In Service of Humanity

SPIA enters a new era with the establishment of a physical presence in the nation's capital. Dean Amaney Jamal chats with Washington veteran Alan Blinder about the initiative.

With SPIA in NJ launching April 28, Dean Amaney Jamal took some time to chat about the initiative with Stacy Mann, its director.

Recently, a group of our Princeton students and faculty traveled to Cairo, Egypt for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – or COP27. While there, the students had a first-hand opportunity to observe the proceedings of the largest global gathering on climate change.In this episode we talk with some of the students who went to COP27 as well as to one of their faculty advisors, to hear first-hand about their experiences in Cairo, what they learned, and any advice they have for the rest of us as we navigate global climate change.

Public policy influences all aspects of our lives, yet few people give much thought to how policy is made, let alone experience the policymaking process firsthand. A new one-year program — and the first of its kind in the nation — the Policy Advocacy Clinic at the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) educates students on the policymaking process and incorporates a clinical program where students work with lawmakers or advocates to advance a public policy issue. During this inaugural year, students will engage in policy advocacy before the United Nations, Congress, and the New Jersey State Legislature.On this episode of the Dean's Dialogue, Udi Ofer, founder of the Policy Advocacy Clinic, and Princeton senior Ella Gantman ‘23, who is the senior commissioner for the clinic, join Dean Amaney Jamal to discuss the different projects at the international, federal, and state level that students can expect to work on at the Policy Advocacy Clinic during the yearlong program. Ofer is the James L. Weinberg Visiting Professor and Lecturer at SPIA and most recently served as both deputy national political director of the ACLU, as well as founding director of ACLU's Justice Division. While at the ACLU, he oversaw the passage of hundreds of criminal justice reform laws and executive actions, including by the White House. He is perhaps best known for launching the ACLU's first-ever effort to engage in candidate races through a nonpartisan lens. Ofer has testified before many legislatures, including the United States Senate, and is frequently cited as an expert on civil rights and criminal justice matters.Gantman is majoring in the School of Public and International Affairs and pursuing a certificate in Spanish. In the past, she has interned at the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Columbia, where she worked directly with indigent clients and trial attorneys to prepare their legal defenses. This past summer, she worked in the Department of Justice, Office of Civil Rights, Voting Rights Section. On campus, Gantman is a goalkeeper on the varsity women's soccer team, a student supervisor at Tiger Call at Princeton's Annual Giving office, and a fellow at the Princeton Writing Program.

Within 30 years, Africa will be home to nearly 25% of the global population. As such, it's poised to become a global power and is the focus of current global development finance. Kubik, co-founded by Kidus Asfaw MPA '14, is an environmental tech company turning plastic waste into low-carbon buildings. Kubik's focus on building environmental and economic dignity has made it Africa's Startup of the Year. In this episode of the Dean's Dialogue, Kubik's CEO Asfaw talks with Dean Jamal about some of Africa's biggest challenges and how those in the private and public sector can help. The company not only creates sustainable building materials, it is also trying to address the needs of marginalized communities, with a focus on women. Asfaw, a native Ethiopian, discusses how it was particularly important for him to contribute something valuable to African countries.  Previously, Asfaw led technology and innovation initiatives for UNICEF. As the organization's first global product manager, he led UNICEF's open source projects, with over 40 country deployments to support some of the largest and most critical programs improving the lives of children. Asfaw has also worked for the World Bank, Accenture, and Google.In addition to being a SPIA alum, he has a Biomedical Engineering degree from Duke University. He lives in Nairobi, Kenya.

It's been a year since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the Taliban's takeover of the country. Since then, the lives of many Afghans, especially women and girls, have been destroyed. Under Taliban rule, human rights violations continue to mount, while the country reaches economic collapse. In this episode, Dean Amaney Jamal discusses the current situation in Afghanistan — and what hope remains ahead — with Amb. Adela Raz, director of the Afghanistan Policy Lab at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. Amb. Raz was the first female permanent representative and ambassador of Afghanistan to the U.S. She's also served as deputy minister for economic cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as the first female deputy spokesperson and director of communications for President Hamid Karzai. 

