Why have efforts to strengthen the quality of governance in some of the world’s most troubled states so often failed? Because they almost always ignore the human side of politics.
Inside the Political Mind is available now! Drawing on his experience of working with hundreds of politicians in more than sixty countries, GPG Founder Greg Power explores how social norms, public expectations and the personal interests of MPs influence the path of political development.
Where states are weak, politicians solve problems by going around the state. From Tanzania and Nepal to Iraq and Ukraine, voters want MPs who can find informal fixes, and a reciprocal logic holds the system in place. But this also means that weak institutions tend to stay weak.
Combining insights from behavioural economics, change management, and comparative politics, this fascinating book argues for a different approach to political reform, one concerned less with institutional design and more with the existing logic of human behaviour. One that starts inside the political mind, and works outwards from there.
You can order the book now:
Happening soon: Harvard Kennedy School event
Save the date: On Monday 8 October, 12pm-1pm ET/5pm-6pm BST, Harvard Kennedy School will be hosting GPG Founder Greg Power for a talk about his experience helping politicians and officials in more than sixty countries find solutions to today’s problems while building the resilience of their institutions.
Combining insights from behavioural economics, change management, and comparative politics, Greg argues for a different approach to political reform, one concerned less with institutional design, and more with the existing logic of human behaviour.
Register here to attend the event.
Institute for Government launch event
The Institute for Government hosted a discussion on 21 February, during which Greg discussed the book’s themes with Professor David Halpern, Professor Meg Russel, Rt Hon Alistair Burt, and IfG Programme Director Tim Durrant.
Watch a recording of the event:
Listen to it on Soundcloud:
For Decades, a Behavioral Blind Spot Has Plagued Political Development
Greg’s latest blog in Behavioral Scientist explores why political behaviour is always logical, but rarely rational.
The Tragedy of Turnover
In Ducan Green‘s Oxfam hosted From Poverty to Power blog, Greg reflects on the challenges posed by high electoral turnover.
In conversation with TWP Community of Practice
In Thinking and Working Politically Community of Practice‘s April 2024 Newsletter, Director Alina Rocha Menocal chats with GPG Founder and Board Chair Greg Power about his new book.
Watch the interview on YouTube:
Or listen to the podcast version.
A dynamic conversation on politics, development, and change
In April, Greg joined an politicians and reformers from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Timor Leste to discuss how development can better work politically and with politicians.
Watch the recording of the event:
The personal side of parliamentary reform
UCL’s Constitution Unit shared a blog in which Greg explores one of his new book’s key themes: the personal side of parliamentary reform. You can read it on their website.
Inside the Political Mind
In our latest blog, Greg explains the central arguments in his new book. Read it on our website.