023
Government's tech catastrophes share one cause: it treats code as a purchase, never a practice.
4.37
3k+
Recoding America Summary
Recoding America 89%
Government's tech catastrophes share one cause: it treats code as a purchase, never a practice.
by Jennifer Pahlka 2023
4.37
3k+ ratings
The Federal Management Playbook
by Ira Goldstein • 2016
Federal leadership follows different rules. A playbook for getting results inside the bureaucracy.
4.40
10
The Federal Management Playbook Summary
The Federal Management Playbook 89%
Federal leadership follows different rules. A playbook for getting results inside the bureaucracy.
by Ira Goldstein 2016
4.40
10 ratings
How to Run A Government
by Michael Barber • 2015
A small delivery team, relentless data, and boring routines: the real engine of government reform.
3.90
402
How to Run A Government Summary
How to Run A Government 89%
A small delivery team, relentless data, and boring routines: the real engine of government reform.
by Michael Barber 2015
3.90
402 ratings
Results
by Charlie Baker • 2022
A governor's playbook for fixing bureaucracy: capable people, honest data, relentless execution.
3.80
89
Results Summary
Results 89%
A governor's playbook for fixing bureaucracy: capable people, honest data, relentless execution.
by Charlie Baker 2022
3.80
89 ratings
Ungoverning
by Nancy L. Rosenblum • 2024
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
3.79
90
Ungoverning Summary
Ungoverning 89%
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
by Nancy L. Rosenblum 2024
3.79
90 ratings
Power to the Public
by Tara Dawson McGuinness • 2021
Government services fail because they skip users. The fix: design with people, real data, iterate.
3.98
320
Power to the Public Summary
Power to the Public 89%
Government services fail because they skip users. The fix: design with people, real data, iterate.
by Tara Dawson McGuinness 2021
3.98
320 ratings
The Handover
by David Runciman • 2023
Three inhuman agents run the world: states, corporations, and now AI. We have to pick one.
3.71
234
The Handover Summary
The Handover 89%
Three inhuman agents run the world: states, corporations, and now AI. We have to pick one.
by David Runciman 2023
3.71
234 ratings
Classics of Public Administration
by Jay M. Shafritz • 1978
From ancient duty to modern governance: the readings that built public administration.
3.65
287
Classics of Public Administration Summary
Classics of Public Administration 89%
From ancient duty to modern governance: the readings that built public administration.
by Jay M. Shafritz 1978
3.65
287 ratings
Keeping the Republic
by Mitch Daniels • 2011
A governor's playbook for cutting debt and restoring self-reliance, minus the Washington fantasies.
4.02
252
Keeping the Republic Summary
Keeping the Republic 89%
A governor's playbook for cutting debt and restoring self-reliance, minus the Washington fantasies.
by Mitch Daniels 2011
4.02
252 ratings
Democracy
by Charles Tilly • 2007
Democracy isn't a finish line. Three processes build it; elites can tear them down much faster.
3.64
173
Democracy Summary
Democracy 89%
Democracy isn't a finish line. Three processes build it; elites can tear them down much faster.
by Charles Tilly 2007
3.64
173 ratings
Gambling on Development
by Stefan Dercon • 2022
Elite bets on growth, not aid or policy, explain why some nations prosper and others stall.
4.02
275
Gambling on Development Summary
Gambling on Development 89%
Elite bets on growth, not aid or policy, explain why some nations prosper and others stall.
by Stefan Dercon 2022
4.02
275 ratings
Fragmented Democracy
by Jamila Michener • 2018
Your zip code decides your Medicaid benefits. It also decides whether you bother with politics.
4.23
120
Fragmented Democracy Summary
Fragmented Democracy 88%
Your zip code decides your Medicaid benefits. It also decides whether you bother with politics.
by Jamila Michener 2018
4.23
120 ratings
The End of Power
by Moisés Naím • 2013
Power is crumbling everywhere at once. The three hidden forces dismantling every hierarchy.
