A native of Newton, Iowa, Thielmann is a graduate of Grinnell College and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He served for more than 25 years working on arms control and security issues. He was acting director of the Strategic, Proliferation, and Military Affairs Office in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research at the State Department at the time of his retirement.
After retiring from the State Department, Thielmann worked for four years for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence before joining the Arms Control Association.
Questions
Democratic states are based on the idea of “popular sovereignty.” The people decide on their future through elected representatives and leaders. In a world of ever-increasing complexity, however, elected governments have come to rely on career officials to advise on policy. Some argue reliance on unelected officials undermines the public will. Others argue that ignoring expert advice weakens policy making and harms American interests.
How much influence should unelected government officials have in the making of policy? Can career officials be trusted to give unbiased and nonpartisan assessments of matters for decision? How can an elected leader be sure that experts do not have their own agendas or, conversely, that experts are not “yes men”?
Does a cadre of experts working in Washington lose touch with the American people and lose sight of their interests? Can such a group become an elite operating inside the government, undermining popular sovereignty?
What should a career-official do when he or she thinks that an elected government is wrong? Does the government have a right to ignore, reassign, or fire such persons? Is it wise for an elected government to ignore the views of career experts?
