TL/DR –
Modern societies rely on long-term planning and institutional continuity to maintain essential systems such as electric grids, infrastructure, defense, technology, and public health. This continuity has been disrupted due to rapid policy reversals between administrations which has consequences for the aforementioned sectors, as seen in the case of the fluctuating federal commitment to domestic clean energy investment. The author argues that democracies need institutions that can sustain long-term priorities across political transitions, and whether or not this is possible will become evident through future voting patterns.
Dilemma of Modern Societies: Continuity and Policy Reversals
The stability and sustainability of modern societies are profoundly rooted in the concept of continuity. Elements like electric grids, infrastructure systems, defense planning, artificial intelligence governance, and public health preparedness, all require commitment and consistency across multiple political administrations. However, the constant shift in political powers and the subsequent rapid policy reversals are increasingly disrupting this continuity.
The Impact of Political Instability on Major Policy Domains
Throughout the twentieth century, even amidst the turbulence of political conflict, consistent rulings allowed for the successful execution of significant policies. The interstate highway system, Cold War defense planning, postwar alliances, and substantial infrastructure and research investments prevailed due to the existence of robust committee structures, a shared information environment, and political coalitions organized around governing priorities, ensuring institutional continuity.
However, these conditions have declined. The once strong institutional habits have eroded, causing major commitments to falter across administrations. At the same time, systems like grids, infrastructure, defense, technology, and public health that rely on these commitments have grown more interconnected, making them less forgiving of reversals.
The Case of Energy Policy
For instance, consider the case of energy policy. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which marked a significant federal commitment towards domestic clean energy, was short-lived. A change in administration and the introduction of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 resulted in the phasing out of the Act’s incentives and the withdrawal of grants linked to active projects. Consequently, manufacturers were forced to cancel projects, with 16 projects being terminated in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
Tribal Nations: The Most Affected
Tribal nations bore the brunt of this policy flip-flop. Of the $484 million in grants awarded to 46 tribes in 2024, approximately 85-90% have been revoked. This decision has kept energy costs elevated for tribal nations, which are already among the highest in the country. The once committed funds, which were being utilized for development, engineering, and site preparation, have now been stranded due to the policy reversal.
External Factors and Future Implications
The policy reversal has had implications beyond domestic borders. For example, the closing of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran in 2026 has resulted in oil prices skyrocketing globally, affecting American consumers despite the nation’s adequate domestic oil production. Had the Inflation Reduction Act not been canceled, it would have reduced the exposure to such external shocks by transitioning towards electricity in transportation, heating, and industry.
Indeed, while disagreement and political change are integral parts of a democracy, institutions that maintain long-term priorities across political transitions are equally important. However, the fast pace of technological change and interconnected economic and information systems are compressing political time horizons.
Whether American coalitions can adapt to these rapid changes remains to be seen. The answer may come from the voters rather than the political parties. It’s crucial to observe the ongoing patterns among voters, whether they are moderating, moving towards the extremes, or disengaging from electoral politics. The insights gathered can help discern if the coalitions are capable of reorganization.
Edward Saltzberg, who serves as the Executive Director of the Security and Sustainability Forum and writes The Stability Brief, shares these insightful views.
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