Building the Future: Freedom, Prosperity, and Foreign Policy with Dan Runde
Hosted by Dan Runde, William A. Schreyer Chair and Director of the Project on Prosperity and Development at CSIS, this podcast explores the intersection of global development, foreign policy, and national security. Each episode features conversations with leading experts from government, the private sector, and international organizations, discussing today's most pressing challenges and opportunities. The show aims to provide insights into how policy decisions affect prosperity and stability around the world.
Episodes
Shaping the Future of Financial Services Through Innovative Technologies
Innovative technologies are penetrating all sectors and all countries, including the financial services industry. In this episode, CSIS Senior Fellow Romina Bandura and Hedera Chief Policy Officer Nilmini Rubin discuss how innovative technologies can build the next generation of financial services. The conversation centers around the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and tokenization, alo
Shaping Tomorrow: USAID’s Digital Future with Chris Burns
In this episode of Building the Future, Romina Bandura is joined by Chris Burns, Chief Digital Development Officer for USAID and the Director of the Technology Division, to discuss USAID’s work on digital development and dive deeper into USAID’s 10-year Digital Strategy for 2024-2034.
Bridging the Gender Digital Divide with Jamie Zimmerman
In this episode of Building the Future, Guest Host Romina Bandura, Senior Fellow at the CSIS Project on Prosperity and Development, is joined by Jamie Zimmerman, the Deputy Director of Digital Connectivity at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss opportunities and challenges related to the gender divide in digital services in low- and middle-income countries, and the role various insti
Digital Transformation and Digital Public Infrastructure in India with Shatakratu Sahu
In this episode of Building the Future, Guest Host Romina Bandura, Senior Fellow at the CSIS Project on Prosperity and Development, is joined by Shatakratu Sahu, a research analyst and convener of the Global Technology Summit at Carnegie India, to discuss the role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in the Indian context, and what Sahu sees as the opportunities and challenges that DPI brings to
The Historical Appeal of Foreign Dictators among American Conservatives with Jacob Heilbrunn
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Jacob Heilbrunn from The National Interest to discuss his new book, America Last: The Right's Century-Long Romance with Foreign Dictators, and talk about the implications for American politics today.
Climate-Related Migration and Adaptation Funding with Sarah Bermeo and Kerilyn Schewel
In this episode of Building the Future, guest host Noam Unger is joined by Sarah Bermeo and Kerilyn Schewel, co-directors of the Duke Program on Climate-Related Migration, as they draw on their research in Central America and Ethiopia to discuss the effect of climate on migration, forecast models, adaptation funding, and aid allocation.
Creating an International Anti-Corruption Court with Judge Mark Wolf
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Judge Mark Wolf, Chair of Integrity Initiatives International, to discuss his judicial career and his advocacy for the creation of the International Anti-Corruption Court.
A Conservative Policy Approach to the New Cold War against China with Dan Negrea and Matthew Kroenig
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dan Negrea and Matthew Kroenig from the Atlantic Council to discuss their new book, We Win, They Lose: Republican Foreign Policy and the New Cold War.
Leading Private Investment in Global Nutritional Security with Drs. Antonio Tataranni and Marianne O'Shea
In this episode of Building the Future, guest host Caitlin Welsh is joined by PepsiCo's Chief Medical Officer and R&D Senior Vice President of Life Sciences, Dr. Antonio Tataranni, and PepsiCo's R&D Vice President of Life Sciences, Dr. Marianne O'Shea, to discuss the impact of PepsiCo's malnutrition intervention programs, Quaker Qrece and Quaker Bowl of Growth, and its commitment to advancing glob
Private Equity Investment and Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa with Drs. Louise Fox and Michael Nicholson
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dr. Louise Fox and Dr. Michael Nicholson to discuss their recently published report, Are private equity investments financing the SDGs in sub-Saharan Africa? and how African countries can attract more of these investments.
Diplomacy in Latin America with former U. S. Ambassador Luigi Einaudi
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by former U. S. Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, author of Learning Diplomacy: An Oral History, to discuss his book and reflect on his diplomatic career in Latin America. He shares his experiences at the State Department, the Organization of American States (OAS), and as Special Envoy, where he played a crucial role in ending the war between Ecuador a
The Key Role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Global Development with Priya Vora
In this episode of Building the Future, guest host Romina Bandura is joined by Managing Director of the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL), Priya Vora, to discuss the role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in global development and the ways in which the United States can help promote standards of interoperability, financial inclusion, public trust, and good governance both at home and abroad.
