Jennifer Pahlka, a former deputy CTO under Obama and founder of Code for America, teams up with Andrew Greenway, a co-founder of Public Digital, to discuss the intricacies of state capacity. They explore why this topic is gaining traction in the UK while addressing the U.S. government's shortcomings. The duo shares insights on transforming digital services, the impact of civil service reforms, and the pressing need for collaboration to effectively tackle unemployment insurance. Their expertise shines a light on innovative strategies for rebuilding public trust.

James Coleman, a University of Minnesota professor specializing in energy infrastructure; Adam White, Executive Director at George Mason University focusing on regulatory law; and Nicholas Bagley, a University of Michigan legal expert, delve into critical aspects of administrative law. They discuss the challenges posed by the National Environmental Policy Act, the growing power of a White House office, and the implications of recent court cases for environmental regulations. The trio also explores potential reforms for environmental reviews that could reshape infrastructure development in America.

Edward Luttwak, a renowned author and strategist, discusses wild experiences from his life, including interactions with global figures like Putin. He outlines modern coup mechanics and reflects on how he's contributed to a decline in such events. Delving into CIA recruitment challenges, Luttwak critiques current methods while drawing parallels with the Mossad. He also shares insights on military dynamics in Ukraine, China's demographic challenges, and the unexpected impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems.

Nicholas Bagley, former General Counsel to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, highlights the bureaucratic entanglements hampering government effectiveness. Kathy Stack and Jenny Mattingley, veterans of the Office of Management and Budget, discuss the outdated regulations that complicate federal funding processes. They delve into the Paperwork Reduction Act's shortcomings and the need for inter-agency collaboration to streamline data collection. The trio emphasizes the urgent need for reforming bureaucratic structures to enhance policy outcomes and restore public trust in government.

I’ve been trying to get a conversation with today’s interviewee, Eric Van Gieson, PhD, since March. Van Gieson is a remarkable character, with a crazy CV: more than 25 years of experience in developing medical technology, and stints at multiple federal agencies including DARPA.A lot of people have spilled a lot of ink discussing what went wrong during COVID, but I think what Van Gieson lays out here is close to a comprehensive account of the reasons we blew it, and how not to blow it in the future.We discuss:* Why is the federal “pandemic preparedness” apparatus so sprawling?* Why haven’t we learned from COVID mistakes, or even run reviews on what went wrong?* How would you revamp the federal apparatus to be ready for the next pandemic?* We don’t test whether generic drugs can fight pathogens. Why not??* How did Van Gieson and colleagues ship a flying Ebola hospital in 6 weeks?* How can we make sure DARPA-developed biotech doesn’t end up in the hands of adversaries? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.statecraft.pub

Chris Anderson, former DoD program manager and COO at Troika Solutions, shares his insights on the evolution of military drone technology, especially the Switchblade kamikaze drone. He discusses the birth of the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group and the challenges faced in Iraq and Afghanistan. The conversation highlights the differences in drone use between Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, and critiques the military's cautious approach to adopting risky technologies, underscoring the need for flexible strategies in asymmetric warfare.

Trae Stephens, a general partner at Founders Fund and co-founder of Anduril, teams up with Michael Kratsios, former U.S. Chief Technology Officer, to tackle pressing issues in the defense sector. They reveal the shortcomings of the defense industrial base and discuss innovative strategies to maintain competitiveness against China. With a focus on revitalizing American manufacturing and leveraging new technologies, they explore how modern warfare demands a shift in defense spending. The conversation also highlights the challenges of attracting tech talent for public service.

Ben Jones, an economist specializing in economic growth and a former Senior Economist at the White House, dives into the critical role of federal spending on science and its link to productivity growth. He discusses how government structure affects economic outcomes and the impacts of private sector R&D. The conversation addresses challenges young scientists face in securing funding, the promise of AI in innovation, and the necessity for greater federal investment in research to drive long-term progress. A thought-provoking look at the intersection of economics and scientific enterprise!

Dr. Jeffrey Freeman, Director of the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, discusses the urgent need to prepare healthcare systems for mass casualties in potential conflicts. He emphasizes the logistical challenges and the risk of current frameworks collapsing under pressure. The conversation also touches on necessary reforms for private sector hospitals, the unpredictability of crises, and the vulnerabilities of digital systems in wartime. Freeman highlights the potential scale of conflicts and the imperative to enhance adaptability in healthcare institutions.

In this engaging discussion, John D. Graham, former OIRA Administrator under George W. Bush and a regulatory policy expert, sheds light on the inner workings of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. He shares insights on the evolution of cost-benefit analysis, the agencies that often resist OIRA, and the persistent challenge of command and control regulations. Graham also compares his regulatory philosophies with Dick Cheney's and highlights the intriguing dynamics of navigating regulatory politics within the government.