Jonathan Koppell Publishes The Politics of Quasi-Government

Promising increased efficiency and superior service, the quasi-government has grown as governmental functions have been delegated to new entities combining characteristics of public- and private-sector organizations. In his new book, The Politics of Quasi-Government (Cambridge University Press; $60.00), Jonathan Koppell argues that control of public policy is sacrificed when public policy is carried out by such hybrid organizations. Although they may be designed to limit the loss of public control, Koppell suggests that quasi- government should be limited to tasks that are not of critical importance to policy-makers.

The release of the book is especially timely given the current controversy surrounding Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, two government-sponsored enterprises among the organizations examined in the book.