Future-Generation Government

How can we reward our governments for dealing with the future – now?

Our impact on future generations has never been greater, and the challenges we face are increasingly long-term. Future-Generation Government proposes ways that we can reward our governments for making durable policy decisions that anticipate future crises.

Nicholas Chesterley is a behavioural economist and public servant. He lives in Ottawa.

Nicholas Chesterley is a behavioural economist and public servant. He completed his PhD in behavioural economics at the University of Oxford as a Clarendon Scholar and SSHRC Doctoral Fellow and has held a range of leadership roles in government. He lives in Ottawa.

“Chesterley wrestles directly and engagingly with the gnawing question of how to square human short-termism with the long-term problems we face. Given that our lives and those of our children depend on the answer, this is a book we should all read.” David Halpern, author of Inside the Nudge Unit: How Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

“An engaging, carefully crafted, and convincing book. Chesterley uses storytelling to illustrate his rich arguments, showing how the tools of behavioural science, such as ‘nudging’ strategies, could be better used in contexts of power and politics to help make our governments more future-regarding.” Michael K. MacKenzie, author of Future Publics: Democracy, Deliberation, and Future-Regarding Collective Action

“Future-Generation Government compellingly outlines the negative impact and future risk posed by short-term thinking while offering some persuasive ideas for tackling long-term social and political challenges. Chesterley’s argument is novel and informed by a keen understanding of organizational and individual behaviour. Highly recommended!” Sasha Tregebov, Behavioural Insights Team