Governments around the world are limiting their countries' engagement with the global economy. These anti-globalization attitudes are troubling, especially as the world faces multiple global crises requiring international collaboration from climate change to supply chain production.Layna Mosley and B. Peter Rosendorff join Dean Amaney Jamal in this episode of the Dean's Dialogue to disentangle the backlash against globalization and consider what's ahead. Mosley and Rosendorff are based at the Niehaus Center for Globalization & Governance at SPIA, which hosted a conference focused on this topic earlier this year. Mosley is a professor of politics at Princeton, and her work investigates the connections between domestic politics and the global economy. She's studied the effects of global supply chains on workers' rights in developing countries and how U.S. trade policies affect workers' rights abroad. Another stream of her research focuses on the politics of sovereign debt. Rosendorff is a professor of politics at New York University and visiting scholar at the Niehaus Center for Globalization & Governance. His research interests include the political economy of terrorism, bilateral trade and investment, sovereign debt, international organizations, and the anti-globalization backlash.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Dean's Dialogue is a monthly podcast hosted by Amaney Jamal, dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is produced and edited by B. Rose Huber and receives support from Sarah Binder, Egan Jimenez, Daniel Kearns, and Brittany N. Murray.

In today's workplace, writing is an essential skill. Whether drafting a policy memo, an email, or even a tweet, succinct writing is the key to effective communication.Best practices for clear writing are explored in a new book by Martha Coven: "Writing on the Job: Best Practices for Communicating in the Digital Age,” published by Princeton University Press. In the book, Coven draws upon decades of experience in the public and private sectors — as well as in the classroom at Princeton University — to provide a helpful guide for anyone looking to improve their writing.Coven, lecturer and John L. Weinberg/Goldman Sachs & Co. Visiting Professor at SPIA, has spent her career inside and outside of government working on domestic policy, with a focus on poverty reduction and the federal budget. Before coming to Princeton, she served for six years in the Obama Administration. She's also served in nonprofit roles at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Consumers Union. Along with her teaching, she currently provides consulting services to foundations and nonprofits.Endnotes, a SPIA podcast, takes listeners behind the cover and through the pages of books on politics, policy, and more — all written by faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by B. Rose Huber.

China's intentions to become the world's next superpower are clear. After decades of trade and investments with advanced democracies, the country is far richer and stronger today than ever before. At the same time, China remains regressive toward its citizens and aggressive toward countries abroad. How did we get to this point?The West and its allies underestimated the resilience and ruthlessness of the Chinese Communist Party, Aaron Friedberg argues. In a new book, “Getting China Wrong,” he explains why the West's strategy toward China failed and offers a path forward for U.S. foreign policy toward China.Friedberg is a professor of politics and international affairs at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. He studies international relations with expertise in international security, globalization, political economy, foreign and defense policy, and East Asia.Endnotes, a SPIA podcast, takes listeners behind the cover and through the pages of books on politics, policy, and more — all written by faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by B. Rose Huber.

Millions of people around the world are forcibly displaced each year due to rising conflict, environmental threats, and socioeconomic turmoil. Many of these refugees, including people from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, remain displaced, prompting action from U.S. and international governments. To recognize #WorldRefugeeDay, Amaney Jamal, SPIA dean, speaks with Eric Schwartz MPA '85, president of Refugees International, in this episode of the Dean's Dialogue podcast. They explore the challenges current refugees are facing and how public policy can help. Schwartz also reflected on how his Princeton training shaped his 30-year career in human rights. Schwartz previously served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration at the State Department. He was the senior human rights and humanitarian official at the National Security Council, managing humanitarian responses to crises in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Prior to this, he served in several roles within the U.S. government.Just before his appointment to Refugees International, he was dean of the public affairs school at the University of Minnesota. In addition to his MPA from Princeton, he holds a law degree from New York University, and a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton. ***Subscribe to all of SPIA's podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you find podcasts. Just look for “In Service to Humanity,” and you'll know you've found us. The Dean's Dialogue is a monthly podcast hosted by Amaney Jamal, dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is produced and edited by B. Rose Huber and receives support from Sarah Binder, Egan Jimenez, Daniel Kearns, and Brittany N. Murray.

Climate-driven migration is having global impacts, something Hélène Benveniste Ph.D. '21 is acutely aware of thanks to her research. There are an increasing number of people who need to move and don't have the resources to do so. Helping these hidden communities should be top of mind for policymakers.In this episode of #Changemakers, she discusses her research on climate change policy, as well as the challenges she faces as a woman in academia. She also shares advice for anyone considering a Ph.D., most importantly the value of "knowing yourself" since research is such an involved activity. Benveniste is a postdoctoral environmental fellow at the Harvard University Center for the Environment at the Kennedy School. She graduated from SPIA in 2021 with her Ph.D. in Public Affairs, focusing on Science, Technology, & Environmental Policy (STEP). Previously, she was a researcher at University of California, Berkeley and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. She also served as a research scientist and project manager for the French negotiation team during the creation of the Paris Climate Agreement.#Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, director of communications and senior writer at SPIA.

