ChinaTalk RAND's Jeff Alstott on How Facts Can Shape Tech Policymaking
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Oct 3, 2025 Jeff Alstott, founding director of RAND’s Center for Technology and Security Policy, shares his insights on the crucial role of facts in shaping tech and national security policy. He discusses the challenges of educating policymakers about emerging tech like AI and the importance of understanding mental models in decision-making. Alstott also reflects on his career at RAND, the value of classified work, and the potential of AI companions in society. His thoughts on anticipating future risks and tailoring analysis for decision-makers offer a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of technology policy.
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Analysis Lowers Policy Activation Energy
- Analysis lowers the activation energy for policymakers to select and enact policies.
- Good analysis targets decisions and arguments that make policy adoption easier.
Facts Versus Competing Mental Models
- We're not uniquely post-facts compared to past US eras; disagreements often reflect differing priorities and models.
- Facts can be wrong and experts sometimes ask people to trust imperfect analyses.
Produce Answers Before Policymakers Need Them
- Anticipate future policy questions and produce answers before policymakers need them.
- Skate to where the puck is going so your analysis is ready when decision windows open.
