Statecraft

Dan Wang, author of 'Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future,' brings a fresh perspective from his decade in China. He explores the intriguing role of lawyers in U.S. governance versus technocrats in China, offering insights into their impacts on infrastructure. The conversation delves into the complexities of iPhone manufacturing relocation, the chilling legacy of China's one-child policy, and the challenges faced by Chinese nationals seeking freedom. Wang's multi-faceted view enables a compelling comparison of Chinese and American political cultures.

Judge Glock, an economic historian and Director of Research at the Manhattan Institute, dives into civil service reform, spotlighting state-level reforms since the 1990s that enhance hiring and firing flexibility. He discusses how states like Texas and Florida have adopted at-will employment, contrasting this with the rigid federal hiring process. Judge emphasizes the improved effectiveness seen in state governments, while addressing the lack of politicization that federal reforms fear. His insights challenge conventional wisdom about government HR practices.

Dr. Rob Johnston, an intelligence community veteran and author of "Analytic Culture in the US Intelligence Community," dives deep into the art and science of intelligence analysis. He explores the reasons behind the frequent mispredictions in intelligence and the challenges of finding analysts with the right linguistic skills. Johnston emphasizes the need for cognitive diversity and improved communication between analysts and policymakers. Additionally, he critiques the CIA's reliance on technology over human intelligence and advocates for systemic changes to enhance analytical capabilities.

In this discussion, Dean Karlan, a renowned development economist and former chief economist at USAID, dives deep into the challenges facing foreign aid. He shares insights on ethical dilemmas in prioritizing aid and the need for evidence-based interventions. Karlan critiques USAID's reliance on large contractors and emphasizes the importance of accountability through impact evaluations. He advocates for innovative strategies to enhance the effectiveness of foreign aid, calling for a shift away from the status quo towards evidence-driven approaches that foster sustainable development.

Alon Levy, a transit guru and expert in urban rail megaprojects, dives into the potential of high-speed rail on the Northeast Corridor. He discusses how this project could be built for under $20 billion, a fraction of Amtrak's estimates. Levy shares insights on the need for efficient operations and infrastructure management, and the role of maintenance in ensuring a successful rail system. He also highlights the challenges of U.S. high-speed rail versus international standards, emphasizing the importance of coordination among various agencies for effective implementation.

Delve into fascinating insights from the U.S. Constitutional Convention! Discover how key figures navigated disagreements to lay the groundwork for governance. Explore the importance of social dynamics, pre-planning, and effective communication in shaping a united vision. Learn from the challenges faced by delegates and how their strategies offer timeless lessons for modern governance. This reflection ties personal experiences with a DAO's unique quest to acquire a historic document, bridging history and contemporary issues!

Jason Matheny, former director of IARPA and head of the RAND Corporation, explores the future of forecasting and its impact on policymaking. He discusses how even minor improvements in predictive accuracy can save billions. Matheny delves into the unique innovations at IARPA, the advantages democracies have over autocracies, and critiques of digital design. He highlights the significance of integrating human judgment with machine learning and emphasizes trust and collaboration in national security, all while stressing the need for better decision-making tools in government.

Join Sir Rory Collins, principal investigator of UK Biobank and expert in health research, as he dives into a fascinating discussion about building long-term scientific initiatives. He shares insights on the challenges of securing support for a groundbreaking database tracking half a million participants over decades. Learn how this massive undertaking has revolutionized health studies and democratized access to invaluable data. Rory also emphasizes the importance of altruism among participants and the necessity of diverse biobanks for comprehensive health research.

Joel Burke, an expert on Estonia's digital transformation and author of 'Rebooting a Nation', discusses the country's revolutionary e-government model. He reveals how Estonia enables citizens to manage their bureaucratic tasks online efficiently. The conversation highlights Estonia's remarkable post-Soviet renaissance, the innovative technologies behind its e-government, and how this model could inspire changes in Western governance. Privacy, transparency, and the balance of data centralization are also key themes, offering valuable insights for improving governmental processes.

Randy Clarke, the head of DC’s Metro system, has transformed the struggling transit network since taking over. In this insightful discussion, he shares his strategies for enhancing safety and speed without compromising service. Clarke delves into fare enforcement's impact on public safety and revenue, the complexities of a $5 billion budget, and the importance of innovative urban planning. Learn how he's navigating challenges while prioritizing passenger experience and modernizing the Metro for a brighter future.