​Equitable policies for families and children is a focus for Christina Henderson MPA '12, at-large member of the DC City Council. In this episode of the Dean's Dialogue, she discusses how to advocate for those who “aren't often in the room” with Dean Amaney Jamal. Together, they cover policy issues like maternal and infant health, reproductive rights, and paid parental leave.Throughout the episode, Henderson stresses the importance of local government and reflects on the courses, faculty, and friends at SPIA that prepared her for a life of public service. In turn, Dean Jamal shares her vision for School, especially in terms of creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all. Henderson will be a featured speaker at our first D.C. graduate alumni event with Dean Jamal on  May 26, just steps from the Capitol and Union Station! Register now to join fellow alumni and SPIA leadership at this networking reception.​

Thanks for tuning into the first episode of the Dean's Dialogue podcast!  April is Arab American Heritage Month, and to reflect on this diverse community, Dean Amaney Jamal sits down in conversation with Baher Iskander MPA '22, a naturalized immigrant from Cairo, Egypt, with an interest in U.S. Middle East policy. Together, they discuss what it means to be Arab American, the representation of different faiths within the community, and the ways the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) can foster a more inclusive community for all students.  Subscribe to the Dean's Dialogue and all of SPIA's podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you find podcasts. Just search for “In the Service of Humanity,” and you'll know you've found us.The Dean's Dialogue is a monthly podcast hosted by Amaney Jamal, Dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is produced and edited by B. Rose Huber and receives support from Sarah Binder, Egan Jimenez, Daniel Kearns, and Brittany Murray.

Social Security remains beloved and holds bipartisan support among American citizens. Yet the program faces an insolvency crisis. By 2034, when the fund is projected to run dry, it's estimated that 81 million Americans will face automatic benefit cuts of 20%.There is nothing complicated about fixing Social Security, according to R. Douglas Arnold of Princeton University. Legislators could simply raise taxes or they could cut benefits — by raising the retirement age, for example. What remains complicated are the politics of fixing Social Security, Arnold argues in a new book published by Princeton University Press.In “Fixing Social Security: The Politics of Reform in a Polarized Age,” Arnold explores the historical role that Social Security has played in American politics, why Congress has done nothing to fix its solvency problem for three decades, and what legislators can do to save it. We discuss the book in this episode.Endnotes takes listeners behind the cover and through the pages of books on politics, policy, and more — all written by faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by B. Rose Huber.

Freedom of religion is a constitutionally protected right in the religion clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. By definition, this should reflect America's diversity and cover all people equally — whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, agnostic, or atheist. In practice, however, Americans sometimes support policies that seemingly violate the civil rights of Muslims. Although the U.S. Census identifies Muslim immigrants of the Middle East and North Africa as white, they face discrimination and prejudices of being terrorists, suspicious, and violent. This paradox is the heart of “The Racial Muslim: When Racism Quashes Religious Freedom,” by Sahar Aziz, visiting professor at SPIA and Professor of Law and Chancellor's Social Justice Scholar at Rutgers University.In this episode of Endnotes, Aziz explains the intersection of race and religion and what she refers to as the “Racial Muslim.” She discusses the government surveillance and immigration restrictions that Muslims continue to face in the U.S. and compares this plight to other religious groups that have historically faced discrimination in America, such as Catholics, Mormons and Jews. Endnotes is a podcast series taking listeners behind the cover and through the pages of books and publications on politics, policy, and more — all written by faculty at Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The show is hosted, produced, and edited by B. Rose Huber, director of communications.

Kiersten Todt '94 is chief of staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which serves as the "quarterback" for the federal cybersecurity team, protecting and defending the home front. She graduated from Princeton in 1994 with her undergraduate degree. You can find her full bio here: https://www.cisa.gov/kiersten-e-todt In this episode, she talks about the power of perseverance and being open to different career paths. She believes you can learn as much from failure and challenge as you do from successes. CISA is also hiring, and Kiersten wants to hear from you! Email her: kiersten.todt AT cisa.dhs DOT gov.Learn more about CISA: https://www.cisa.gov/

President Joe Biden's recent speech on voting rights signaled a commitment to helping preserve democracy, and today, Jan. 19, the Senate will debate and vote on legislation centered on voting rights protections. This issue is very much on the mind of Asha Rangappa '96, a lawyer and CNN commentator. In this podcast, she discusses the necessary steps the U.S. must take to preserve democracy, including ensuring voting rights and building social trust.

