Alasdair Roberts
@alasdairroberts.bsky.social
Professor of Public Policy, University of Massachusetts Amherst. Latest book: "The Adaptable Country." Details at www.alasdairroberts.ca.
"If NASPAA isn't motivated by democracy, it is certainly motivated by money . . . Forty percent of the growth in NASPAA accreditation since 2013 has come from foreign programs—the bulk of them in non-democracies."
freebeacon.com/campus/meet-...
freebeacon.com/campus/meet-...
Meet the American Educational Organization Accrediting CCP Bureaucrats
In 2018, the sole accrediting body for public service programs in the United States held a workshop for schools seeking accreditation. Diversity and inclusion were all the rage in higher education, an...
freebeacon.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:45 PM
"If NASPAA isn't motivated by democracy, it is certainly motivated by money . . . Forty percent of the growth in NASPAA accreditation since 2013 has come from foreign programs—the bulk of them in non-democracies."
freebeacon.com/campus/meet-...
freebeacon.com/campus/meet-...
Contributed to this piece by Toby Mcintosh on fears about "weaponization of the openness agenda"
eyeonglobaltransparency.net/2025/10/30/w...
eyeonglobaltransparency.net/2025/10/30/w...
Weaponization of the Openness Agenda Debated; What's the Diagnosis, Solution? · Eye on Global Transparency
By Toby McIntosh “Dark Openness,” a recent article by a Swedish professor raised a provocative question – whether “our toolbox of openness and participation” is being…
eyeonglobaltransparency.net
October 31, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Contributed to this piece by Toby Mcintosh on fears about "weaponization of the openness agenda"
eyeonglobaltransparency.net/2025/10/30/w...
eyeonglobaltransparency.net/2025/10/30/w...
Looking forward to this event with @evertlindquistuvic.bsky.social at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social on Tuesday
October 29, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Looking forward to this event with @evertlindquistuvic.bsky.social at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social on Tuesday
@kimnossal.bsky.social and I contributed to this piece in The Kingston Crow
thekingstoncrow.substack.com/p/stickhandl...
thekingstoncrow.substack.com/p/stickhandl...
Stickhandling Canada’s place in a new world order
Queen’s-affiliated policy experts weigh in
thekingstoncrow.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:35 PM
@kimnossal.bsky.social and I contributed to this piece in The Kingston Crow
thekingstoncrow.substack.com/p/stickhandl...
thekingstoncrow.substack.com/p/stickhandl...
Reposted by Alasdair Roberts
Yes, the challenge is huge, but *Team Canada* looks very disorganized. Not surprisingly, as I have been arguing for quite some time.
Tactics without strategy, and if there are signs of strategy, it is contradictory.
www.cp24.com/news/canada/...
Tactics without strategy, and if there are signs of strategy, it is contradictory.
www.cp24.com/news/canada/...
Trade war live updates: Ford to pull tariff ads, White House says Canada playing ‘games’
Trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. have erupted after President Donald Trump abruptly called off negotiations because of an Ontario anti-tariff ad campaign.
www.cp24.com
October 24, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Yes, the challenge is huge, but *Team Canada* looks very disorganized. Not surprisingly, as I have been arguing for quite some time.
Tactics without strategy, and if there are signs of strategy, it is contradictory.
www.cp24.com/news/canada/...
Tactics without strategy, and if there are signs of strategy, it is contradictory.
www.cp24.com/news/canada/...
Details about my upcoming panel discussion with @evertlindquist.bsky.social at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social on November 4
events.berkeley.edu/can/event/30...
events.berkeley.edu/can/event/30...
Panel: Understanding Post-Trudeau Canadian Politics and Policies
Since 2024, Canada has entered into an era of uncertainty amid rising domestic and international tensions. What do we need to know to understand Ca...
events.berkeley.edu
October 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Details about my upcoming panel discussion with @evertlindquist.bsky.social at @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social on November 4
events.berkeley.edu/can/event/30...
events.berkeley.edu/can/event/30...
On November 13, I'll participate in a symposium on imperial administration organized by the American Society for Legal History. I've written a note as background for my panel comments. This is very drafty and feedback is appreciated.
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/four-phase...
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/four-phase...
Four American empires
The United States has always been an empire, but the form of empire has changed over time. For scholars of public administration, the task is understanding how the architecture of empire changed.
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com
October 18, 2025 at 6:27 PM
On November 13, I'll participate in a symposium on imperial administration organized by the American Society for Legal History. I've written a note as background for my panel comments. This is very drafty and feedback is appreciated.
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/four-phase...
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/four-phase...
I'll participate in a panel discussion at the Canadian Studies Program of @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social on November 4. Here's a note to support my comments. Feedback and corrections appreciated!
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/the-us-and...
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/the-us-and...
The US and Canada: Two crises of federalism
The United States is in crisis because of an outmoded federal system. As a result, Canada needs a new grand strategy. That will not be easy to achieve in Canada's more decentralized federation.
