Can Liberal Democracy Survive AGI? (with Sam Hammond)

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In 'The Machinery of Government', Joseph Heath examines the crucial but often overlooked role of civil servants in liberal-democratic states. He challenges the traditional model of state power, arguing that the complexity of modern governance requires significant rule-making power to be delegated to expert administrators. Heath provides a 'philosophy of the executive' by analyzing the normative principles that guide public administration, emphasizing the importance of political neutrality, efficiency, and respect for the rule of law. The book offers a corrective to the tendency to underestimate the contribution of civil servants and suggests a more satisfactory account of the principles implicit in public administration.

In 'The Narrow Corridor', Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson explore the delicate balance between state capacity and societal power, arguing that this balance is crucial for achieving liberty and prosperity. They introduce the concept of the 'Shackled Leviathan', where a strong state is kept in check by an active society, preventing both despotism and statelessness. The book uses historical examples to illustrate how this balance can lead to successful governance and economic growth.

The Rebel Sell challenges the effectiveness of countercultural movements, arguing that they often reinforce consumer capitalism rather than undermine it. The book explores how consumerism is driven by a desire for social distinction and how countercultural elements are absorbed into mainstream culture, ultimately supporting the capitalist system. Heath and Potter advocate for practical reforms over symbolic acts of rebellion.

In 'The Power Elite', C. Wright Mills critiques the organization of power in the United States, focusing on the interlocking interests of the military, corporate, and political elites. Mills argues that these elites, who often share similar educational backgrounds, family ties, and social connections, exert significant influence over American society to the detriment of ordinary citizens. The book explores how these elites maintain their power through public relations, educational institutions, and other social structures, and it questions the democratic nature of American society. The afterword by Alan Wolfe updates the analysis to reflect changes in American capitalism and society since the book's initial publication in 1956.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.