How to Evaluate and Measure Long-Term Aid Development Projects with William Warshauer
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by President and CEO of TechnoServe, William Warshauer, to discuss why Warshauer sees the institutionalization of long-term metrics as critical to the future of international development and ending poverty.
Congressional Visit to Ukraine, Poland, and Moldova with Elizabeth Hoffman
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by CSIS’s Director of Congressional Affairs, Elizabeth Hoffman, to discuss their takeaways from the recent Congressional staff delegation they led to Ukraine, Poland, and Moldova, and the importance of decision-makers to witness the impact of Congressionally appropriated aid to the war effort.
Shifting Mindsets to Enable Entrepreneurship in the Developing World with Professors Shad Morris and Chad Carlos
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Brigham Young University Professors Shad Morris and Chad Carlos to discuss their recently published study, The Impact of Growth Mindset on Entrepreneurial Action Among Necessity Entrepreneurs, and its implications for future development work.
Freedom as a Path to Prosperity with Dan Negrea and Joseph Lemoine
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dan Negrea and Joseph Lemoine of the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center to discuss their publication, Prosperity that Lasts: The 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes and its implications for researchers and policymakers alike.
Critical Minerals and National Security with Veronika Shime
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Veronika Shime to delve into why critical minerals are so important to U.S. national security and what steps policymakers should consider to protect and promote the domestic mining and processing industries.
Russia's Democratic Future with Ilya Ponomarev
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Ilya Ponomarev, a former member of Russia’s parliament – the State Duma, to discuss his book Does Putin Have to Die? as well as his efforts to lay the foundations for a democratic future in Russia.
Lessons in Leadership: A Conversation with Aaron S. Williams
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Aaron S. Williams, a distinguished career diplomat and former director of the Peace Corps, to discuss his book A Life Unimagined as well as the traits necessary for good leadership.
The Importance of "Cross-Cultural" Sensitivity with Jessica Stone
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Jessica Stone of Voice of America to discuss how her experience growing up in the American South and reporting in Afghanistan and China have led her to identify "cross-cultural" dialogues as a critical component for the future of our increasingly interconnected world.
Water Strategy: Investment and Security
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Nancy Eslick of USAID who shares insights into the ways in which water strategy underpins issues such as climate resilience and international security, the need for financing and investment in water strategy, and the measures the U.S. government has taken to support global water security initiatives.
Agricultural Financing with Tim Strong and Mark Castellino
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Tim Strong and Mark Castellino of Opportunity International who share insights into agricultural financing in the developing world.
Global Water Security and Safe Water with Mary Beth Cote-Jenssen
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Mary Beth Cote-Jenssen, the Sustainability Senior Manager of Global Water Stewardship at PepsiCo, who shares insights about the importance of global water security and the role played by public-private partnerships.
Building Peace and Keeping It with Bob Berg
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Bob Berg, the Chair of Trustees for the UK non-profit Plan for Peace, who shares insights into the importance of peacebuilding, the challenges to peacekeeping, and some of the current shortcomings on the international stage, particularly in the developing world.
US-China Competition through Higher Education with Dr. William Kirby
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dr. William C. Kirby, a Professor at the Harvard Business School and of China Studies at Harvard University, who shares insights into the rise of the Chinese university system and its importance to great power competition between the United States and China.
Multi-stakeholder and Public-Private Partnerships in Food Systems of the Future
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by C.D. Glin, the president of the PepsiCo Foundation and the Global Head of Philanthropy at PepsiCo Inc, and Ginya Truitt Nakata an expert in food security and an independent consultant. C.D. and Ginya share insights on global agriculture and food security, and how the private sector has the potential to facilitate the growth of more sustainab
Diplomatic Relationships with the Vatican with Former Ambassador Francis Rooney
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Ambassador Francis Rooney, who shares insights from his experience as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See and discusses the Vatican’s role in diplomacy as found in his book, “The Global Vatican: An Inside Look at the Catholic Church, World Politics, and the Extraordinary Relationship between the United States and the Holy See.”
The Rise of Autocracies and How to Combat It: Discussing Charles Dunst's New Book
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Charles Dunst, the Deputy Director of Research & Analytics at The Asia Group, who shares insights into the global power struggle between autocracies and democracies and discusses his new book “Defeating the Dictators: How Democracy Can Prevail in the Age of the Strongman.”