Pierina Sanchez MPA '14 is the daughter of immigrants and a lifelong resident of the Bronx. She was recently elected to the New York City Council to represent District 14. In this episode, she discusses issues of economic and housing inequality in her community, along with her hopes to bring more opportunity to District 14.* At the time of this recording, Pierina was running for office.

Whether it be earning a college degree, buying a house, or addressing income shortfalls, access to credit is essential for many people's well-being and social opportunities in today's richest countries. Yet, with credit also comes the burden of debt, which many are shouldering in an unsteady economic climate. But why are some people in some countries more indebted than others?Andreas Wiedemann seeks to understand this in his new book, “Indebted Societies.” Through detailed accounts of individuals and countries, Wiedemann develops a new social policy theory of everyday borrowing to examine how the rise of credit as a private alternative to the welfare state creates a new kind of social and economic citizenship. He also addresses the fundamental question of who should be responsible for managing socio-economic risks and providing social opportunities.

Dennis McBride MPA '80 is the 17th mayor of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin — his hometown. He's had a long career in government, law, and even public relations. In this episode, he discusses being a mayor during the tumultuous year of 2020. He advises those going into government to develop a "thick skin" and always play on your home field.

“I can't breathe.” Those were George Floyd's final words before he was murdered by police in Minneapolis — just outside a store known as the best place to buy menthol cigarettes. Today's rise in Black deaths, cries of “I can't breathe,” and the menthol cigarette can all be linked to a long history of race and exploitation. This is revealed in a new book by historian Keith Wailoo: “Pushing Cool,” which pulls back the curtain on the hidden persuaders who shaped menthol buying habits and racial markets across America.Wailoo is the Henry Putnam University Professor of History and Public Affairs. He has produced award-winning research and teaches on a range of topics, including drugs and drug policy; race, science, and health; and health policy and medical affairs in the U.S.

President Joe Biden confirmed the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan just 11 days shy of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Now, Afghanistan remains in turmoil following a takeover by Taliban forces.The melancholy moment has thrust into focus the past 20 years, as experts comment on how the U.S. could've done better. Yet, much of what transpired in the past two decades is entangled in international law, a subject detailed in a new edited volume published by Kim Lane Scheppele of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.In this episode, Kim discusses the findings from book, “9/11 and the Rise of Global Anti-Terrorism Law,” and its implications for Afghanistan. An expert on constitutional and international law, Kim is the Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International Affairs.

Maribel Hernández Rivera MPA '10 came to the United States, undocumented from Mexico, when she was 13 years old. Since then, she's dedicated her life to immigration law and policy. Today, she is district director for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). She previously served as executive director of legal initiatives for the New York City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and as a supervising attorney at Immigrant Justice Corps.She received her J.D. from New York University School of Law, her Master in Public Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA, which was then the Woodrow Wilson School), and her A.B. from Harvard University. Upon law school graduation, she served as law clerk to the Hon. Mary M. Schroeder in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.#Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager, and senior writer at SPIA.

As the president and founder of the Harwood Institute of Public Innovation, Rich Harwood MPA '84, is passionate about seeing communities do their best. The Harwood Institute's mission is to empower communities with the tools to bridge divides, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges. His newest book, "Unleashed: A Proven Way Communities Can Spread Change and Make Hope Real for All,” focuses on promoting civic culture and creating positive, lasting impacts. In this episode, Rich discusses what makes for an effective leader and how Princeton SPIA influenced his career. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Evan Draim '16 is a current student at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School. After graduating from Princeton University in 2016, Evan moved to northern Virginia and accepted a job at Service Source, a nonprofit that provides job employment opportunities to people with disabilities. In this episode, he discusses his journey to law school, his future as a Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) officer in the United States Navy, and his time at SPIA as an undergraduate student. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.Show notes:Evan's article on social security: https://www.milkenreview.org/articles/saving-social-security-from-itself

