Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of CrowdStrike and founder of the Silverado Policy Accelerator, explores the looming Cold War II and its implications. He draws parallels between the Soviet Union and today's China, addressing Washington's groupthink and the necessity of reevaluating U.S. policies. Alperovitch offers bold military and diplomatic strategies for Taiwan, critiques the current U.S. defense budget, and argues for a selective decoupling with China to enhance national security while fostering a balanced economic relationship.
Lessons from Cold War crises emphasize nuclear risks.
Parallels between Soviet Union and China raise concerns.
Productive economic relationship with China requires national security considerations.
Deep dives
Innovation Policy Program at Open Philanthropy and Grant Initiatives
The podcast episode discusses the work of an individual at Open Philanthropy who manages the Innovation Policy Program, focusing on research in innovation science and making related grants. It highlights specific grants made to institutions like the Institute for Progress and the Institute for Replication, aimed at accelerating scientific technological progress and improving research credibility.
Opportunity to Join the Innovation Policy Program Team
The episode mentions the program's need for additional team members to assist in investigating grants, exploring new research areas, and identifying funding opportunities. It outlines the required background in metascience or innovation policy for potential applicants with opportunities for senior and regular roles. The team aims to enhance scientific progress through strategic grant-making and research review.
Discussion on China's Intentions and Potential Taiwan Invasion
The podcast delves into the risks associated with China's potential invasion of Taiwan and the factors contributing to the escalation of tensions in the region. Speakers analyze Chinese leader Xi Jinping's approach and strategic ambitions, emphasizing the importance of preventing conflicts through a focused foreign policy approach centered on containing threats.
Implications of a Changing Regional Dynamic in the Mid-2030s to Early 2040s
The episode explores the projected challenges and opportunities in the mid-2030s to early 2040s concerning Taiwan's defense capabilities and the evolving regional dynamics. It underscores the impact of technological advancements, military strategies, and international collaborations, shaping potential outcomes related to Taiwan's security and the global power balance.
The Race for Technological Superiority
The podcast episode discusses the critical importance of AI and technological advancements in areas such as space exploration, green energy, semiconductors, and critical minerals. The speaker emphasizes the need for the US to preserve its advantage in these key areas and slow down China's progress through export controls and other measures to maintain leadership in critical technology sectors.
Geopolitical Strategies and National Security Concerns
The podcast delves into the intricate geopolitics between the US and China, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to deter China and ensure American interests are secured. Discussions focus on the significance of influencing the mindset of leaders like Xi Jinping through a combination of military deterrence, economic measures, and diplomatic actions to maintain leverage. The conversation also touches on the importance of controlling sensitive technologies like AI models and semiconductor manufacturing to safeguard national security interests.
Is Cold War II upon us? What should America do to prevent it from becoming a hot war?
To discuss, ChinaTalk interviewed Dmitri Alperovitch. Dmitri emigrated from Russia in 1994 at age 13. He co-founded the leading cybersecurity startup Crowdstrike, and has spent the past four years running his new think tank, the Silverado Policy Accelerator.
He's also the author of the new book World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century.
We discuss:
Lessons from Cold War crises that almost went nuclear;
Underappreciated parallels between the Soviet Union and China today;
Groupthink in Washington as well as in Silicon Valley;
What a productive economic relationship with China would look like given national security concerns;
Some bold military and diplomatic recommendations for Taiwan;
… and more!
Work with Matt at Open Philanthropy: Clickable link, URL: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/openphilanthropy/f33460e1-e092-46ae-918a-85338ffad9a3
Kennedy's speech to the American people regarding the Berlin Wall: JFK Library.