Character Driven Leadership and the Ukraine Conflict with Dr. Evelyn Farkas
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dr. Evelyn Farkas, the Executive Director of the McCain Institute, a nonprofit organization that focuses on democracy, human rights, and character-driven leadership. Evelyn shares insights from her government career, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia under the Obama administration, and discus
Debt Transparency and the Future of International Development with Dr. Rafael Romeu
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dr. Rafael Romeu, the President and CEO of DevTech Systems, Inc. Rafael explains how his company helps confront the challenges facing public financial management and debt in the developing world, both of which define the future of global development.
Diversity in International Affairs with First Trip’s Dex M. Burns
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dex M. Burns, the Founder, President, and CEO of First Trip, an organization focused on diversifying the field of International Relations by alleviating barriers for underrepresented college students to travel abroad for the first time and pursue global careers.
Innovating Digital Technology in Agriculture with Agromovil’s Andrew Mack
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Andrew Mack, Founder and CEO of Agromovil. Andrew explains how his company helps connect small farmers with markets around the world and discusses the importance of digital technology in the agricultural sector, particularly in developing countries.
Insights into International Diplomacy with Catherine Ashton
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Catherine Ashton, former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to discuss her new book, And Then What. Catherine’s book draws on her experience in the role to provide insights on international diplomacy and the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for the EU and the US.
Denouncing Your Own Government with Nicaraguan Ambassador Arturo McFields
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Arturo McFields. Arturo served as the former Ambassador of Nicaragua to the Organization of American States (OAS) until his fateful decision to publicly break ranks with the government, call it a dictatorship, and denounce its human rights violations. Today, Dan and Arturo discuss that personally and nationally consequential moral decision,
Foreign Policy Lessons from the Bush Administration: Discussing Stephen Hadley's New Book Handoff
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Ambassador John Simon, Dr. Jendayi Frazer, and Bobby Pittman to discuss a recent publication by Stephen Hadley entitled, Hand-Off: The Foreign Policy George W. Bush Passed to Barack Obama. Each guest held senior roles in the Bush Administration working on development in Africa, and they speak with Dan about their roles and the foreign policy
The American Imperative: Reclaiming Global Leadership through Soft Power by Daniel F. Runde
This episode Dan Runde is interviewed by Ambassador John Simon about his new book, The American Imperative. Dan’s book explores how the US can and must use non-military, soft power tools to entrench its dominant global influence in the face of competition from China and Russia.
How the U.S Treasury Office of Technical Assistance Impacts the World's Economy with Larry McDonald
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Larry McDonald, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Treasury and leader of the U.S. Treasury Office of Technical Assistance (OTA). In this podcast, Dan and Larry discuss Larry’s career, what OTA is and does, and OTA’s role in shaping countries' economic systems and relieving the global debt crisis.
How Loans Improve Lives with Kathy Guis
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Kathy Guis, Vice President of Investments at Kiva. In this podcast, Dan and Kathy discuss what Kiva does, how loans can improve lives, and how Kiva works with institutions to foster financial inclusion.
The Globalization Myth: Why Regions Matter with Shannon O'Neil
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Shannon O'Neil, Vice President, Deputy Director of Studies, and Nelson and David Rockefeller, Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. In this podcast, Dan and Shannon discuss the reality of globalization, the impact of regional trade, and her book, The Globalization Myth: Why Regions Matter.
The Story of Opportunity with Atul Tandon
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Atul Tandon, CEO of the non-profit Opportunity International. In this podcast, Dan and Atul discuss Atul’s career path, the purpose of Opportunity International, the theory of change, and how loans can change lives.
The Importance of U.S. Congressional Support for Ukraine with Peter Roskam
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Peter Roskam. Peter is a former six-term U.S. Congressman from Illinois and is currently a Partner at Sidley Austin LLP. Peter held some of the most significant positions in Congress during his tenure from 2007 to 2019. In addition to serving in the House Leadership as the Chief Deputy Whip, he chaired three major subcommittees of the House
PADF: 60 Years Creating a Hemisphere of Opportunity, with Katie Taylor
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Katie Taylor, the Executive Director of the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF). In this podcast, Dan and Katie discuss PADF’s impact over the last 60 years, and the ongoing challenges and progress that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have seen over the past decades.