For Martín E. De Simone MPA '18, growing up during the Argentinian economic crisis of 2001 shaped his desire to work in public policy. Today, he's an education specialist for the World Bank in the Western and Central Africa region and credits the Princeton SPIA for preparing him for the role. He discusses his journey from Argentina to the United States and elsewhere in this episode.#Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Yasmin Elhady MPP '15 is an attorney, public policy specialist, and stand-up comedian. She's performed all over Washington, D.C., including at The Kennedy Center and The DC Improv, and she's toured nationally and internationally in the United Kingdom. Her alter ego is “Yasguru,” a hyperactive relationship advisor with silly videos on YouTube and Instagram. In this episode, she discusses how September 11 and being a Muslim immigrant shaped her career path to public service, and how a talent show at SPIA helped her start her stand-up career. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.Check out her website: https://www.yasguru.com/Her Instagram: https://instagram.com/yasguruHer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCURpYI86UnAFDzoEAJ4FjXQ

While on the campaign trail in 2015, President Donald Trump referred to Mexicans as “criminals” and “rapists,” inciting disdain from Hispanics, Latinos, and other racial groups. The rhetoric wove itself not only into the campaign but Trump's entire tenure as president, marking a sharp turn from racially coded dog-whistle politics to more explicit white xenophobia. A volume of essays edited by sociologist Doug Massey explores how America arrived at its current crossroads in politics and charts a way forward. This includes putting undocumented citizens on the path to citizenship and dismantling the dysfunctional “crimmigation” politics and practices implemented by both Republicans and Democrats alike.In this episode, Doug unpacks all that's in the volume, which was published in the 2021 spring issue of Daedalus by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. It's available free online: https://www.amacad.org/daedalus/immigration-nativism-race-united-states.

Tackling today's biggest challenges — from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change — will require innovative solutions from energized leaders. And among them is Annamie Paul MPA '01, leader of the Green Party of Canada. In this episode, Annamie lays out her policy priorities for Canada and reflects on how Princeton SPIA influenced her varied career. Annamie is a strong believer in living life fearlessly, a quality she honed as a master's student. She says if you live life on your own terms, it's not so hard to be bold. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications

Between 1966 and 1996, the French government conducted 193 nuclear weapon tests in the islands of the South Pacific. These explosions profoundly altered the health, wellbeing, and environment of the people living in this region, who spent decades amid radioactive polluted air, water, and soil. A new book, "Toxique," by Sebastian Philippe of the Program on Science and Global Security (SGS) at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs explores the consequences of this nuclear testing and the continued struggle of local communities and veterans to seek justice and compensation. Many of the documents, interviews, and simulations are on a dedicated new website (moruroa-files.org) in French and English.Philippe is an associate research scholar at SGS and a lecturer at SPIA. He has a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton. His research focuses on technical and policy analysis to assess, manage, and reduce the risks associated with nuclear weapons and emerging technologies to international peace and security. He also looks at the reconstruction of past nuclear weapon activities, an area we explore today.

A zip code can define one's destiny and, for many, this means a lifetime of poverty. To move people out of poverty, governments will need to make policy choices that tackle barriers to economic opportunity, while emboldening people to be agents of change in their own communities. Today, we're in a political moment ripe for change, which makes it crucial for leaders and policymakers to work together to seize the moment. This drives the work of James Ladi Williams MPA '18, a research analyst in the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center at the Urban Institute. At an early age, Ladi became keenly aware of how breakdowns in the provision of public services made life difficult for children and families in his home city of Lagos, Nigeria. In this episode of #Changemakers, Ladi discusses how a crisis of leadership holds back progress on addressing global problems. He reflects on his time at Princeton SPIA and how the SPIA community remains a source of insight, inspiration, and support. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

For more than two decades, Jeremy Barnicle MPA '04 has been working at the intersection of policy, philanthropy, and social change. At Mercy Corps, he helped guide the organization's global strategy, positioning the nonprofit as one of the most respected humanitarian organizations in the world. Today, he serves as executive director of Ecotrust, which works to advance social equity, economic opportunity, and environmental well-being for all. In this episode of #Changemakers, Jeremy reflects on how his time at Princeton SPIA — both as a student and later as a lecturer — shaped his approach to leadership. He also stresses the importance of showing up “ego free” in a job and putting in good, hard work with “great spirit,” while also demonstrating an ability to think big-picture. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