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:47 PM
I'll participate in a panel discussion at the Canadian Studies Program of @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social on November 4. Here's a note to support my comments. Feedback and corrections appreciated!
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/the-us-and...
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/the-us-and...
Reposted by Alasdair Roberts
In the EU, all of this has been, and is, unfolding within a multilayered public discourse - at the member state and the European level. Political elites, parliaments, the media...
Whereas in Canada, to quote @alasdairroberts.bsky.social excellent op-ed from September in the Globe and Mail...
Whereas in Canada, to quote @alasdairroberts.bsky.social excellent op-ed from September in the Globe and Mail...
October 11, 2025 at 6:53 PM
In the EU, all of this has been, and is, unfolding within a multilayered public discourse - at the member state and the European level. Political elites, parliaments, the media...
Whereas in Canada, to quote @alasdairroberts.bsky.social excellent op-ed from September in the Globe and Mail...
Whereas in Canada, to quote @alasdairroberts.bsky.social excellent op-ed from September in the Globe and Mail...
Reposted by Alasdair Roberts
Americans have less faith in the ability of the country’s political system to solve problems than they had five years ago, with a large majority now believing that the U.S. is incapable of overcoming its deep divisions, according to a poll by The New York Times and Siena University. nyti.ms/476StrS
October 2, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Americans have less faith in the ability of the country’s political system to solve problems than they had five years ago, with a large majority now believing that the U.S. is incapable of overcoming its deep divisions, according to a poll by The New York Times and Siena University. nyti.ms/476StrS
The organizers of a proposed section on #HumanRights within the American Society for Public Administration are looking for expressions of interest -- 300 names are needed to make the proposal go (as I understand it). If you are interested, fill out this survey.
pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
pace.qualtrics.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:31 PM
The organizers of a proposed section on #HumanRights within the American Society for Public Administration are looking for expressions of interest -- 300 names are needed to make the proposal go (as I understand it). If you are interested, fill out this survey.
pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
I joined Professor Andrew Podger for a discussion on the Management Matters podcast, hosted by James-Christian Blockwood, president of the US National Academy of Public Administration
www.buzzsprout.com/1073332/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/1073332/epis...
How Does This Look to the Neighbors? International Insights on America with Governance Scholars Alasdair Roberts and Andrew Podger - Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood
This week's episode of Management Matters features an external view on what's happening in American governance, and the quest to learn more about how international observers are thinking about America...
www.buzzsprout.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:59 PM
I joined Professor Andrew Podger for a discussion on the Management Matters podcast, hosted by James-Christian Blockwood, president of the US National Academy of Public Administration
www.buzzsprout.com/1073332/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/1073332/epis...
Reposted by Alasdair Roberts
We are so honoured to be on this list! Congrats and good luck to all the shortlisted authors and publishers. @alasdairroberts.bsky.social
UNLOCKED | A great primer for tonight’s Politics & the Pen: Q&As with all five Shaughnessy Cohen nominees
www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...
www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...
September 24, 2025 at 12:47 PM
We are so honoured to be on this list! Congrats and good luck to all the shortlisted authors and publishers. @alasdairroberts.bsky.social
Be part of shaping ASPA’s potential new Administration and Human Rights Section—take the quick survey today
pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
pace.qualtrics.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Be part of shaping ASPA’s potential new Administration and Human Rights Section—take the quick survey today
pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Reposted by Alasdair Roberts
It is 20 years since Conor Gearty gave the Hamlyn Lectures on Can Human Rights Survive?
As a mark of respect following the dreadful news of his, Cambridge University Press & Assessment has made these lectures Open Access for the remainder of the year. You can find them here:
lnkd.in/e5Xrt2G5
As a mark of respect following the dreadful news of his, Cambridge University Press & Assessment has made these lectures Open Access for the remainder of the year. You can find them here:
lnkd.in/e5Xrt2G5
September 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
It is 20 years since Conor Gearty gave the Hamlyn Lectures on Can Human Rights Survive?
As a mark of respect following the dreadful news of his, Cambridge University Press & Assessment has made these lectures Open Access for the remainder of the year. You can find them here:
lnkd.in/e5Xrt2G5
As a mark of respect following the dreadful news of his, Cambridge University Press & Assessment has made these lectures Open Access for the remainder of the year. You can find them here:
lnkd.in/e5Xrt2G5
I spoke with Shaye Ganam of QR770AM Calgary this morning about yesterday's op-ed in @theglobeandmail.com
open.spotify.com/episode/6zf2...
open.spotify.com/episode/6zf2...
We're missing a vision for Canada
open.spotify.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:59 PM
I spoke with Shaye Ganam of QR770AM Calgary this morning about yesterday's op-ed in @theglobeandmail.com
open.spotify.com/episode/6zf2...
open.spotify.com/episode/6zf2...
Reposted by Alasdair Roberts
New blog from @alasdairroberts.bsky.social, part of our #EGPA2025 series.
📝 Prof. Alasdair Roberts writes about the temptation of centralisation in times of crisis, warning however that it "may be a formula for fragility, not resilience."
