Statecraft

Dr. Arun Seraphin, a former commissioner on a blue ribbon commission for military procurement reforms, dives into the challenges of government defense spending. He discusses the crucial role of high-level commissions and the need for better collaboration between the Pentagon and Congress. Seraphin highlights modernizing IT systems to enhance financial management and examines the rise of directed energy weapons. He also contrasts the Pentagon’s military focus with Congress’s perspectives on China as a strategic adversary, emphasizing the integration of economic and military strategies.

James Phillips, formerly the science and tech adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and a renowned systems neuroscientist, shares insights on revolutionizing British science and innovation. He discusses the formation of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, advocating for a nimble approach to research funding. Phillips also reflects on crisis management lessons from the pandemic and critiques the British civil service's bureaucracy. He emphasizes the need for empowering young scientists and establishing diverse research institutions to enhance innovation.

Daniel Golliher, who runs Maximum New York, chats about the mechanics of governance. They discuss the unique challenges of interviewing government officials, the decline of local journalism, and how New York City transformed from near-bankruptcy to a vibrant metropolis. Golliher reveals insights into the complexities of statecraft, the significance of transparency, and the vital role of factual integrity in engaging audiences. The conversation also emphasizes the power of narrative in reshaping public understanding of governance.

Matt Lira, a seasoned insider on Capitol Hill and in the White House, dives into Congress's struggle with technology. He discusses why the institution is slow to embrace new tools that could streamline operations. Hear about a pioneering Congressman who introduced live-streaming for hearings and ponder if a Google Docs-style comment system could revolutionize legislation. Lira even imagines Davy Crockett's social media vibe, highlighting the need for Congress to modernize its engagement and communication strategies.

Russ Vought, former director of the Office of Management and Budget under Trump and now leading the Center for Renewing America, dives deep into the complexities of presidential authority. He discusses the OMB's critical balancing act between political influences and professional management. Vought reflects on the implications of Congress's oversight, the impeachment saga surrounding Ukraine, and the need for a revitalized approach to budget management to uphold the president's agenda. His insights into governance and security highlight the current challenges facing the executive branch.

In this engaging discussion, Ernie Tedeschi, former Chief Economist at the Council of Economic Advisers and current Director of Economics at The Budget Lab, dives into the intricacies of inflation reporting. He reveals the factors driving inflation and addresses the tools economists have—or wish they had—for effective analysis. The conversation also uncovers how high interest rates are impacting consumer sentiment and highlights the concerning trend of men dropping out of the labor force, sparking a call for policy action.

Dr. Sandeep Patel, former Director of BARDA's DRIVe, shares insights from his leadership role during the COVID-19 response. He discusses how BARDA functions like a biotech venture capital firm, bridging the funding gap for crucial biomedical innovations. The conversation dives into the challenges of federal hiring, the importance of attracting top talent, and the innovative funding models developed for health security. Patel also highlights the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to create sustainable solutions for future pandemics.

Arnab Datta, an expert in infrastructure policy, and Skanda Amarnath, a macroeconomic policy specialist, dive into the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in stabilizing oil markets. They propose a novel idea: leveraging the SPR strategically to support American industry and manage oil price volatility. The discussion highlights the historical underutilization of the SPR, the impact of geopolitical events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and innovative strategies for future oil acquisitions. They also explore how intelligent policy advocacy can influence market dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, historian John Milton Cooper Jr., a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his biography of Woodrow Wilson, unpacks the mystery of Wilson's 1919 stroke and its shocking cover-up. He reveals how Edith Wilson controlled the narrative, hiding crucial information from Congress and the media. The psychological shifts in the president and the implications for governance are explored, alongside the tension between Wilson and his advisers. Cooper also dives into the constitutional dilemmas that surfaced during this critical time, making for a riveting historical analysis.

Matthew Meselson, a pivotal figure in banning biological weapons research and investigator of the Sverdlovsk anthrax outbreak, shares gripping insights. He discusses the confusion around the deaths in 1979 and the Soviet cover-up. Meselson details his collaboration with the CIA and the challenging journey to investigate the incident firsthand. He draws parallels between Sverdlovsk and the COVID lab leak theory, highlighting failures in containment and secrecy. His anecdotes reveal the complicated interplay between science, diplomacy, and Cold War politics.