Some Governments Are Adopting Radical Transparency

Overcoming a crisis of trust

Photo by Saj Shafique on Unsplash

In democracies around the world, trust in government is at an all-time low. People increasingly feel disconnected from the institutions that govern them, and a pervasive sense of cynicism has taken root.

From the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to social unrest and financial crises, many feel that governments are failing to act in the public’s best interest. This erosion of trust isn’t just disheartening — it’s dangerous. Without a fundamental level of trust, democracies struggle to function.

So, how can governments start rebuilding their relationship with citizens? One powerful answer lies in a bold concept: radical transparency.

What is Radical Transparency?

Radical transparency means making all government activities, data, and decision-making processes fully open to public scrutiny. Unlike traditional transparency measures, which often involve limited information shared only on a need-to-know basis, radical transparency emphasizes proactive and near-complete openness.

It seeks to eliminate the barriers that keep citizens in the dark, providing the tools and access needed to understand and evaluate government actions in real time. This idea isn’t just about access to data; it’s…