The Next Government of the United States Why Our Institutions Fail Us and How to Fix Them

by Kettl, Donald F.

• ISBN13: 9780393978698
• ISBN10: 0393978699
• Edition: 00
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-09-01
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Summary

Drawing data from crises like FEMA's tragic failure in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he demonstrates the increasingly complex nature of the problems our government must solve and the failings of its current approach. Based on the surprising successes of key officials in crisis situations, Kettl envisions a legion of leaders who run government they way that rocket scientists launch rockets--with strong leadership focused on objectives, held accountable for performance, and linked effectively to citizens so that it acts decisively for the public good. This book is a guide to the problems that ail our government and a road map for their solution.

Author Biography

Donald F. Kettl is the dean of the School of Public Policy at the University of Mary-land and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. He has consulted for a wide range of government organizations and worked with both Republican and Democratic administrations. His work focuses on the enduring puzzle of improving government performance and making it more accountable to citizens.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Mildred and Katrina	p. 1
Network Challenges	p. 29
Irresponsible Government	p. 67
Routines and Remedies	p. 97
Tectonic Nation	p. 129
Rocket Science	p. 177
The Political Future	p. 215
Notes	p. 241
Appendix	p. 261
Index	p. 275
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