Statecraft

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.

Sam Hammond, a Senior Economist focusing on AI policy, and Jen Pahlka, a prominent advocate for improving government through technology, explore the contentious landscape of state capacity. They discuss the ideological divides between left and right and ponder whether AI might render these debates obsolete. The conversation delves into historical lessons from the Progressive Era, bipartisan avenues for reform, and the challenges posed by outdated governance systems, all while emphasizing the critical need for effective technology integration in government.

Jonathan Luff, a former British diplomat, shares his experiences leading the UK’s bid for the 2018 World Cup. He sheds light on the complexities and challenges of the bidding process, including ethical dilemmas and the opaque FIFA voting methods. Luff discusses British soft power, the nation’s economic stagnation, and contrasts UK and US diplomatic approaches. He reflects on the impact of past policies, questioning whether previous strategies were misguided and emphasizing the importance of integrity in international sports diplomacy.

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.