His mission is clear: to gather knowledge that helps society make good political and administrative decisions. At the same time, he raises a worrying question: what happens when knowledge and scientific truth are increasingly no longer recognized?
According to Trommel, we live in a time when facts are more often questioned and science is sometimes dismissed as merely an opinion. This puts pressure on the role of public administration. Precisely for that reason, he argues, the field is more important than ever. Democratic decision-making is increasingly disrupted by deception and disinformation.
The captain, the destination, and the sailing plan
Trommel describes the current situation using the metaphor of the “ship of state” facing three problems: the captain, the destination, and the sailing plan. The captain- political authority - is weakening because societies are becoming more fragmented. Individualization and globalization have eroded the sense of a shared community, which in turn reduces trust in government and institutions.
At the same time, there is less clarity about the destination of society. Major ideological traditions such as socialism, liberalism, and Christian democracy have lost much of their guiding power. Neoliberalism focused mainly on efficiency but offered little moral orientation.
Normally, public administration helps develop a “sailing plan”- policy strategies to address societal problems. But this becomes difficult when even the facts on which policy should be based are disputed. Trommel therefore speaks of the rise of a “post-truth” society, in which truth is no longer taken for granted.
The “post-truth” society
He distinguishes three forms of this development. In the scam society, technology and fake news make it increasingly difficult to determine what is real, which erodes trust. In the skeptical society, people still believe in truth but distrust traditional sources such as science, the media, and government. As a result, they look for alternative explanations. This distrust partly stems from the realization that power and interests can sometimes influence knowledge. In the irrational society, truth ultimately becomes less important than belief, power, and achieving political goals.
“These three developments reinforce each other, partly due to the influence of digital technology and artificial intelligence. As a result, democratic governance comes under increasing pressure,” Trommel says.
A more activist role for public administration
As a response, he advocates a more activist role for the field of public administration. Scientists should not limit themselves to analysis but should also actively contribute to defending truth and democratic values. This could include strengthening fact-checking, researching the power of technology companies, and working toward better regulation of the internet so that public values such as truth, safety, and democracy are better protected.
Research on the relationship between power and knowledge
Trommel also calls for critical research into the relationship between power and knowledge. This is not meant to confirm conspiracy theories, but rather to better understand and make visible real power structures—such as those of major technology companies.
Finally, he sees hope in what he calls a new form of “Enlightenment”. Just as the original Enlightenment advocated reason and science, Trommel believes a new step is now needed: a society in which technology and knowledge are embedded in shared values and open communication. Through honest and reasonable dialogue, a society could emerge in which the best argument - not manipulation or power -prevails.
Trommel concludes on an optimistic note. Despite the pressure on truth and democracy, it remains possible to build a society in which reasonable communication and shared values are central. According to him, that ideal remains a lasting mission for public administration.
Trommel valedictory speech is April 2nd in the Aula of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.