While I’d love for FHI staff to comment and add more context, all of this matches my impressions.
Given this, I stand with the message of the post. Bostrom has been a better researcher than administrator, and it would make sense for him to focus on what he does best. I’d recommend Bostrom and FHI consider having Bostrom step down as director.
Edit: Sean adds a valuable perspective that I highly recommend reading, highlighting Bostrom’s contributions to creating a unique research environment. He suggests co-directorship as an alternative to consider to Bostrom stepping down.
This post argues that:
Bostrom’s micromanagement has led to FHI having staff retention problems.
Under his leadership, there have been considerable tensions with Oxford University and a hiring freeze.
In his racist apology, Bostrom failed to display tact, wisdom and awareness.
Furthermore, this apology has created a breach between FHI and its closest collaborators and funders.
Both the mismanagement of staff and the tactless apology caused researchers to renounce.
While I’d love for FHI staff to comment and add more context, all of this matches my impressions.
Given this, I stand with the message of the post. Bostrom has been a better researcher than administrator, and it would make sense for him to focus on what he does best. I’d recommend Bostrom and FHI consider having Bostrom step down as director.
Edit: Sean adds a valuable perspective that I highly recommend reading, highlighting Bostrom’s contributions to creating a unique research environment. He suggests co-directorship as an alternative to consider to Bostrom stepping down.