Statecraft

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.

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.