203. When Ideas Meet Influence: Inside Washington’s Policy Engines, Conversation with Tino Cuellar

In the latest episode of Proyecto 1954, host Enrique Perret sits down with distinguished guest Mariano‑Florentino “Tino” Cuéllar — the tenth President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP). Tino Cuéllar brings decades of experience spanning academia, public service, and global governance: a former Justice of the California Supreme Court and a scholar of institutions, technology, and global security. Together, Enrique and Tino explore the role of think tanks in today’s world of polarization and disruption. They examine how institutions like the Carnegie Endowment navigate washington D.C.’s policy ecosystem, influence public debates, and adapt to an era of rapid change. From deep dives into the architecture of think-tank influence to candid reflections on what it means to produce independent research in turbulent times, this episode is both insightful and accessible. Whether you’re interested in foreign policy, institutional reform, or how ideas travel from academic offices to global capitals — this conversation offers a timely look into the power of ideas and institutions.