Join us for a public lecture by ANZSOG Visiting Academic Fellow Professor Giliberto Capano, exploring whether robust policy design can help governments deliver effective policies in political environments shaped by populism. This lecture is part of the "Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellowship Program" made possible through the generous support of the "Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund".
ANZSOG is proud to work with our partner, the University of Melbourne, on this event.
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.
About the Speaker
Professor Giliberto Capano is Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Bologna. He is a leading scholar in public administration and policy design, with research focusing on policy capacity, governance, and the design of robust policies. He is Editor of "Policy & Society", a leading international journal in political science and public administration. Professor Capano has authored or co-authored eleven monographs, edited eighteen books, and published more than 200 scholarly works.
Event Details
Further Information
Please note that this will be a hybrid event. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or online when registering. A Zoom link will be provided prior to the event.