3.63
4k+
The End of Power Summary
The End of Power 88%
Power is crumbling everywhere at once. The three hidden forces dismantling every hierarchy.
by Moisés Naím 2013
3.63
4k+ ratings
Political Order and Political Decay
by Francis Fukuyama • 2014
Build democracy before the state, and politics becomes clientelism, not good government.
4.34
5k+
Political Order and Political Decay Summary
Political Order and Political Decay 88%
Build democracy before the state, and politics becomes clientelism, not good government.
by Francis Fukuyama 2014
4.34
5k+ ratings
Systems Thinking in the Public Sector
by John Seddon • 2008
Why targets, inspections, and outsourcing make government worse, and how to actually fix it.
3.94
102
Systems Thinking in the Public Sector Summary
Systems Thinking in the Public Sector 88%
Why targets, inspections, and outsourcing make government worse, and how to actually fix it.
by John Seddon 2008
3.94
102 ratings
On Leadership
by Tony Blair • 2024
A prime minister's playbook: plan, focus, deliver, and why efficacy beats populism.
3.86
808
On Leadership Summary
On Leadership 88%
A prime minister's playbook: plan, focus, deliver, and why efficacy beats populism.
by Tony Blair 2024
3.86
808 ratings
A More Perfect Constitution
by Larry J. Sabato • 2007
Twenty-three fixes for a rusty Constitution: bigger Congress, term limits, a state convention.
3.66
335
A More Perfect Constitution Summary
A More Perfect Constitution 88%
Twenty-three fixes for a rusty Constitution: bigger Congress, term limits, a state convention.
by Larry J. Sabato 2007
3.66
335 ratings
The Price of Federalism
by Paul E. Peterson • 1995
Washington redistributes; states compete for growth. The pattern leaves Rust Belt cities behind.
3.37
19
The Price of Federalism Summary
The Price of Federalism 88%
Washington redistributes; states compete for growth. The pattern leaves Rust Belt cities behind.
by Paul E. Peterson 1995
3.37
19 ratings
Nation Building
by Andreas Wimmer • 2018
Ethnic diversity doesn't predict state failure. A missing centralized state centuries ago does.
4.08
36
Nation Building Summary
Nation Building 88%
Ethnic diversity doesn't predict state failure. A missing centralized state centuries ago does.
by Andreas Wimmer 2018
4.08
36 ratings
Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service
by Michael Lewis • 2025
Government is full of brilliant people you have never heard of. Michael Lewis introduces them.
4.18
16k+
Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service Summary
Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service 88%
Government is full of brilliant people you have never heard of. Michael Lewis introduces them.
by Michael Lewis 2025
4.18
16k+ ratings
Broke
by Glenn Beck • 2010
America's real debt tops $64 trillion. Rome and Spain collapsed the same way.
4.01
2k+
Broke Summary
Broke 88%
America's real debt tops $64 trillion. Rome and Spain collapsed the same way.
by Glenn Beck 2010
4.01
2k+ ratings
An Introduction to the Policy Process
by Thomas A. Birkland • 2001
Policy fails less from bad ideas than from the battles over attention, framing, and implementation.
3.58
288
An Introduction to the Policy Process Summary
An Introduction to the Policy Process 88%
Policy fails less from bad ideas than from the battles over attention, framing, and implementation.
by Thomas A. Birkland 2001
3.58
288 ratings
The Broken Branch
by Thomas E. Mann • 2006
Built to lead, Congress now defers to the president, skips debate, and legislates in the dark.
3.76
290
The Broken Branch Summary
The Broken Branch 88%
Built to lead, Congress now defers to the president, skips debate, and legislates in the dark.
by Thomas E. Mann 2006
3.76
290 ratings
Building a New American State
by Stephen Skowronek • 1982
Before the New Deal, there was the Progressive Era: how America built its administrative state.
3.75
57
Building a New American State Summary
Building a New American State 88%
Before the New Deal, there was the Progressive Era: how America built its administrative state.
by Stephen Skowronek 1982
3.75
57 ratings
Broken Government
by John W. Dean • 2007
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
4.06
331
Broken Government Summary
Broken Government 88%
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
by John W. Dean 2007
4.06
331 ratings
Crafting State-Nations
by Alfred Stepan • 2010
For multinational democracies, the nation-state model is a trap. India shows a better path.
