Statecraft

Jo Freeman, a founding member of the women’s liberation movement and a political scientist, discusses the distinct organizational dynamics of the Democratic and Republican parties. She reveals why their internal conflicts play out so differently, with Democrats thriving on public disputes. Freeman highlights the transformative impact of the women's movement on the Democratic Party and questions the fading significance of convention caucuses. The conversation also explores the concept of 'trashing' within feminist circles, exposing the irony of how success can lead to negative labeling among women.

Diego Ruiz, former executive director of the SEC during the 2008 financial crisis, shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience in government affairs. He discusses the SEC's struggle to self-fund and the political dynamics during budget negotiations, emphasizing the pitfalls of resource constraints. Ruiz reflects on the agency's handling of the Bernie Madoff scandal and the challenges of staffing amid crises. He also speculates on the future of agency rulemaking, particularly in light of changing political landscapes.

Diego Ruiz, a political strategist with deep experience in US and Central American elections, shares insights from his storied career. He discusses winning strategies for congressional races in Miami and reflects on a presidential election triumph in Nicaragua, revealing how unconventional tactics, like leveraging celebrities, influenced voter turnout. Additionally, he explores the concept of 'burrowing in' within civil service and advocates for a model based on military base closures to enhance governmental efficiency.

Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass and expert in government efficiency, dives into the inner workings of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He discusses the hurdles in firing federal employees and innovative ways to save taxpayer money. Oren reveals the dynamics between West Coast and East Coast approaches within DOGE and emphasizes the importance of ambitious goals in federal contracting. His insights into balancing deregulation with state investment highlight the crucial role government can play in fostering innovation.

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.