The Hoover Institution hosted Decadence or Renewal? Envisioning Competent Government in America, a workshop bringing together participants from across the political spectrum to develop an agenda to revive confidence that democratic government can actually work.
The American Example: Past and Future
Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m
In past eras where there were crises of governance, the ‘American example’ played a notable role in renewing faith in democratic government. America used to be regarded as having a ‘can-do’ government that could accomplish many extraordinary things. Our mid-20th century successes seemed to show that democratic government could get stuff done in every way, from highways to airlifts, from building schools to rebuilding countries. This panel will feature a group of historians reflecting on why American government gained a reputation for relative competence, what seems to have changed, and the strengths it still retains. This will help frame subsequent work on how America might try to set an example again, as we emerge from the current period of turmoil.
SPEAKERS
- Marc J. Dunkelman, Fellow in International and Public Affairs, The Watson School for International and Public Affairs, Brown University
- David M. Kennedy, Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Hoover Institution; Donald J. McLachlan Professor of History, Emeritus, Stanford University
- Jennifer Burns, Research Fellow, Hoover Institution; Professor of History, Stanford University
MODERATOR
- Philip Zelikow, Botha-Chan Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
Intelligent Disruption: Innovation at the Frontlines in our Towns, Cities, and States
Monday, October 13, 2025 | 1:15 - 2:30 p.m
While much of the daily news coverage and debate centers around the actions of the federal government in Washington, D.C., much of the innovation and competence in American government is taking place at the local level. This panel, which includes current and former government officials and policy experts, will spotlight the innovations and success stories happening in towns, cities, and states across America. In these places, you can find a potential blueprint for how to restore government competence and rebuild public confidence in government.
SPEAKERS
- David Chiu, San Francisco City Attorney
- Andrew (Drew) Erdmann, Partner, McKinsey & Company
- Margaret (Macke) Raymond, Distinguished Research Fellow, Hoover Institution; Founder and Director, Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO), Stanford University
MODERATOR
- Jennifer Pahlka, Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center; Senior Fellow, Federation of American Scientists
The Quest for Competence
Monday, October 13, 2025 | 2:45 - 4:00 p.m
Mid-20th century America spectacularly succeeded in reforming government to meet the challenges of its day. How? What does it mean to build government competence? What kind of professional training do leaders need? What are the habits of thought and action that need to be developed and cultivated? This panel of experts, with experience in government, academia, and the private sector, will discuss the substantive things that must be done to build a culture of government competence to address the challenges of this era.
SPEAKERS
- Scott Kupor, Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Francis Fukuyama, Olivier Nomellini Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), Stanford University
- Philip Zelikow, Botha-Chan Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
MODERATOR
- Condoleezza Rice, Tad and Dianne Taube Director & Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy, Hoover Institution
The Clash of Cultures: Can-do Tech Culture Meets Can’t-do Government Culture
Monday, October 13, 2025 | 4:15 - 5:30 p.m
Much like today, Americans in the first part of the 20th century were also quite worried about their governance. In that era, the dominant culture of the private sector was engineering and industrial management, and the paragons of that culture were frustrated as they encountered a governance culture that seemed designed for a more rural America. Today, once again, the contrast between government and our business innovators is profound. Government is broadly viewed as ineffectual, sclerotic, and stuck in the past, while the tech sector is seen as efficient, innovative, and building the future. One is “can’t do,” the other “can do.” This panel of experts with experience in both tech and government will diagnose the key cultural differences, discuss ways in which tech culture can be applied to governance, and spotlight the substantive reforms needed to bridge the gap between these cultures.
SPEAKERS
- Jennifer Pahlka, Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center Senior Fellow, Federation of American Scientists
- Joshua Marcuse, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Google Public Sector
- Dan Wang, Research Fellow, Hoover Institution
MODERATOR
- Philip K. Howard, Chair, Common Good; Senior Counsel, Covington & Burling
