The Case for Local Epistocracy

What the paper says

I propose a novel approach to the ongoing debate between democracy and epistocracy by advocating for a hybrid model: local epistocracy combined with national democracy. Drawing on epistemic, political identity, and political economy considerations, I argue that implementing epistocratic elements at the local level while maintaining democratic institutions nationally offers a promising compromise between leveraging expertise and preserving democratic legitimacy. I contend that local governance provides a more favorable environment for epistocracy due to tighter feedback loops, greater opportunities for experimentation, and the potential for significant improvements in specific policy areas. Furthermore, I argue that epistocratic arrangements at the local level may be less threatening to core democratic values and citizens' sense of political identity compared to national-level epistocracy. From a political economy perspective, I explore how local epistocracy can harness interjurisdictional competition and exit options to enhance accountability and policy effectiveness. By shifting the focus from national to local epistocracy, this paper aims to open new avenues for both theoretical inquiry and practical experimentation in governance, offering a more nuanced approach to integrating expert knowledge within democratic systems.