Read 🔗 www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...
📝 Prof. Alasdair Roberts writes about the temptation of centralisation in times of crisis, warning however that it "may be a formula for fragility, not resilience."
Read 🔗 www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...
September 17, 2025 at 3:37 PM
New blog from @alasdairroberts.bsky.social, part of our #EGPA2025 series.
📝 Prof. Alasdair Roberts writes about the temptation of centralisation in times of crisis, warning however that it "may be a formula for fragility, not resilience."
Read 🔗 www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...
📝 Prof. Alasdair Roberts writes about the temptation of centralisation in times of crisis, warning however that it "may be a formula for fragility, not resilience."
Read 🔗 www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...
I wrote this short piece for the @uofglasgow.bsky.social Centre for Public Policy blog, to accompany my comments in a plenary session at the EGPA conference on August 28.
www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...
www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...
The temptation and danger of centralisation
17 September 2025: Following his contribution at the European Group for Public Administration conference in August, Professor Alasdair Roberts writes about the tendency to lean towards centralisation ...
www.gla.ac.uk
September 17, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I wrote this short piece for the @uofglasgow.bsky.social Centre for Public Policy blog, to accompany my comments in a plenary session at the EGPA conference on August 28.
www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...
www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...
My op-ed in today's @theglobeandmail.com, based on my book from @mcgillqueensup.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: We’re missing a vision for Canada
We are living in a different world, and we need to talk about what that means for all of us
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:53 PM
My op-ed in today's @theglobeandmail.com, based on my book from @mcgillqueensup.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Alasdair Roberts
"Canada today is suffering from the vision thing. This is not a criticism of any one person. It is a criticism of an entire political system that is incapable of generating a vision of where we are trying to go as a country."
By @alasdairroberts.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
By @alasdairroberts.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: We’re missing a vision for Canada
We are living in a different world, and we need to talk about what that means for all of us
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 17, 2025 at 11:44 AM
"Canada today is suffering from the vision thing. This is not a criticism of any one person. It is a criticism of an entire political system that is incapable of generating a vision of where we are trying to go as a country."
By @alasdairroberts.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
By @alasdairroberts.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
I'm looking forward to giving a presentation by Zoom to public policy faculty at the American University in Cairo next Wednesday, September 17. Zoom link here if you are interested.
September 11, 2025 at 12:20 PM
I'm looking forward to giving a presentation by Zoom to public policy faculty at the American University in Cairo next Wednesday, September 17. Zoom link here if you are interested.
The Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration @apjournalpa.bsky.social has embedded the short explainer video for my article, "The Crisis of Design in American Government," in the article abstract itself -- a neat innovation:
www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/...
www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/...
The crisis of design in American government
The American political system confronts two distinct crises. The first is the crisis of the moment, stemming from President Trump’s controversial actions since January 2025. The second is the deepe...
www.tandfonline.com
September 3, 2025 at 11:53 AM
The Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration @apjournalpa.bsky.social has embedded the short explainer video for my article, "The Crisis of Design in American Government," in the article abstract itself -- a neat innovation:
www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/...
www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/...
Reposted by Alasdair Roberts
…after Prof Kuhlmann’s opening remarks and highlighting multiple challenges we’re hearing from Prof @anandmenon.bsky.social on Brexit - where are we now, how is it impacting us now?
And Prof @alasdairroberts.bsky.social on the geopolitical situation that’s emerging and how it might impact the EU.
And Prof @alasdairroberts.bsky.social on the geopolitical situation that’s emerging and how it might impact the EU.
August 28, 2025 at 11:11 AM
…after Prof Kuhlmann’s opening remarks and highlighting multiple challenges we’re hearing from Prof @anandmenon.bsky.social on Brexit - where are we now, how is it impacting us now?
And Prof @alasdairroberts.bsky.social on the geopolitical situation that’s emerging and how it might impact the EU.
And Prof @alasdairroberts.bsky.social on the geopolitical situation that’s emerging and how it might impact the EU.
Through several American state-level freedom-of-information laws, I have obtained documents that explain where this anonymous complaint originated. I plan to write about this at a later date. I'm still waiting for responses to some FOI requests, which make take a bit of time.
In January, I published an article about the accrediting organization NASPAA.
This article was under investigation for several months.
Here's my statement about that. Non-US scholars, especially in the Global South, may be interested.
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/someone-wa...
This article was under investigation for several months.
Here's my statement about that. Non-US scholars, especially in the Global South, may be interested.
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com/p/someone-wa...
Someone wanted my NASPAA article removed from publication.
What happened when I published an article critical of the accrediting organization NASPAA? A five-month investigation into the integrity of my research. Here's what it uncovered.
alasdairroberts179720.substack.com
August 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Through several American state-level freedom-of-information laws, I have obtained documents that explain where this anonymous complaint originated. I plan to write about this at a later date. I'm still waiting for responses to some FOI requests, which make take a bit of time.