“The strategy, nuance, and consequences of economic statecraft are more important now than perhaps ever before,” says the new chief economist for the U.S. Department of State. Blanchard offers the government strategic advice on the intersection between foreign policy and economics, provides analytical support, and engages in public outreach. “Given the pace of events in the last three months,” the professor notes, “my focus is squarely on the first two.” Translation: She’s been working on sanctioning Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Blanchard, who has spent nearly two decades teaching and researching international economic policy, landed the job in January after Jose Fernandez ’77, undersecretary of economic growth, energy, and the environment, reached out last year.