Can Populists Be Talked into Better Policies
About the lecture
This lecture addresses the practical dilemma of populist leaders winning support by promising swift and visible action in the name of 'the people' and against 'the elites', all the while sidelining expertise and compromise. Once in office, this often results in policies that are easy to announce but difficult to implement, thereby increasing volatility and straining institutions.
Join Professor Giliberto Capano as he explores whether robust policy design — policies that adapt to changing conditions without losing effectiveness — can offer a partial remedy. The challenge is political: populist leaders are rarely drawn to the language of sound design. Professor Capano, therefore, asks whether better design can be made compatible with populist incentives by framing it as practical protection against failure, reversals and public embarrassment.
A central idea is the role of 'persuaders' working behind the scenes who can incorporate safeguards into the details, such as eligibility rules, simplified delivery, feedback loops and built-in adjustments. The lecture does not assume that populism can be eliminated from democracy. Instead, it asks more cautiously under what conditions backstage efforts can reduce policy breakdown and help governments deliver measures that outlast the headline.
This lecture is presented as part of the Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellowship Program made possible through the generous support of the Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund. Professor Capano is also visiting Melbourne as an ANZSOG Academic Fellow.
About the speaker
Professor Giliberto Capano
Giliberto Capano is Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Bologna. He has played a leading role in advancing the study and practice of public policy globally and is currently Editor of Policy & Society—a leading international journal consistently ranked among the top five worldwide in both Political Science and Public Administration. His research expertise lies in public administration, policy design and change, governance and performance in higher education, and the comparative analysis of policy instruments. His recent work focuses on the role of policy capacity in enhancing policy performance, the design of robust policies, and leadership as an integral part of policymaking. Professor Capano has authored or co-authored eleven monographs, edited eighteen books, and published more than two hundred scholarly works, including journal articles and book chapters.
Further information
Please note that this will be a hybrid event. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or online via your ticket selection at registration. A zoom link will be provided prior to the event date.
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