Hong Kong Two Years Later with Olivia Enos
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Olivia Enos, the new Washington Director of The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK). In this podcast, they discuss the CFHK’s work, the ongoing effects of the Chinese-imposed National Security Law (introduced to Hong Kong in 2020), the U.S.-Hong Kong relationship, and how listeners can help political prisoners in Hong Kong.
Bike Riding in Kabul: The Global Adventures of a Foreign Aid Practitioner with Jamie Bowman
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Jamie Bowman, who worked as a legal consultant across Asia, Africa, and Europe for various U.S. and international agencies. In this podcast, Dan and Jamie discuss Jamie’s career and her recently published book Bike Riding in Kabul: The Global Adventures of a Foreign Aid Practitioner.
The Case for Panama with Ambassador Ramón Eduardo Martínez de la Guardia
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Ambassador Ramón Eduardo Martínez de la Guardia, the Ambassador of Panama in the U.S. In this podcast, they discuss how Panama is a great candidate for U.S. companies to nearshore operations, opportunities for tourism in the country, and Panama’s role in advancing the global health system.
The Future of Myanmar with Erin Murphy
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Erin Murphy, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow in the Economics Program at CSIS. In this podcast, they discuss Murphy's career and her new book Burmese Haze, foreign policy and Myanmar, and Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Launch of SCIF with Harry Bader
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Harry Bader, Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation (DDI) at USAID. In this podcast, they discuss USAID’s new Supply Chain Integrity and Freedom program (SCIF).
The Road Ahead for Nicaragua with Ambassador John Feeley
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Ambassador John Feeley, former U.S. ambassador to Panama. In this podcast, they discuss Feeley's career in the foreign service, the importance of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega and his "mafia"-style dictatorship, the Vatican's relationship with Nicaragua's government, and short- and long-term solutions to the dictatorship.
Asia’s Journey to Prosperity: Lessons from Takehiko Nakao
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Takehiko Nakao, former President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In this podcast, they discuss Nakao's career in Japan's Ministry of Finance, the potential reasons why the U.S. and Japan did not join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Nakao’s various memoirs- including his recently published The Rise of Asia: Perspec
America's Great-Power Opportunity with Ali Wyne
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Ali Wyne, Senior Analyst with Eurasia Group's Global Macro practice. In this podcast, they discuss Ali’s newly published book, "America's Great-Power Opportunity: Revitalizing U.S. Foreign Policy to Meet the Challenges of Strategic Competition," how to learn from the Cold War, the future of the U.S.-China relationship, and U.S. compara
Renewing the commitment to counternarcotics: A conversation with Admiral Álvaro Echandía Durán
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Colombian Admiral Álvaro Echandía Durán, who discusses his career, his experiences with the FARC, the role of civil intelligence in a democracy, and why we should renew our commitment to counternarcotics. Throughout his career the Admiral has held various high level positions, including Chief of Naval Operations of Colombia’s National
Oswaldo Payá's Legacy and the Future of Cuban Democracy
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by David Hoffman, a contributing editor and member of the editorial board of The Washington Post. In this podcast, they discuss Hoffman’s latest book, Give Me Liberty: The True Story of Oswaldo Payá and his Daring Quest for a Free Cuba, his motivation for writing this book, and predictions about the future of democracy in Cuba.
Examining Latin American Affairs with Cynthia Arnson
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Cynthia Arnson, a distinguished fellow and former director of the Wilson Center’s Latin American Program. Arnson is one of the country’s foremost experts on the Spanish-speaking countries of the Western Hemisphere. In today’s podcast, Dan and Cynthia discuss her impressive career in Latin American affairs, the challenges of entering a
Reflecting on women's rights in Afghanistan one year after the fall of Kabul
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Fawzia Koofi, an Afghan women's rights activist and the first woman in the Afghan Parliament to be elected Second Deputy Speaker. Fawzia reflects on the current state of human rights for women and girls under Taliban rule and the consequences of U.S. withdrawal from the country.
The Impact of Blended Finance with Harold Rosen
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Harold Rosen, founder and Executive Director of the IFC’s Grassroots Business Initiative. They discuss Harold’s work at the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and the Development Finance Corporation, as well as his newly published report, “18 Years of Blended Finance- Impact and Lessons Learned.”