4.64
11
Crafting State-Nations Summary
Crafting State-Nations 88%
For multinational democracies, the nation-state model is a trap. India shows a better path.
by Alfred Stepan 2010
4.64
11 ratings
Understanding Public Policy
by Thomas R. Dye • 1969
Governments make policy through many lenses. An eight-model toolkit shows why each is half right.
3.81
244
Understanding Public Policy Summary
Understanding Public Policy 88%
Governments make policy through many lenses. An eight-model toolkit shows why each is half right.
by Thomas R. Dye 1969
3.81
244 ratings
Public Administration and Public Affairs
by D. J. Henry • 1980
Designed for gridlock, American government still delivers. This is the machinery.
3.64
104
Public Administration and Public Affairs Summary
Public Administration and Public Affairs 88%
Designed for gridlock, American government still delivers. This is the machinery.
by D. J. Henry 1980
3.64
104 ratings
Demosclerosis
by Jonathan Rauch • 1994
Small groups outmaneuver large publics. The cost: a government that gets busier while doing less.
4.10
29
Demosclerosis Summary
Demosclerosis 88%
Small groups outmaneuver large publics. The cost: a government that gets busier while doing less.
by Jonathan Rauch 1994
4.10
29 ratings
Relic
by William G. Howell • 2016
Built for a small farm nation, the Constitution cannot equip a superpower. One reform can.
3.41
101
Relic Summary
Relic 88%
Built for a small farm nation, the Constitution cannot equip a superpower. One reform can.
by William G. Howell 2016
3.41
101 ratings
How China Escaped the Poverty Trap
by Yuen Yuen Ang • 2016
China grew rich using the very governance flaws that experts said would doom it.
4.30
410
How China Escaped the Poverty Trap Summary
How China Escaped the Poverty Trap 88%
China grew rich using the very governance flaws that experts said would doom it.
by Yuen Yuen Ang 2016
4.30
410 ratings
Life Without Lawyers
by Philip K. Howard • 2009
America didn't add too many laws. Law itself became the mindset, and common sense lost.
3.65
176
Life Without Lawyers Summary
Life Without Lawyers 88%
America didn't add too many laws. Law itself became the mindset, and common sense lost.
by Philip K. Howard 2009
3.65
176 ratings
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies
by Benjamin M. Studebaker • 2024
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
4.60
15
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies Summary
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies 88%
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
by Benjamin M. Studebaker 2024
4.60
15 ratings
Mission Economy
by Mariana Mazzucato • 2020
State-led missions built the internet and GPS; now turn that force on climate and inequality.
3.85
3k+
Mission Economy Summary
Mission Economy 88%
State-led missions built the internet and GPS; now turn that force on climate and inequality.
by Mariana Mazzucato 2020
3.85
3k+ ratings
In Service of the Republic
by Vijay Kelkar • 2019
India's economic crisis is a crisis of state capacity, not of policy ideas.
4.23
379
In Service of the Republic Summary
In Service of the Republic 88%
India's economic crisis is a crisis of state capacity, not of policy ideas.
by Vijay Kelkar 2019
4.23
379 ratings
States and Power in Africa
by Jeffrey Herbst • 2000
Europe built states through war. Africa skipped that step, and its borders now protect failure.
3.99
269
States and Power in Africa Summary
States and Power in Africa 88%
Europe built states through war. Africa skipped that step, and its borders now protect failure.
by Jeffrey Herbst 2000
3.99
269 ratings
Making Democracy Work
by Robert D. Putnam • 1992
When Italy gave its regions identical governments, only those with ancient civic roots succeeded.
3.87
868
Making Democracy Work Summary
Making Democracy Work 88%
When Italy gave its regions identical governments, only those with ancient civic roots succeeded.
by Robert D. Putnam 1992
3.87
868 ratings
The Project
by David A. Graham • 2025
A manual for capturing the state: gut the civil service, politicize the DOJ, and nullify Congress.
