Overview - Heroes and Legends of Policy Analysis Seminar Series

Join Dr. Steven Hayward for a special Fall Semester lunchtime seminar series exploring the foundational figures of policy analysis. A strong background in public policy requires familiarity with the trailblazing thinkers—both past and present—who shaped the discipline. Throughout this series, Dr. Hayward will introduce key intellectual figures, unpack their core ideas, and extract critical insights to help navigate today’s modern policy challenges.

Event Highlights

Room Location: SPP room 175
Perks: Complimentary lunch provided for each registered guest
Requirements: None—no required readings, assignments, or prep work necessary

Whether you want to deepen your theoretical foundation or simply gain actionable insights over lunch, all are welcome to attend!

Join us for the third and final session of Heroes and Legends of Policy Analysis, where we examine the origins and impact of the "administrative state." While the term has become a ubiquitous part of modern debate, its roots actually date back to 1940s political science literature. Standing at the intersection of constitutional law and technical governance, the administrative state raises critical questions about authority, accountability, and bureaucratic power: how did it evolve into one of the most defining policy topics of our time? Drawing on the foundational works of James Burnham, Vincent Ostrom, and John Marini, this closing seminar explores the ideas and institutional shifts that shaped today's administrative landscape.

Heroes and Legends of Policy Analysis Seminar Series

SESSION THREE: A Closer Look at the Administrative State: The Insights of James Burnham, Vincent Ostrom, and John Marini

Details