The Role of Critical Minerals in the Clean Energy Transition
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan hosts Andrew Sady-Kennedy, a former research intern with the CSIS Americas Program. Andrew recently earned his Master’s in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), where he specialized in international and global affairs. During his time at HKS, Andrew completed a Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) for his client, the Bureau of Energy Resources at
Examining China’s role in Latin America with Dr. Evan Ellis
In this week’s episode of Building the Future, Dan is joined by Dr. Evan Ellis, a CSIS non-resident senior associate for the Americas Program and a research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. Dr. Ellis focuses on Latin American countries’ relationships with China and other non-Western Hemisphere actors as well as transnational organized cr
Breaking the Glass Ceiling in National Security with Shelly Stoneman
On this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Shelly Stoneman, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for BAE Systems, Inc., and Co-chair of the Executive Committee for the Leadership Council for Women in National Security. Earlier in her career, Shelly worked in the Executive Branch and Congress. In this podcast, Shelly delves into her career trajectory in Washington, D.C.
Examining Freedom and Prosperity with Matthew Kroenig and Dan Negrea
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Dr. Matthew Kroenig and Dan Negrea. Dr. Kroenig serves as the Deputy Director of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and the director of the Scowcroft Center’s Scowcroft Strategy Initiative. Mr. Negrea serves as the Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center. In this podcast, t
Examining Sustainable Financing Approaches to Water Infrastructure with Ambassador John Simon
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Ambassador John Simon to discuss sustainable water infrastructure financing. Ambassador Simon is the founding partner of Total Impact Capital. Prior to founding Total Impact Capital, Ambassador Simon held a variety of posts in the U.S. government, the most recent of which include ambassador to the African Union and the Executive Vice P
Outlook for a Possible Reconstruction Plan in Ukraine
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Vladyslav Rashkovan, Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund, IMF, who is representing Ukraine and fourteen other states on the IMF Executive Board. Prior to joining the IMF, Mr. Rashkovan served as Deputy Governor and a Member of the Board of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), where he was responsible for the
The Story of Digital Payments in Bangladesh
This week, CSIS research associate and friend of the pod, Sundar Ramanujam, takes over from Dan to host Mahfuz Sadique, Chief Communications Officer of bKash - a Bangladesh-based digital payments service provider that is rapidly changing how the financial sector engages with the Bangladeshi society. Sundar asks Mahfuz: is there a "secret recipe" which other developing countries can use to replicat
The Fight Against Forced Labor in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan with the Cotton Campaign
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Bennett Freeman and Allison Gill from the Cotton Campaign, a coalition of human rights NGOs, independent trade unions, brand associations, responsible investors, and academics, united to end forced labor in cotton production. Bennett and Allison share key elements to the Cotton Campaigns' success, and the critical steps necessary to fi
Examining Private Enterprise and U.S. Foreign Policy with Ethan Kapstein
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Co-Director of the Empirical Studies of Conflict Project at Princeton University, Arizona Centennial Professor of International Affairs at Arizona State, and renowned author Dr. Ethan Kapstein. Dr. Kapstein has had an esteemed career at the OECD and has published books across all vectors of global affairs, from U.S. foreign policy to d
Keys to Global Water Security: Infrastructure, Governance, and Collective Action with Monica Ellis
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Global Environment & Technology Foundation's CEO and founding member Monica Ellis to discuss today’s most pressing challenges to global water security. Monica emphasizes water as a foundational issue that intersects with other development challenges such as climate change, COVID-19, women’s empowerment, and conflict – including Afghani
Africa’s Response to Covid-19: The Acceleration of its Digital Revolution
Dan is out this week. But Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Director and Senior Fellow for CSIS Africa, guest hosts to discusses the digital revolution in Africa with Togo’s Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, Cina Lawson, and Better Than Cash Alliance’s Lead of Africa Policy and Partnerships, Nshuti Mbabazi. Cina shares the innovative digital strategies Togo employed to alleviate the poverty exa
There's Nothing Micro About a Billion Women with Mary Ellen Iskenderian
In this episode of Building the Future, Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian joins Dan Runde to discuss women’s economic empowerment, opportunity, and inclusion. Mary shares insights from her new book There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women, which talks about women's financial inclusion and the different opportunities for empowerment and economic growth. FinTech, the
Economic Statecraft & the Great Power Competition with Nazak Nikakhtar
