
 Past Present Future
 Past Present Future Live Special: Who Rules the World? Trump, Tech and the Fight for the Future
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 Oct 29, 2025  Bruno Maçães, a former Portuguese government minister and author, and Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former senior tech insider, delve into the complex dynamics of power in a world torn between state influence and corporate giants. They discuss the escalating rivalry between the U.S. and China, the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future, and how tech companies navigate political landscapes. Both guests ponder whether autonomy in AI weapons poses existential risks and what true victory might look like as global powers vie for dominance. 
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Geopolitics Trumps Domestic Tech Wars
- The primary battleground for the future is the US-China rivalry shaping global architecture.
- This contest outweighs domestic fights between states and tech firms in long-term importance.
AI As The Next Decade's Operating System
- AI will determine the operating system of the next decade and shape sovereignty.
- The US and China propose opposing models: deregulation versus heavy state control.
States Still Call The Shots
- States remain the ultimate arbiter despite tech firms' influence and proximity to power.
- Recent events show governments can still decide winners and losers for big tech.









