Invisible Power: Lessons from The Power Broker
Infrastructure often hides in plain sight. It’s the roads we drive, the water we drink, and the networks that keep the lights on. Most people take these systems for granted, noticing them only when they fail. But the podcast 99% Invisible is helping to shine a light on infrastructure, reminding us that the stories of the people involved can be just as complex and compelling as the systems themselves.
This is very true in 99% Invisible’s breakdown of the book The Power Broker, a series I have been enjoying very much – and I think you will, too.
Robert Caro’s The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York is more than just a biography of a man who shaped a city. It’s a sprawling account of how power operates – and how it transforms the physical and social landscapes around us. Through its 10-episode series, 99% Invisible unpacks the book’s key themes, revealing not only the genius of Robert Moses but also the cost of his ambition.
The Man Who Built New York
Robert Moses didn’t hold an elected office, yet he wielded more power than most politicians. From the 1920s through the 1960s, he oversaw the creation of parks, bridges, highways, and housing developments that redefined New York City and its surroundings. His name is attached to some of the most iconic pieces of infrastructure: the Triborough Bridge, Jones Beach, and the Cross Bronx Expressway, to name just a few.
But Moses wasn’t just an urban planner; he was a master of bureaucratic power. By creating and controlling independent authorities, he amassed influence that allowed him to bypass traditional checks and balances. His ability to secure funding and push through projects was unmatched. Yet this power often left devastation in its wake.
Ambition and Consequences
Moses’ vision for New York was unapologetically car-centric. Highways slashed through neighbourhoods, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents. Entire communities – often poorer and predominantly minority – were sacrificed on the altar of progress. The parks and beaches he championed were grand achievements, but they often came with barriers, both literal and figurative, that excluded those he deemed undesirable.
The Power Broker reveals Moses as a figure of contradictions: a man who gave the city incredible infrastructure while simultaneously entrenching inequality. Caro spares no detail (the book is extremely long!), painting a vivid picture of the political battles, backroom deals, and personal hubris that defined Moses’ career. It’s a gripping narrative that transcends urban planning, offering insights into the nature of power itself.
99% Invisible: Making the Invisible Visible
For people new to Caro’s work, 99% Invisible offers an accessible entry point. Host Roman Mars is joined by Elliott Kalan to bring their signature storytelling to the material, weaving together interviews, analysis, and anecdotes to explore Moses’ legacy. The podcast highlights the tension between Moses’ vision and its consequences, posing questions about who benefits from infrastructure – and who pays the price.
Through this lens, the series feels as much about the present as it does the past. The highways Moses built may now be choked with traffic, but his influence lingers in debates over urban sprawl, public transport, and the politics of development. While The Power Broker is dense and detailed, 99% Invisible has created something both engaging and digestible.
Why It Matters
Both the book and the podcast remind us that infrastructure is never neutral. It’s shaped by the values and priorities of those in power, often with far-reaching consequences. Moses’ projects reshaped New York, but they also highlight the dangers of prioritising ambition over equity.
This is a crucial lesson in a world where infrastructure decisions continue to have significant ripple effects. Highways, bridges, and public transport networks don’t just connect places; they influence who gets to access opportunities, which communities flourish, and which are left behind. The legacies of these decisions can span decades, as seen in the enduring social and economic divides created by Moses’ car-centric projects.
For modern readers, The Power Broker also serves as a cautionary tale about the concentration of power. Moses’ ability to operate without meaningful oversight meant he could achieve extraordinary things, but it also led to blind spots and failures. Today, as we navigate infrastructure challenges like climate change, housing shortages, and digital connectivity, the need for transparent, inclusive decision-making has never been greater. We must involve diverse voices and consider long-term impacts, to avoid the pitfalls of single-minded ambition.
Ultimately, Caro’s book and 99% Invisible’s series remind us that infrastructure is not just about building; it’s about balancing. It’s about ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the expense of fairness, that the tangible outcomes of construction align with the intangible values of society. In this sense, Moses’ story isn’t just about New York – it’s a story that resonates anywhere decisions about infrastructure and power intersect.
Where to Find It
You can buy The Power Broker at most bookshops. The cheapest I found with stock in NZ was $63 at Unity Books.
99% Invisible is available through any podcast app, or online at 99percentinvisible.org
The 2025 Āpōpō Congress is themed “Delivering Infrastructure Value”. Registrations open in December at congress.apopo.co.nz.
This thought leadership piece written by Āpōpō Product Manager, Mike Curry.
