Reaping what you sow : empire, collateral damage, blowback, and the (in)visible consequences for public administration
Date
2013
Authors
Thorne, K.
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Journal article
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Administrative Theory and Praxis, 2013; 35(4):553-576
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Abstract
The "fog of war" is almost universally the military rationale for an inability to achieve intended outcomes without incurring unintended consequences. This so-called explanation all too often extends into other aspects of government activity, especially public administration. Chalmers Johnson's conception of collateral damage followed by blowback—that we reap what we sow—provides a more extensive and inclusive understanding of the relationship between intended and unintended actions of martial and other forms of public administration. Collateral damage and blowback exemplify the problematic nature of trying to control or eliminate what is visible and invisible within the policy and public administration contexts of an (in)visible empire.
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Copyright 2013 Public Administration Theory Network