No day is the same for Larry Handerhan MPA ‘12 who serves as chief of staff for the D.C. Department of Human Services. In his current role, he manages external affairs and supports day-to-day operations for the Department's $600 million budget and 1,100-person workforce.In this episode, Larry discusses how he learned to see across silos and connect work across departments so everyone can be more successful. Leaning on the SPIA alumni network, he often calls former colleagues when challenging or new situations arise. Finally, he encourages those entering the workforce to shed the idea of a perfect job, as there is a lot to be learned from a job that's not everything one envisioned. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Using new technologies like AI to improve humanity is at the core of Robert L. Gordon's work. As chief growth officer of SBG Technology Solutions, Rob is using a multi-sector approach to bring technology to the masses.Throughout his career, he's also learned how to be a thoughtful and strategic leader. He boils it down to three main tenets: know who is around the table (and their stakes and stands), be inclusive and transparent, and give people a voice. Finally - when in charge, take charge. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Nathan Eckstein '16 MPA '20 most recently was the political and outreach director for a U.S. Congresswoman in Western Illinois who sought re-election to a fifth term. He fought with a small team to build support, turn out voters and ultimately secure a win in the most competitive environment the Congresswoman had ever faced.In this episode, he discusses life on the campaign trail (especially in unprecedented times) and what lies ahead for his career. He credits Princeton SPIA and the Scholars in the Nation's Service Initiative for providing him with support along the way.#Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Dalia Katan '15 is the CEO and founder of Presently (www.getpresently.com), a social commerce startup that's helping people celebrate special occasions more meaningfully while also empowering conscious consumerism.In this episode, she gets into what motivated her to create Presently and how she uses her Princeton SPIA training to be an effective leader in today's changing world.#Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

For 200 years, the grand project of liberal internationalism has been to build a world order that is oriented toward progressive ideas. Today, this project is in crisis, threatened by illiberal challengers and nationalist-populist movements. A new book by G. John Ikenberry offers the first full account of liberal internationalism's long journey from its 19th-century roots to today's fractured political moment. He discusses "A World Safe for Democracy: Liberal Internationalism and the Crises of Global Order" in this episode. Ikenberry, a theorist of international relations, is the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University and co-director of Princeton's Center for International Security Studies. He's the author of eight books.

Several killings of unarmed Black citizens at the hands of police this year, most notably George Floyd, sparked nationwide protests, against the backdrop of a pandemic that is emphasizing racial and economic inequalities.Keith Wailoo joins Before the Ballot to discuss the events of 2020 — placing them within historical context and discussing what makes this moment unique.Wailoo is the Henry Putnam University Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University.ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

While climate change has been with us far longer than Covid-19, the response to the pandemic could present an opportunity to begin building a greener, more equitable economy. Yet significant roadblocks exist, from some people's distrust of science to opposing political views on how to tackle the issue. Michael Oppenheimer joins Before the Ballot to discuss approaches — both regulatory and incentive-based — that in combination can work toward significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the next few decades.Oppenheimer is the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Geosciences at Princeton University and director of the Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment. ----Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

The executive branch's power has grown in ways beneficial to both Republican and Democratic presidencies — from the expansion of federal agencies to an increased reliance on executive orders. How have the Constitutional checks and balances fared over the past four years, and what effects might the Trump presidency have on the future of the office?Sarah Staszak joins Before the Ballot to discuss Congressional gridlock, the role of the courts, and how far we may have strayed from the founding fathers' intentions.Staszak is an associate research scholar in the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Amid a growing chorus calling to “defund the police,” some worry about the potential for rising violence on the one hand and a question about what replaces the police on the other. Patrick Sharkey joins Before the Ballot to discuss the public health consequences of violence on children's outcomes, the role of police and other community-building organizations in low-income neighborhoods, and strategies that can improve child wellbeing. Sharkey is a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton and the founder of AmericanViolence.org.ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Countries such as Russia and Iran are influencing U.S. politics by spreading disinformation and propaganda through social media. At the same time, the Trump administration's rejection of long-negotiated agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris Agreement has arguably altered perceptions of the U.S. among its allies.Jacob N. Shapiro joins Before the Ballot to discuss the rapid changes in American foreign policy since 2016, and what might lie beyond Nov. 3.Shapiro is professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University and directs the Empirical Studies of Conflict Project. ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

