Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's 'Abundance' Challenges Progressive Governance
The book critiques regulatory inefficiencies and advocates for 'supply-side progressivism' to address scarcity in housing, infrastructure, and energy.
- Klein and Thompson argue that excessive regulations and bureaucratic hurdles have created scarcity in key areas like housing and infrastructure, particularly in Democratic-led regions.
- 'Abundance' promotes 'supply-side progressivism,' calling for streamlined governance to enable large-scale building projects and innovation.
- The book highlights case studies like Pennsylvania's expedited 12-day bridge reconstruction in 2023 as examples of effective governance when red tape is minimized.
- Critics warn that the book's focus on deregulation risks empowering corporate interests and downplaying equity concerns.
- Released during the second Trump administration, the book has intensified debates about the role and capacity of government in addressing systemic inefficiencies.