4.02
2k+
The Project Summary
The Project 88%
A manual for capturing the state: gut the civil service, politicize the DOJ, and nullify Congress.
by David A. Graham 2025
4.02
2k+ ratings
Politics by Other Means
by Professor of Political Science Benjamin Ginsberg • 1990
When elections can't resolve political conflict, investigations, prosecutions, and press warfare do.
3.29
38
Politics by Other Means Summary
Politics by Other Means 88%
When elections can't resolve political conflict, investigations, prosecutions, and press warfare do.
by Professor of Political Science Benjamin Ginsberg 1990
3.29
38 ratings
Bringing the State Back In
by Peter B. Evans • 1985
The state is an actor, not just an arena, with autonomous power to reshape society.
3.64
53
Bringing the State Back In Summary
Bringing the State Back In 88%
The state is an actor, not just an arena, with autonomous power to reshape society.
by Peter B. Evans 1985
3.64
53 ratings
Why Nothing Works
by Marc J. Dunkelman • 2025
Progressivism has two souls: one builds, one stops. The stopper won, so nothing gets built.
3.79
1k+
Why Nothing Works Summary
Why Nothing Works 88%
Progressivism has two souls: one builds, one stops. The stopper won, so nothing gets built.
by Marc J. Dunkelman 2025
3.79
1k+ ratings
Breakneck
by Dan Wang • 2025
China's leaders trained as engineers. America's as lawyers. The world is shaped by the difference.
4.09
11k+
Breakneck Summary
Breakneck 88%
China's leaders trained as engineers. America's as lawyers. The world is shaped by the difference.
by Dan Wang 2025
4.09
11k+ ratings
The Fifth Risk
by Michael Lewis • 2018
Why a $40,000 health clinic in rural America reveals a government most Americans never see.
4.09
48k+
The Fifth Risk Summary
The Fifth Risk 88%
Why a $40,000 health clinic in rural America reveals a government most Americans never see.
by Michael Lewis 2018
4.09
48k+ ratings
Why Nations Fail
by Daron Acemoğlu • 2012
If geography explained wealth, North and South Korea would be the same country.
4.09
64k+
Why Nations Fail Summary
Why Nations Fail 88%
If geography explained wealth, North and South Korea would be the same country.
by Daron Acemoğlu 2012
4.09
64k+ ratings
The Two Percent Solution
by Matt Miller • 2003
America's biggest domestic problems cost two percent of GDP to fix. That's the whole argument.
3.98
89
The Two Percent Solution Summary
The Two Percent Solution 87%
America's biggest domestic problems cost two percent of GDP to fix. That's the whole argument.
by Matt Miller 2003
3.98
89 ratings
The Oligarchs’ Grip
by David Lingelbach • 2023
Oligarchs turn money into power and power into money. The playbook predates Rome, and it's winning.
3.67
3
The Oligarchs’ Grip Summary
The Oligarchs’ Grip 87%
Oligarchs turn money into power and power into money. The playbook predates Rome, and it's winning.
by David Lingelbach 2023
3.67
3 ratings
The Development of the Modern State
by Gianfranco Poggi • 1978
How the modern state, from feudalism to liberalism, created its own crisis of legitimacy.
3.48
86
The Development of the Modern State Summary
The Development of the Modern State 87%
How the modern state, from feudalism to liberalism, created its own crisis of legitimacy.
by Gianfranco Poggi 1978
3.48
86 ratings
Public Citizens
by Paul Sabin • 2024
How liberal crusaders against big government paved the road for Reagan’s anti-government revolution.
3.82
199
Public Citizens Summary
Public Citizens 87%
How liberal crusaders against big government paved the road for Reagan’s anti-government revolution.
by Paul Sabin 2024
3.82
199 ratings
Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World
by Fareed Zakaria • 2020
COVID-19 hit fast-forward. Ten lessons for a digital, unequal, and bipolar world.
3.96
6k+
Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World Summary
Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World 87%
COVID-19 hit fast-forward. Ten lessons for a digital, unequal, and bipolar world.
by Fareed Zakaria 2020
3.96
6k+ ratings
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