Conclusion—Technocracy and democracy: friends or foes?

Abstract

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides the theoretical, analytical and methodological tools for the comparative empirical analysis of technocratic politics within democratic systems. It discusses the “unresponsive” charge against technocracy and shows that technocratic responsiveness is possible—inevitable, even—once technocratic actors operate within a political system. The book looks at the negotiating stance of technocratic versus democratically elected governments and their ability to enact reforms during the period of the European financial crisis. It also provides an insight into the study of technocracy through the lens of comparative public policy, focusing on the conditions under which expert technocratic knowledge can be employed and legitimized in democratic systems. The book aims to investigate technocracy at the executive level, with a focus on technocratic governments. Technocratic governments have been partly responsible for the surge in public discussions surrounding the technocratic challenge to democracy.