Policy and Governance Perspectives

Virginia is currently facing a number of energy issues, particularly with the rising costs and an increasing inability to meet consumer and climate demands. David Ramadan and guest co-host Dr. Michael Webb unpack how to take care of these problems before it is too late with Hon. Glenn Davis, Director of the Virginia Department of Energy.

Despite countless frictions and hurdles, the 2025 election results swung in favor of the Democratic Party. How did they manage to do this, and what could it mean for the country? David Ramadan answers these questions with Kyle Kondik and J. Miles Coleman from Sabato’s Crystal Ball, one of the most respected election forecasting teams in the country. Together, they take a closer look at the winners (and losers) of the election, particularly in Virginia and New Jersey, to determine how this will shape the 2026 cycle. They also unpack the most surprising things about the 2025 elections, particularly the shifting political winds in key states, as well as how the government shutdown impacted voter turnout.

As a principal architect of the incoming administration’s transition, Schar School Professor of Practice David Ramadan will play a pivotal role in ensuring Governor-elect Spanberger and Lieutenant Governor-elect Hashmi are fully prepared to govern from the moment they take the oath on Inauguration Day.

Despite many losses, humanity was able to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. But if we are to experience yet another outbreak on a global scale, how good is our pandemic readiness? David Ramadan and his guest co-host Gregory Koblentz sit down with renowned epidemiologist Michael Osterholm to discuss how the world should prepare to ensure that the next pandemic will not catch us off guard. They pinpoint the shortcomings of the COVID-19 response, particularly with vaccine integrity and lockdown implementation. They also explore how to address the massive problem of “infodemic,” as well as how young people can make a stand against misinformation and disinformation.

We turn our attention to Ukraine, a nation still fighting for survival nearly three years into a brutal, grinding war. Joining me as co-host for this episode is my colleague, Professor Ellen Laipson, Director of the International Security Program and the Center for Security Policy Studies here at the Schar School.

I was joined by Mark Halperin, a renowned American journalist, political commentator, author, and Founder of the interactive media platform, 2WAY. It was a fascinating discussion on the state of modern media, the tension between independent and legacy outlets, but also the recognition that both are essential. We explored the persistent challenge of media bias and the classic Man Bites Dog dynamic when it comes to covering President Donald Trump.

We're taking a closer look at the often-overlooked pillar of American defense and public service, the US military reserves. These are men and women who balance civilian careers, education, and family life while remaining ready to serve when called.

Freedom of Speech stands at the heart of American democracy—and yet it faces new challenges in the age of polarization, executive overreach, and digital activism. In this episode, David Ramadan is joined by former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and Walter Olson, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, for a powerful discussion on protecting free expression amid shifting political tides.

Listen up! The Schar School’s new podcast series launches October 15 with two episodes. Learn how to hear them.

We are recording this episode on October 3rd, 2025, in the middle of a federal government shutdown. Although this episode will not air until October 15, 2025, there is still a lot to be covered. My co-host is my colleague, Dr. Jeremy Mayer. Jerry is a Professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University and Director of the Master's and PhD Program in Political Science.