Inflexible central government

Demosclerosis
Progressive loss of government ability to adapt
Democratic government paralysis

Nature

The more complicated government becomes, the less flexible and creative it is in relation to the demand placed upon it by changing needs. As societies grow in size and complexity, central governments themselves grow more complex in the attempt to deal with the ambiguities in these societies.

Incidence

Inflexible central government structures are prevalent in various countries, particularly in authoritarian regimes where decision-making is concentrated at the top. For instance, according to the World Bank, over 50% of countries exhibit low levels of government responsiveness, impacting local governance and citizen engagement. This rigidity often leads to inefficiencies in public service delivery and stifles innovation, with significant implications for economic development and social cohesion.
A notable example of inflexible central government occurred in Venezuela in 2016, when the government, under President Nicolás Maduro, implemented strict controls over food distribution. This led to widespread shortages and civil unrest, as local communities struggled to address their needs amidst a rigid bureaucratic framework that failed to adapt to the crisis.

Claim

Stable societies, like the USA and the UK, which are spared the trauma of military defeat or social upheaval, almost inevitably tend to become barnacled with interest groups whose goals are to claim a larger share of the pie for themselves and their members. As they assert their claims, they impede the society's ability to make needed policy changes and economic shifts, so that growth slows and government becomes ever less responsive. By contrast, countries like Germany and Japan, which have had turbulent histories, are less encumbered by interest groups, and therefore see their economies grow faster, their politics adapt more swiftly to change. Because the interest-group network will not allow failed or outdated policies and programmes to die, there is neither the money nor the will to try new approaches.

Counter-claim

The notion of an inflexible central government is overstated and often misrepresented. In reality, a strong central authority ensures stability, uniformity, and efficient decision-making across diverse regions. The challenges faced by local governments often stem from their own inefficiencies, not from central oversight. Instead of criticizing central governance, we should focus on enhancing collaboration and accountability at all levels. The emphasis should be on constructive solutions, not on perpetuating a narrative of inflexibility that distracts from real issues.