The Governance Global Practice Book Talks presents recent books by leading global experts. These books were written for a broad audience and cover public policy areas that are relevant for Governance and beyond.
Upcoming Events
TBD
Past Events
Alan Blinder on Reducing the Gap between Policies and Politics | January 26, 2023
World Bank Governance Global Practice Book Talks welcomed Professor Alan Blinder who presented the main findings from two recent books ("Advice and Dissent" and "A Monetary and Fiscal History of the United States"). His findings are particularly relevant in the context of expected recession in 2023 in several countries, continued inflation in others and restricted fiscal space in most. This challenging scenario demands hard policy choices from politicians, ranging from subsidies cuts to tax and pension reforms and massive expenditure reductions. Blinder offers us a view of how to arrive at sound policies needed to tackle increasingly complex challenges by narrowing the gap between what politicians want, and what experts recommend.
Chiara Cordelli on The Privatized State | February 28, 2023
World Bank Governance Global Practice Book Talks welcomed Chiara Cordelli who presented the main findings from her recent book, "The Privatized State". The book shows how privatization of core government functions undermines the very reason political institutions exist in the first place, and advocates for a new way of administering public affairs that is more democratic and just.
Cass Sunstein on How Change Happens | March 23, 2023
World Bank Governance Global Practice Book Talks welcomed Cass Sunstein who presented the main findings from his book “How Change Happens”. Integrating insights on topics such as social norms, group polarization, and pluralistic ignorance with his intimate knowledge of law and public policy, Sunstein provides a road map of how change can and does happen. How Change Happens is a must-read for those who want to understand, and help to instigate, social change.
Oscar Calvo-Gonzalez on Unexpected Prosperity | April 25, 2023 | Register
World Bank Governance Global Practice Book Talks welcomes Oscar Calvo-Gonzalez who will present the main findings from his book Unexpected Prosperity”. In this book Oscar investigates how Spain escaped the middle income trap, addresses key questions related to the political economy of reform and provides a case study.This is an in-person event. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served.