Publications
fp21 is building a new culture of foreign policy. Explore our publications below.
American Diplomat Podcast: AI - Demon Taking Over, or Tool for Diplomacy?
What does expertise look like in diplomacy with recent rapid changes in technology? Will AI replace diplomats? What is AI good at, and where is it dangerous? Large language models are great for brainstorming but can they replace relationships and judgment? Tune into a conversation between the host, retired Ambassador Peter Romero, and Dan Spokojny, former diplomat, now Ph.D. candidate and CEO of the nonprofit fp21, while he breaks it down for us.
ChinaTalk: Moneyball and US State Department
Wouldn't it be nice to have a world where important policy decisions were decided based on evidence and data rather than narratives and turf battles? Jordan Schneider sat down with Dan Spokojny and Jon Bateman to discuss the current failings of contemporary U.S. foreign policy and how to fix these failings.
Episode 11: The Memo Machine
This week, we are joined by Daniel Balke and Aaron Faust. Both are active founding volunteers of fp21 and have poured gallons of sweat equity into building the intellectual and organizational foundation of our young outfit. Our guests will introduce their background after they do that the conversation touches on the difference between training in foreign policy versus that in the military, possible ways of mobilizing outside expertise the possibility of bringing design thinking into the foreign policymaking process, especially when it comes to the design of decision memos. Finally, both Daniel and Aaron share their views on what constitutes success for fp21.
Episode 10: Simulating Diplomacy
Alex Bollfrass interviews the Harvard Davis Center's Arvid Bell about creating realistic training environments for foreign policy practitioners. fp21 CEO Dan Spokojny reflects on events in Afghanistan.
Episode 9: Not Data Tyrants
The second part of Dr. Thomas Scherer and Dan Spokojny talking about their article, Foreign Policy Should be Evidence-Based.
Episode 8: Deinstitutionalization
Dr. Thomas Scherer and Dan Spokojny discuss their article, Foreign Policy Should be Evidence-Based.
Episode 7: Train the Bosses
Third and final part of the conversation between Dr. Vic Marsh and fp21 CEO Dan Spokojny.
Episode 6: Training Float
Part 2 of the conversation between Dr. Vic Marsh and fp21 CEO Dan Spokojny.
Episode 5: Phone some Experts
Part I of a conversation between fp21 founder and CEO Dan Spokojny and Victor Marsh, Ph.D.
Episode 4: Culture of Silence
The second part of a conversation between fp21 founder and CEO Dan Spokojny with Maryum Saifee, who is currently a U.S. diplomat contributing in her personal capacity. Her views do not reflect her institutional affiliations. While on a two-year sabbatical from the foreign service, Maryum was a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow, Presidential Leadership Scholar, and Truman Center for National Policy Senior Visiting Fellow where she led a 30-person taskforce on State Department reform.
Episode 3: Leave without Pay
How can the State Department benefit from letting its career employees spend time in other institutions?
fp21 founder and CEO Dan Spokojny speaks with Maryum Saifee, who is currently a U.S. diplomat contributing in her personal capacity. Her views do not reflect her institutional affiliations. While on a two-year sabbatical from the foreign service, Maryum was a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow, Presidential Leadership Scholar, and Truman Center for National Policy Senior Visiting Fellow where she led a 30-person taskforce on State Department reform.
Episode 2: Data and Diversity
How can evidence improve diversity in the State Department—and what’s at stake for the national interest? The diplomat Chris Le and academic Thomas Scherer in conversation.
Episode 1: Hello, World!
What is fp21—and what’s the plan for this podcast? Our CEO Dan Spokojny in conversation with Alex Bollfrass.
🎧 fp21 minutes | Trailer
Introducing an audio companion to fp21.