Building The Future: Freedom, Prosperity, And Foreign Policy With Dan Runde

In this episode, Dan is joined by Michael Leifman and Marco Annunziata, cohosts of M4Edge, a podcast that analyzes how technology impacts global economies. Dan and his guests discuss the ways that new technologies are going to evolve in developing countries, and how governments can support these efforts. The speakers highlight which technologies they think offer the most potential for economic growth and lifting people out of poverty. They also observe how many countries are unable to introduce new technologies because they do not have the regulatory policies in place to support technologies such as driverless cars. Lastly, they analyze concerns over how new technologies could be used with the military and security sector. Please listen to the full podcast to hear more.

In this episode, Dan is joined by Brian Chatwin, president of Right Country Lists, to discuss how financial factors can drive political campaign structures. They examine advertising methods, the weaponization of donor transparency, and how privacy laws affect international election processes. Their conversation then shifts to a discussion about whether there is genuinely too much money in politics and the importance of an open and fair election process.

In this episode, Dan is joined by Patrick Awuah, the founder and president of Ashesi University in Ghana. Dan and Patrick discuss Patrick’s recently published chapter in a book entitled Practicing Development: Upending Assumptions for Positive Change. They also discuss Africa’s youth employment challenge, how education and economic development are complementary, and the changing attitudes around the role of higher education institutions in international development. Patrick describes how Ashesi University has a unique higher education model and is an incubator for African youth entrepreneurship. Additionally, they analyze domestic resource mobilization and democracy trends in sub-Saharan Africa, and the new African free trade agreement.

In this episode, Dan is joined by Dr. Jonathan Ward, author of China’s Vision of Victory, to discuss China’s ambitions for the world and how the United States should respond. Jonathan explains that in order to continue leading a free world, the United States must focus on the source of China’s strength: its economic might. His recommendations include the United States more effectively trading with its allies, integrating its allies in Europe and in Japan, and ramping up funding for research and development.

In this episode, Dan is joined by Catherine Bertini, former executive director of the World Food Programme, as they discuss Catherine’s recent report for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs entitled, “Leading Change in UN Organizations.” The conversation is focused broadly on what it means to lead a UN organization. They discuss Catherine’s recommendations for reforms within the UN system, specifically targeted to incoming heads of UN agencies to maximize success in the first one hundred days in their roles. Additionally, they discuss Catherine’s distinguished career and her important work on improving gender parity within UN agencies.

In this episode, Dan is joined by Rick Rossow, CSIS Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies, as they host two senior bureaucrats from the Indian state of Kerala, Tom Jose and Sanjeev Kaushik. They all discuss how Kerala is becoming a force to be reckoned with and how infrastructure development can take them to the next level. Additionally, they explain why transportation, water, and solid waste management are of high priority for the state; and the role of various development partners in financing Kerala's infrastructure plans.

In this episode, Dan sits down with Dean Piedmont, Senior Advisor for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) at Creative Associates, where Mr. Piedmont leads the charge in implementing DDR programs in various countries. Dan and Mr. Piedmont discuss the trends, challenges, and successes of past DDR programs, and how they can be redesigned for integration into Afghanistan. Their conversation touches on the critical role of stakeholders and builds a potential strategy for an Afghanistan program.

In this episode, Dan is joined by Pablo Maldonado. Mr. Maldonado led a comprehensive study of unique factors that are driving migration from the Northern Triangle, including vicitmization, household income, and international relations. Much of the extensive data analysis is presented in Creative Associates International's report, "Saliendo Adelante: Why migrants risk it all," which Dan and Pablo will discuss. Pablo Maldonado is Chief Operating Officer of Creative Associates International, where he directs three program divisions including Education for Development, Communities in Transition, and Economic Growth. Mr. Maldonado also directs Creative's Business Development Division.

In this episode, Dan sits down with Sean Cairncross, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). As CEO, Mr. Cairncross leads the agency and provides strategic direction and vision as MCC fulfills its mission of reducing poverty through economic growth and advancing America’s interests around the globe. Dan and Mr. Cairncross discuss the recent MCC-Cote D’Ivoire compact, the addition of regional compacts, the MCC model, and beyond. They also analyze how the MCC integrates accountability and sustainability mechanisms into their agenda and how its threshold programs lead to successful country compacts.

In this episode Dan sits down with the Swiss Ambassador to the US, Martin Dahinden. Ambassador Dahinden began his diplomatic service in 1987, has headed many European oriented institutions such as the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining, and is currently exiting his position as Swiss Ambassador to the US. In this interview, our speakers overview the career of a successful diplomat, discuss Swiss neutrality and its purpose along with the role of Switzerland on the international stage, and teach us about the specificities and benefits of Swiss apprenticeships, and the importance of maintaining Swiss-US relationships.

