'Mad Cow Disease' part 1 - a crisis without a crime
From The Westminster Tradition by The Westminster Tradition
February 2, 2026 · 32 min · Season 4 · Episode 2
About this episode
The episode discusses the implications of Mad Cow Disease on governance amidst scientific uncertainty and its representation as a symbol of government failure.
We kick off a new series on 'Mad Cow Disease', or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), and what it teaches us about governing when the science is uncertain, the consequences are enormous, but the risks are very remote. Why BSE became a lasting symbol of government failure and secrecy, even though major inquiries later found decisions were largely science led. Where to draw the line for regulatory settings with big market consequences. Who really decides when portfolios collide, ...
Topics covered
- government failure
- BSE
- regulatory settings
- science uncertainty
- market consequences
Keywords
- Mad Cow Disease
- BSE
- government
- science
- regulation
- market
- failure
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
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- Robodebt: Reflections on the NACC's Findings · April 13, 2026 · 1h 0m
- Mad Cow Disease part 4 - unblocking the beef chain · March 30, 2026 · 43 min
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