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Santi Ruiz is the author of Statecraft, a Substack publication that focuses on how policymakers actually get things done. The publication has tens of thousands of subscribers.

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In this blog post, Judd Devermont, a former senior director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, discusses the intricacies of U.S. diplomacy in Africa. He reflects on his experiences in the Obama and Biden adminis...
Nadia Schadlow outlines the intricate process of creating the National Security Strategy, focusing on coalition-building, interagency dynamics, and the critical role of time in strategic planning.
The post outlines ten critical lessons learned from navigating the complexities and challenges of government data, particularly in relation to international students in the U.S. workforce.
The blog post highlights how Bloomberg Philanthropies' Government Innovation Program empowers mayors to enhance city governance through data-driven decision-making and collaborative problem-solving.
The post evaluates Trump's economic statecraft in his second term, emphasizing the balance of punitive and positive tools and the implications for U.S. foreign policy and global markets.
Mike Lauer critiques the NIH funding system, calling for reforms to reduce competition and paperwork, advocating for block grants to foster innovation in biomedical research.
The post highlights the CHIPS Program Office's journey in implementing the CHIPS Act, focusing on challenges, successes, and the importance of national security in semiconductor manufacturing.
The blog post discusses the implications of proposed changes to the federal research funding system, specifically the capping of indirect costs at 15% of direct costs. It highlights the importance of indirect costs for research in...
The blog post features a discussion with David Schleicher, a Yale Law School professor, about municipal debt and pension funding, particularly focusing on Chicago's fiscal challenges. It explains how pension systems work, the hist...
The blog post discusses the potential future of New York City's governance under likely mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, focusing on insights from Maria Torres-Springer, a former first deputy mayor. It explores the operational dy...
The Recoding America Fund (RAF) has launched with a $120 million initiative aimed at enhancing government efficiency by attracting and retaining talent, implementing effective systems, and fostering a culture of experimentation. T...
In this episode, Zach Liscow, a law professor and former Chief Economist at the Office of Management and Budget, discusses the high costs of infrastructure in the U.S. He identifies four main factors driving these costs: permittin...
Jeremy Singer reflects on the challenges and lessons learned from the failed FAFSA rollout, emphasizing the need for technical expertise and better communication in government software projects.
NORAD tracks Santa Claus using advanced technology and military escorts, showcasing a blend of holiday spirit and operational readiness in disaster preparedness.
Greg Berman explores the crisis facing nonprofits, addressing public trust issues, political critiques, and the need for accountability in service delivery.
Scott Kupor outlines the complexities of managing the federal workforce, focusing on merit-based hiring, performance management, and the need for efficiency in government operations.
Baillee Brown provides an in-depth look at the operations of a congressional office, highlighting the critical roles of staff and the complexities of managing a member's time and priorities.
The op-ed discusses the complexities of government policy-making, particularly in relation to the H-1B visa program. It argues that recent changes to the program, aimed at attracting higher-skilled talent, may not achieve their in...
The blog post discusses the recent bipartisan passage of the ROAD to Housing Act, which aims to enhance housing supply, affordability, and reduce homelessness through a comprehensive package of 27 legislative measures. It highligh...
In this blog post, Bobby Fijan, co-founder of the American Housing Corporation, discusses the challenges and opportunities in creating family-friendly housing in urban areas. He emphasizes the need for apartments that cater to fam...
In this podcast episode, Anup Malani, the first Chief Economist at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, discusses the complexities of American healthcare policy, including the high costs and inefficiencies in the system. ...
A detailed guide to Statecraft posts categorized by topics, offering valuable insights and practical advice on governance, economics, and foreign affairs.
Statecraft in 2026 will focus on growth, new editorial roles, and innovative content formats while maintaining audience engagement and support.
The blog post is a Thanksgiving gift guide for state capacity enthusiasts, featuring a curated list of books and other recommendations from the author and the IFP editorial team. It includes notable titles on topics like Russian m...