Fellows consider the relevance of nation-states amidst the growing influence of tech companies and local governments
All views expressed by participants are their own and do not represent those of their organizations.
Will nation-states remain the way of the future? In a New York Times-style debate, three Fellows shared their perspectives on the continued relevance of nation-states, the adaptability of federalism and subnational governments, and the influence of technology companies in shaping public policy.
Rupak Chattopadhyay, president and CEO of the Forum of Federations, shared his views on federal constitutionalism, saying that while nation-states will evolve and adapt to new situations, they will not become obsolete. Recent events, such as individual countries’ resistance to EU measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the international community’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, highlight the continuing importance of nation-states as the basis for the conduct of international relations.
He commented that “Federalism is not an ideology. Rather, it provides a toolkit of options for managing systemic conflict and fragility within nation-states. These options may be adapted to provide bespoke solutions rooted in the local realities of specific countries. Federalism is particularly relevant in situations where internal conflicts have a territorial dimension."
Rupak also emphasized the role of subnational and local governments in providing tailored solutions in times of political fragility. He acknowledged that while federalism is useful as a stabilizing tool, it can have some drawbacks such as slow decision-making resulting from the presence of multiple decision nodes.
Sanghyun Lee, a director on Google's Government Affairs & Public Policy team, provided first-hand insights into the intersection of tech companies and policymaking, stressing that “tech companies are solving the biggest problems”. He pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point in the influence of technology on public policy. This was an instance where tech companies with online search engines took on roles traditionally filled by nation-states, namely providing accurate information to citizens.
He recommended leveraging technology, forming partnerships between tech companies and governments, and fostering collaboration between the two sectors, saying that “the line between the public and private sectors is blurred rather than separate”. He predicted that citizens will increasingly turn to tech companies rather than nation-states for information and services, although nation-states will continue to exist.
Sanghyun assured the audience that “startups and tech companies think about problem-solving and the public interest, not just profit”. He believes tech companies will continue to play a large role in crises, especially in partnering with governments to solve problems.
Gwen Dereymaeker, Deputy Director of Policy and Strategy in the Western Cape Government of South Africa, focused on the tensions between different levels of government in South Africa and their implications for the future of nation-states. The country faces numerous challenges, including economic and racial divisions, unemployment, crime, corruption, and a lack of progress. She stressed the challenges faced by South Africa’s government to provide necessary services to citizens, 30 years into democracy.
There has been a push for decentralization in South Africa, as some local governments see themselves as being better able to deliver services. This is also echoed by citizens. “Citizens just want services and often don’t care who delivers them, regardless of whether they come from a public entity or the private sector,” she reflected.
South Africa is a country of many identities. Nevertheless, the nation-state will survive in its current form because of issues of credibility and bureaucratic culture. She emphasized the importance of building trust between government and citizens to provide services to citizens and build a national identity and raised the question of whether governments might at times lack trust in their own citizens to contribute to nation-building.
The discussion concluded with all Fellows and audience members sharing one word that describes how they feel about the future of government. Responses included: uncertain, transformative, complex, challenging, innovative, and optimistic.
This discussion occurred on May 23, 2023 during the Annual Strategic Foresight Retreat, which enables senior public sector leaders to speak openly among peers about major disruptive forces confronting governments.
The 2023 Annual Strategic Foresight Retreat is part of the Public Sector Strategy Network. This program is supported by the Abu Dhabi Office of Strategic Affairs, in cooperation with apolitical.