In this episode of Building the Future, Nazak Nikakhtar, former Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis at the Department of Commerce, joins Dan Runde to discuss her journey from her family's migration from Iran to the U.S. and how she lived the American dream to become a civil and public servant. As a key national security expert, Nazak forecasts the economic tools the U.S. should employ in
America Must Prioritize Trade Policy with Eddy Acevedo
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Eddy Acevedo, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President of the Wilson Center. Eddy shares insights from his recent National Review article “America Must Prioritize Trade Policy in its Global Competition with China.” The two talk about the importance of trade in the context of national security and address the common misconcept
Scaling the Heights Toward a Higher Calling with Dr. Douglas Johnston
On this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde is joined by Dr. Douglas Johnston. President Emeritus and founder of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD). Dr. Johnston pioneered the discourse on religion, conflict, and peacebuilding, which he details in his new book Mountain Tops and Mai Tais: Scaling the Heights Toward a Higher Calling. In the wake of heightened secularism
The Smart Business Guide to China E-Commerce with Frank Lavin
China e-commerce expert and former Ambassador to Singapore Frank Lavin joins Dan Runde on this week’s episode of Building the Future. Frank shares key takeaways from his book “The Smart Business Guide to China E-Commerce" and the opportunities that China’s market presents to U.S. businesses. The future of the U.S.-China commercial relationship and China's middle-income trap will play important rol
The Importance of International Education and Cultural Affairs with Marie Royce
On this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde speaks with Marie Royce, former Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, about the importance of people-to-people exchanges in the context of U.S. national security. As a diplomat, businesswoman, and educator, Mrs. Royce offers her perspective on international education and the cultural economy. The two share their personal experien
Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S.-Russia Foundation with Matthew Rojansky
Matthew Rojansky, CEO and President of the U.S.-Russia Foundation (USRF), joins Dan Runde on this week’s episode of Building the Future. As one of the leading experts in the United States on Russia and Ukraine, Matthew covers a wide variety of topical issues, from Russian support for Putin, to the possibility of democracy in Russia, and the roles that USRF, the U.S.-Russia Investment Fund (TUSRIF)
Advancing U.S. Interests Through Women's Empowerment with Nicole Robinson
Nicole Robinson joins Dan Runde on this episode of Building the Future to discuss her recent publication “Women, Peace, and Security Initiative: Advancing U.S. Interests Through Women’s Empowerment.” Nicole is a research associate at the Heritage Foundation who specializes in political, economic, and security challenges in the Middle East and North Africa. In this episode, Nicole shares her insigh
The Finances of Invading Ukraine with Former Ukrainian Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko
In this episode of Building the Future, former Finance Minister of Ukraine Natalie Jaresko joins Dan Runde to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Natalie, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, shares how she became involved with Ukraine and explains what strategic value Ukraine has to Russia. She and Dan discuss the financial aspects of the invasion, what is next if Ukraine falls, and how lis
The Summit for Democracy - What’s Next?
Dan is joined by his colleague, Marti Flacks (Director of CSIS Human Rights Initiative) and Agnieszka Rawa (Managing Director of Data Collaboratives for Local Impact at the Millennium Challenge Corporation) the outcome of the Summit for Democracy held in December 2021. The three also discuss the agenda ahead for the “Year of Action” and how digital connectivity can better serve democracy and freed
Up and Doing with Jim Harmon
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde speaks with Jim Harmon. As the Chairman and CEO of Caravel Management LLC, co-chair of the Board of the World Resources Institute, and former President of the Export-Import Bank, Mr. Harmon has had a storied career across government, finance, and philanthropy. He shares his many experiences through his memoir, Up and Doing: Two Presidents, Three Mi
CryptoDad with Chris Giancarlo
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde interviews Chris Giancarlo about his new book CryptoDad: The Fight for the Future of Money and the future of digital currencies. Mr. Giancarlo, the 13th chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), discusses America’s move towards cryptocurrency in the age of the internet and digital markets. He explains the role of the CFTC and
There is Nothing Here for You with Fiona Hill
In this episode of Building the Future, Dan Runde interviews Fiona Hill on her new book, There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century. Fiona, the former senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council, talks about her journey into policy and government and her work in the Trump Administration’s National Security Council. As an exp
Bonus Episode: Sin Trabajo Con Gabriel Zinny
In this Spanish-language bonus episode of “Building the Future”, Dan Runde interviews Gabriel Sánchez Zinny, current Director of Blue Star Strategies, about his new book Sin Trabajo, which talks about the lack of formal work in Latin America and the Caribbean and recommendations for moving toward a more prosperous future job. Mr. Zinny also shares the lessons he learned during his time as Minister
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