New America Foundation

New America Foundation. New America is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank established in 1999, dedicated to renewing American politics and prosperity in an era of rapid technological and social change. Founded by Ted Halstead, it is known for its focus on next-generation ideas, investing in new thinkers, and fostering a network of policymakers, technologists, and business leaders. The organization conducts research and advocacy across a wide range of domestic and international policy issues, positioning itself as a nonpartisan center for thought and action.

History

The foundation was launched in 1999 by entrepreneur Ted Halstead, with initial support from figures like James Fallows and funding from philanthropic institutions such as the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Its early mission was to address the challenges of globalization and the information age for the United States, aiming to bridge what it saw as an ideological gap between traditional Democratic and Republican think tanks. In 2007, Steve Coll, a former managing editor of The Washington Post and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, became its president, steering its expansion into in-depth journalism and international affairs. The organization rebranded from the New America Foundation to simply "New America" in 2014 to reflect its evolution into a broader civic enterprise. Under the subsequent leadership of Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former director of policy planning at the U.S. Department of State, it further emphasized issues of technology, national security, and social equity.

Organization and leadership

New America is structured around numerous policy programs and initiatives, each led by directors and fellows who are experts in their fields. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors that includes notable figures from academia, business, and media, such as Eric Schmidt, former executive chairman of Alphabet Inc., and Jonathan Soros, of the Soros Fund Management. Its executive leadership has included presidents like Steve Coll and current CEO Anne-Marie Slaughter. The staff comprises a mix of scholars, journalists, former government officials, and technologists, operating from its main office in Washington, D.C., with additional presence in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. This structure is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between its various programs focused on issues from cybersecurity to family policy.

Policy programs and initiatives

The think tank's work is organized into several major program areas. The Open Technology Institute focuses on digital policy, internet governance, and spectrum management. The Future of War project, a collaboration with Arizona State University, examines the changing character of conflict and technology. The Education Policy program analyzes issues from early childhood to higher education, while the Asset Building program researches economic security and the racial wealth gap. Other significant initiatives include the Political Reform program, which studies voting rights and campaign finance, and the Resource Security program, addressing climate change and energy policy. These programs often produce legislative proposals, host events with figures like Fareed Zakaria, and engage with agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission.

Publications and media presence

New America produces a wide array of publications, including in-depth reports, policy briefs, books, and articles from its fellows. It runs the award-winning magazine and website The Weekly Wonk, and its experts frequently contribute to major outlets like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and CNN. The organization also hosts popular event series and podcasts, such as The New America NYC talks and The Future of War podcast, featuring discussions with individuals like General David Petraeus and author Peter Bergen. This media strategy is central to its mission of translating complex research for a broad public and policy audience, influencing national discourse on technology and society.

Funding and partnerships

The organization is funded by a diverse mix of sources, including foundations, corporate contributions, and individual donors. Major historical funders include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Knight Foundation, and Google. It also receives government grants for specific research projects. New America frequently partners with academic institutions, such as Arizona State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and other think tanks like the Brookings Institution on joint initiatives. These partnerships and funding relationships have occasionally drawn scrutiny, leading to public debates about think tank independence, most notably a 2017 incident involving the Open Technology Institute and its research on Google's market power.

Influence and impact

New America has exerted influence on public policy and intellectual debate, particularly in technology and national security. Its fellows have assumed roles in administrations, such as Lisa Monaco in the Obama administration and Michele Flournoy at the U.S. Department of Defense. The organization's research has informed legislation on issues like net neutrality, broadband access, and family leave, and its events regularly feature prominent policymakers like Senator Mark Warner. While sometimes critiqued from both the political left and political right for its centrist or technocratic approach, New America is recognized as a significant incubator for policy innovation, shaping conversations on the future of American democracy in the digital age.