In this episode, Dan sits down for a second time with Whit Ayres, author of 2016 and Beyond: How Republicans Can Elect a President in the New America, to discuss the issues facing the current U.S. political climate. Whit delivers his research on the uniqueness of national security and foreign policy issues in the context of politics, and how public opinion in these areas is more easily swayed. Dan and Whit also address the role of trade, China, and isolationism in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world by tracing a link between US humanitarian aid abroad, national security, and international image. Whit also speculates on what outcomes and issues are likely to be faced by political candidates in the 2020 elections.

In this episode, Dan interviews Alex Kitain, Chief of Party for DAI’s Revenue Generation for Governance and Growth (RG3) project in Liberia, and John Yates, Global Practice Lead for Public Financial Management at DAI. Alex and John both supported our recent report, Rethinking Taxes and Development: Incorporating Political Economy Considerations in DRM Strategies. Development programs focused on increasing domestic resource mobilization require relatively small amounts of funding and can dramatically improve the amount of money collected by governments. For example, Georgia was able to increase its domestic revenue by close to $4 billion between 2005 and 2011 with USAID’s support. Listen to the full podcast to hear more about how building strong tax administrations can help build countries’ self-reliance and reduce their dependence on foreign assistance.

In this episode of Building the Future, Dan hosts Father Daniel Mode, a Catholic priest who serves the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Fr. Mode describes his life as a Navy chaplain, his love of flying, and his fellowship with the Religious Freedom Institute. Fr. Mode is also the author of a recent publication entitled “The Intersection of U.S. National Security Strategy and Religious Freedom.” Listen to the full podcast to hear more about Fr. Mode’s interesting career in military and religious life.

In this episode, Dan interviews Raj Kumar, the founding president and editor-in-chief of Devex. Raj is also the author of a new book, "The Business of Changing the World". 10 percent of the world is still living in extreme poverty. At the same time, billionaires are beginning to give at the same level of governments. Dan and Raj discuss how the aid sector will be disrupted, in coming years, due to how involved billionaires are becoming in the aid process and the growth of social entrepreneurship. Listen to the full podcast to hear more about the book and recent changes in global development.  

In this podcast, Dan has the chance to speak with Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of the Center of Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Bradley spent nearly nine years in the U.S. Senate including serving as National Security Advisor to Senator Kelly Ayotte (NH) and Senator Todd Young (IN). Bradley shares advice for recent graduates looking to get started on Capitol Hill and his experience working for members of the Senate Foreign Relations and Senate Armed Services Committees. Prior to his life on Capitol Hill, Bradley was an active duty officer in the U.S. Army for more than 15 years including serving as a Blackhawk pilot. Listen to the full podcast to hear about the important role that development and soft power has in U.S. national security strategies. This podcast was recorded on March 5, 2019.

In this podcast, Dan is joined by Brigit Helms who has nearly 30 years of experience pioneering innovative approaches to financial inclusion. Brigit discusses her new book, Access for All: Building Inclusive Economic Systems, and the importance of promoting inclusive economic development. Today, a wider range of players seek profit with a purpose, including millennials, institutional investors, and corporates. Brigit shares her thoughts on how inclusive economic systems can offer pathways out of poverty, primarily through access to services and jobs. Please listen to the full podcast below to hear more.

In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Ulrika Modéer, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy. Dan and Ulrika discuss the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role that governments around the world, international organizations, and the private sector will play in achieving the Goals. They also discuss global migration and how the international migration system will have to deal with refugees and migrants today and in the future.

In this podcast, Dan sits down with Larry Cooley, founder of MSI (now a part of Tetra Tech) and current President Emeritus and Senior Advisor. Before founding MSI, Larry worked at the World Bank, UN Development Programme, Practical Concepts, and as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Dan and Larry discuss the importance of including monitoring and evaluating in development programs. What can you learn from pilot programs? How much of projects should be spent on monitoring and evaluating? How can you scale up projects? Click here to listen to the full podcast.  

This week, Dan is joined by General Kip Ward to talk about civilian-military collaboration in Africa. General Ward was the inaugural commander of the U.S. Africa Command and has four decades of military experience, serving in Korea, Egypt, Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Palestine, and Germany. General Ward shares his thoughts on the forced migration crisis in Africa, the security challenges in the Horn of Africa, and the rising influence of China in Africa. General Ward also shares stories about collaborating with development agencies on the ground to help communities rebuild after stability is achieved. Please listen to the full podcast to hear more.

This week, Dan is joined by Dr. Kerry Healey, President of Babson College. In this podcast, Dr. Healey discusses her path from 70th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts to first female president of Babson College. Babson is a small liberal arts school located in Wellesley, Massachusetts that is world-renowned for its entrepreneurship education. Dr. Healey’s initiatives like the Global Scholars program have helped globalize the student body at Babson; international students now comprise 28 percent of the student body, with 87 different countries represented in 2018 alone. Under Dr. Healey, Babson has spread its entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge abroad through 14 MOOCs (massive online open courses) that have reached 150,000 students in 226 countries and districts around the world.