Statecraft

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.

Dr. Matthew Meselson, known for DNA research, influenced Nixon to ban toxins. Learn how Hungarian lunch ladies and Michael Crichton played a role. Explore the impact on diplomacy and honesty in international relations. Discover the guest's background and productivity in science, including studying classic literature. Uncover the link between a lethal disease outbreak, monkeys, and transportation from Africa to Ancient Athens.

Cecilia Muñoz, former Director of the Domestic Policy Council under President Obama, sheds light on the often-overlooked role of this critical office. She discusses the key differences between the Biden and Obama transitions, the challenges of bureaucratic delays in policy implementation, and why some decisions never reach the president. Muñoz also explores the importance of inter-agency coordination, local government partnerships, and how personal relationships can influence major legislative outcomes.

Chris Snyder, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute for Progress and an economics professor at Dartmouth, dives deep into Advanced Market Commitments (AMCs). He discusses the unexpected collaboration of the U.S. and Russia in funding innovations. Snyder reveals why certain diseases like malaria didn't get AMCs, while cancer and Alzheimer’s may be poor candidates. He explores the complexities of vaccine funding and the vital role of organizations like the Gates Foundation in enhancing vaccine distribution, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to health challenges.

Laura Thomas, a former CIA case officer and Chief of Base in Afghanistan, shares her insights from over 17 years in national security. She discusses the inner workings of a CIA base and the complexities of balancing human intelligence with technology. Thomas delves into the intelligence failures surrounding the fall of Kabul, critiquing both the decision-making processes and cultural challenges faced. She also highlights the importance of local knowledge in foreign intervention and the ongoing struggles to cultivate expertise within government agencies.