Statecraft

Pierre Azoulay, an economist from MIT Sloan, and Dan Gross, a business professor at Duke, delve into the complexities of science funding. They discuss the proposed 15% cap on indirect costs, which could reshape how universities conduct research. Their empirical study reveals the opaque nature of funding overhead and its implications for research infrastructure. They argue the necessity of federal funding for comprehensive research efforts and warn that capping indirect costs may disadvantage critical, capital-intensive projects.

David Schleicher, a Yale Law School professor and expert in local government finance, joins to tackle the pressing issues surrounding municipal pensions and potential bailouts. He discusses why many pension funds are struggling, using Chicago's unique situation as a focal point. The conversation dives into the morality of bailouts, the hidden debt tactics cities employ, and how pension crises impact public services. Schleicher also proposes what a federal response could look like, blending bailouts with necessary reforms to avoid moral hazard.

Judd Devermont, a seasoned Africa policy expert and former Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, dives deep into U.S. diplomacy in Africa. He discusses the importance of 'care and feeding' in building relationships and critiques the diminishing focus on Africa in presidential agendas. Judd analyzes the challenges in dealing with coup leaders, the limitations of envoy roles, and the need for more flexible diplomatic tools. He also emphasizes the significance of balancing values and geostrategic interests in America's approach to African nations.

Maria Torres-Springer, a veteran public official in New York City, shares her insights from serving under three mayors. She discusses the management philosophies of Bloomberg and the operational strategies under de Blasio and Adams. Torres-Springer emphasizes the importance of hiring for mission and resilience, the benefits of open office communication, and innovative housing reforms through the 'City of Yes' initiative. Additionally, she addresses challenges within NYCHA and underscores the need for optimism and visionary leadership to attract families back to the city.

Michael Kratsios, the White House's top science and technology advisor, discusses key insights on AI and emerging tech policy. He outlines the administration's ambitious AI Action Plan, emphasizing innovation and infrastructure. Kratsios explains the drive for a golden age of American innovation and the need for new funding models in research. He touches on balancing tech exports with national sovereignty, the importance of public engagement in policy-making, and challenges in recruiting technical talent for government. His vision includes fostering collaboration to enhance U.S. leadership in science and technology.

Will Poff-Webster, former legislative counsel, brings insider knowledge on the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act that aims to tackle the national housing crisis. Alex Armlovich, a seasoned housing policy analyst, breaks down the difference between affordability and supply shortages. Brian Potter shares insights on manufactured housing and its potential impact on costs. Together, they discuss how unexpected political alliances helped pass this comprehensive bill, its key provisions, and the implications for housing policy across the U.S.

Bobby Fijan, co-founder of the American Housing Corporation, dives into the critical issue of family housing in urban areas. He shares insights from his research on why modern apartments often cater more to roommates than families. Bobby reveals how the financial crisis led to smaller units and why families prioritize extra bedrooms above amenities like yards. He discusses potential zoning solutions and argues for returning to proven pre-war designs. His passion to adapt cities for families could be the key to keeping them from moving to the suburbs.

Anup Malani, a Professor of Law at the University of Chicago and the first Chief Economist at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, dives into the complexities of American healthcare. He discusses why the U.S. spends so much yet struggles with life expectancy, exploring issues like Medicare fraud and the incentives driving up costs. Anup also highlights ways to curb expenses using site-neutral payments, the impact of demographics on spending, and innovative approaches to drug pricing and health data interoperability.

Zach Liscow, a Yale Law School professor and former Chief Economist at the Office of Management and Budget, sheds light on America’s staggering infrastructure costs. He discusses the reasons behind these expenses, specifically the regulatory and procurement hurdles that inflate prices. Comparing subway construction costs, he points out that New York’s expenses far exceed those of Paris. Liscow explains how retiring engineers and talent retention issues exacerbate the problem, calling for better data and reforms to streamline processes and improve outcomes.

Dean Ball, a former senior policy advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, discusses the intricacies of crafting the AI Action Plan. He highlights the challenges of interagency cooperation and the role of political support in implementing federal AI strategies. The conversation delves into Republican perspectives on AI safety and the impact of governance dynamics within the Trump administration. Ball also explores the complexities of navigating information flow in government and the urgent need for comprehensive policies in the evolving tech landscape.