With the coronavirus revealing the cracks in the U.S. health care system, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) being challenged before the Supreme Court, how will health care access and affordability impact voters' decisions in November?Heather Howard joins Before the Ballot to discuss how the pandemic is intertwined with the economic crisis, its effects on the ongoing opioid epidemic and preventative care, and the campaigns' approaches to health care policy. Howard is a lecturer at Princeton University and director of State Health and Value Strategies. ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Since the onset of the pandemic and subsequent slowing down of the economy, lawmakers have debated how best to provide ongoing economic relief to individuals, businesses, and state and local governments.Cecilia Rouse joins Before the Ballot to discuss the politics and efficacy of government aid options; inequalities laid bare by the pandemic in income, health care, and education; and the need for new policies to protect workers in the future.Rouse is dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, the Katzman-Ernst Professor in Economics and Education, and professor of economics and public affairs.ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Editor's note: This episode was recorded before the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.In recent years, the Supreme Court has ruled on cases involving polarizing issues in U.S. politics, including campaign finance, the Affordable Care Act, and same-sex marriage. The nomination and confirmation processes for new Justices have also become increasingly influenced by politics.Chuck Cameron and John Kastellec join Before the Ballot to discuss “judicial activism,” how the Supreme Court affects American life, and the future of the judicial branch under either a Trump or Biden presidency.Cameron is professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University. Kastellec is associate professor of politics at Princeton University.ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Whether to bring children back into the classroom — and how to do so safely — recently became the country's biggest education issue. Yet, the pandemic is illuminating many longstanding issues in education policy, from budget shortfalls to disagreements over the goals of the U.S. public school system.In this episode, Jennifer L. Jennings discusses the need for policies, resources, and leadership to level the playing field throughout the decentralized U.S. education system — during and after the pandemic.Jennings is a professor of sociology and public affairs and director of the Education Research Section at Princeton University. ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

The Trump administration has departed from longstanding U.S. policies in the Middle East, relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and cutting aid to the Palestine Liberation Organization. While Israel has normalized relations with some other countries in the region, it is unclear what the future is for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians.Daniel C. Kurtzer joins Before the Ballot to consider the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. He is the S. Daniel Abraham Professor of Middle East Policy Studies at Princeton University and former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt and Israel.ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

In 2013, the Senate passed — but the House failed to consider — a bipartisan immigration reform bill that would have provided a path to citizenship for many undocumented immigrants. This year, voters will consider President Trump's and Joe Biden's vastly different approaches on border security, refugee admissions, the separation of families at the border, and the status of Dreamers, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.Marta Tienda joins Before the Ballot to discuss the facts and politicization of immigration. She is the Maurice P. During Professor in demographic studies at Princeton University.ABOUT THE SHOWBefore the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett '22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

August marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which legally ended the use of sex a qualification for the right to vote. In this episode, Corrine McConnaughy takes listeners back in time to what gave the movement legs, explaining how "coalition politics" were the lynchpin women securing the right to vote. She also discusses some well-known suffrage figures, highlighting how often they are mythologized. Instead, she advocates for the recognition of the movement as a collective force. McConnaughy is a research scholar and lecturer at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. She studies how political identities–from party identification to race, gender, and ethnicity–are formed and function in the American political system. She's the author of a book on the politics of women's voting rights: “The Woman Suffrage Movement in America: A Reassessment."

This week's show is special: We're running an episode of Democracy Works, a podcast produced by Penn State University's McCourtney Institute for Democracy. (You may remember we swapped episodes with them last summer.)This episode features Tehama Lopez Bunyasi, assistant professor at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, and Candis Watts Smith, associate professor African American Studies and political science at Penn State. Bunyasi and Smith are coauthors of a book called "Stay Woke: A People's Guide to Making all Black Lives Matter," which looks at the history of structural racism in the U.S. and gives people information and tools to become antiracists.In this episode, they talk about the clumsiness associated with changing patterns of thinking and behavior and how that's playing out across our online and offline lives and among both individuals and companies. We also discuss the inherent messiness of the Black Lives Matter movement and why that's not necessarily a bad thing.

World leaders have been tested in their ability to protect their citizens against Covid-19, which has upended nearly every facet of society. Stable leadership is needed now more than ever.In this episode, Dr. Laura Kahn shares her take on the skills necessary to lead during such uncertain times, the subject of her book, “Who's In Charge? Leadership during Epidemics, Bioterror Attacks, and Other Public Health Crises”. Kahn is a physician and research scholar with the Program on Science and Global Security at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School. Her work centers around a “One Health Initiative,” which brings together human, animal, and environmental health specialists to improve the health of all species.