David Cameron: The next age of government

Summary

In this TED talk, the speaker addresses the current state of politics, emphasizing the necessity for improvement without increased spending amid vast budget deficits. By advocating for greater transparency, choice, and accountability, he argues for a shift towards 'people power' in governance. Drawing on historical shifts from local to bureaucratic control, he highlights how advances in technology and behavioral economics can enhance public services. The talk culminates with references to John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, stressing the importance of measuring well-being beyond mere financial metrics, urging a focus on community values and personal agency.

Takeaways

• 😀 Politics is often seen as 'showbiz for ugly people,' highlighting the public perception of politicians.
• 😀 The honor of giving a TED talk reflects the low reputation of politics in the UK, especially post-expenses scandal.
• 😀 A significant issue in politics today is how to improve public services without increasing spending due to budget deficits.
• 😀 Success in public services should not solely be measured by financial investment but also by well-being factors like relationships and community.
• 😀 There is an opportunity to remake politics and public services by combining effective political philosophy with the information revolution.
• 😀 The conservative philosophy emphasizes giving people more control and choice to foster a stronger society.
• 😀 Political success relies on understanding human nature and adapting policies accordingly.
• 😀 We are transitioning from a bureaucratic age to a post-bureaucratic age characterized by people power.
• 😀 Transparency, accountability, and choice are crucial elements that can transform public services using the information revolution.
• 😀 Behavioral economics can effectively change people’s behaviors, such as encouraging energy efficiency and recycling, by providing relevant information and incentives.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by politics being 'showbiz for ugly people'?

The speaker uses this phrase humorously to suggest that politics, like entertainment, involves performance and spectacle, but is often associated with negative perceptions of politicians.

What major issue does the speaker identify in both British and American politics?

The speaker highlights the issue of budget deficits and the need to improve public services without increasing spending.

What is the significance of the global public debt clock mentioned in the speech?

The global public debt clock illustrates the overwhelming level of debt, currently at 32 trillion, emphasizing the urgency for politicians to find solutions without additional funding.

What two core beliefs of conservative philosophy does the speaker outline?

The speaker outlines that giving people more power and choice can strengthen society, and that effective politics must align with human nature.

How does the speaker categorize the evolution of governance through history?

The speaker describes three historical phases: the pre-bureaucratic age (local control), the bureaucratic age (central control), and the current post-bureaucratic age (people power).

What examples does the speaker give to illustrate the importance of transparency in government?

The speaker references the Missouri Accountability Portal, which allows citizens to see all government spending, and promises to make UK government spending over £25,000 transparent online.

How does the speaker propose to use information technology to improve public services?

The speaker suggests making health care and education data available online for citizens to compare services, which could enhance choice and accountability.

What behavioral economics principle does the speaker use to promote energy efficiency?

The speaker notes that showing individuals their own energy spending compared to neighbors can effectively encourage them to reduce consumption, rather than relying on traditional government campaigns.

What historical speeches does the speaker reference, and why are they significant?

The speaker references JFK's 'ask not what your country can do for you' and Robert Kennedy's critique of GDP, highlighting the importance of individual contributions to society and measuring well-being beyond financial metrics.

What overall argument does the speaker make about the future of politics?

The speaker argues that combining insights from behavioral economics and information technology with a focus on individual empowerment can lead to a more effective and responsive political system that enhances societal well-being.