The new Ministry of Public Security of Chile has sparked a debate about the need to transform or create institutions that can reconfigure our political governance. “For several decades, the West created strong institutions, but the world has changed so quickly that, at some point, they ceased to be fit for purpose and lost legitimacy in the eyes of the people,” highlighted Ian Bremmer, a political risk analyst and founder of Eurasia Group, during his recent visit to Chile. For him, institutional obsolescence is one of today’s greatest challenges, as it is a significant source of social destabilization, fueling the anger of those left behind.
Which institutions should be eliminated? Is it better for the political system to let them die out gradually? Which institutions should be transformed, and how can this be achieved in the face of fleeting leadership and threatened democracies? In his recent book *Democracia Muerta* (Dead Democracy), Juan Pablo Luna states, “Society remains fractured, paralyzed by conflicts that no one can effectively structure or represent.” For him, change can only be embraced by a new order that has yet to be fully born.
To be fair, institutional crises are experienced at all levels. We coexist with outdated political parties and civil society institutions. The lifespan of companies has also plummeted dramatically, from 61 years in 1958 to 18 years today (S&P 500), triggering a search for new organizational formats that bring vitality, resilience, and innovation. Amazon and Apple exemplify dual structures that enable, on the one hand, the achievement of day-to-day results through agile and adaptive operations, and on the other, a focus on the future and constant experimentation.
When we think about the new institutions we need, Bremmer emphatically emphasizes the necessity of a global mindset and cites the UN as a recent example of transformation. Although it has long seemed to “fall short” of its original mandate (multilateralism crises, active wars, etc.), it has skillfully capitalized on the “AI momentum” to assume global leadership in governance. The Digital Global Compact, created in September 2024, provides a comprehensive framework for digital cooperation, including commitments on human rights, digital public goods, and data governance.
Therefore, it is not just about creating something new but about refining the organizational value proposition to truly address complex challenges. For many, the idea of “reforming or creating institutions” seems quixotic when it merely replicates 20th-century structures and cultures. It is already evident that 21st-century citizens are tired of living with “zombie institutions” that often seem to exist solely as sources of public employment. They quickly applaud leaders who challenge these institutions, freeing them from structures that no longer make sense.
Mónica Retamal F.
Kodea Executive Director