Why Governments Get It Wrong: and how they can get it right

We live in an era when we really need governments to get it right – from the Covid-19 pandemic response to how they tackle climate change. Our lives depend on it. Yet, to many, they can seem clueless, and their decisions leave us confused. Why?

In Why Governments Get It Wrong, renowned Cambridge professor and former political speechwriter Dennis C. Grube explores the pitfalls, failures and successes of those in power around the world. Across an array of policy issues we meet politicians who fumble their brief, while others seem on top of it and able to project a sense of calm.

With insight and wit, Grube explains how governments can improve their decision-making. Examining fascinating case studies – from the UK school exam fiasco during the pandemic to gun reform in Australia, and sanitation in India – Grube highlights the key factors that make for effective government. With the stakes higher than ever before, this original and important book is an essential read for any concerned citizen who wants to understand why governments make the wrong decisions and, crucially, what can be done about it.

‘A must-read’ – Sebastian payne
‘A timely book with accessibly provocative arguments’ – Steve Richards
‘There is a real gap for this book’ – Isabel Hardman