Johannes Althusius on public administration

After centuries of neglect, the political thought of Johannes Althusius (1557-1638) is receiving renewed scholarly attention. His thinking about administration, however, has so far been hardly considered, even though more than half of his most important work (Politica Methodice Digesta) is devoted to it. This article explores Althusius's discussion of administration and its relation to his views on politics and communication. In particular, it discusses what (public) administration actually is, according to Althusius, who exercises it, and how it should be performed. Although Althusius's Calvinist approach is clearly at odds with some basic tenets of modern thinking, it can foster a better understanding of public administration's role in the present-day situation of diffusing state sovereignty. Moreover, he reminds us that public administration is a mandate from the people and needs to be exercised with prudence.