Ep. 21 - The Coup d'Tech: Are Tech Firms Pulling Off a Silent Coup? Ft. Marietje Schaake | Stanford University

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri engages in a deep conversation with Marietje Schaak, International Policy Director at Stanford University's Cyber Policy Center and a former member of the European Parliament. The discussion traverses the complex relationship between technology, geopolitics, and democracy. Marietje highlights the growing influence of big tech firms and their impact on state sovereign functions. She raises concerns about the balance of power, the role of AI, and the urgency for new regulations. They explore historical parallels with colonial enterprises and the concept of digital sovereignty. Marietje underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and informed legislative bodies to protect democratic values in the digital age. They discuss the possibility of a unified democratic response and contemplate the future of AI's regulatory landscape.Chapters:00:00 Highlights from the Conversation02:34 Introduction to the Great Tech Game Podcast02:46 Meet Marija Shaker: A Voice in Tech and Governance04:43 The Evolution of Tech Optimism and Pessimism08:58 Global Shift and the Hollowing Out of Government13:10 Tech Firms as Agents of the State16:09 The Role of Big Tech in Geopolitical Conflicts23:31 Challenges of Global Tech Governance37:03 The Emerging India Model in Tech Policy44:06 The Future of AI and Tech Regulation49:33 Concluding Thoughts and RecommendationsBook Links:Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Marietje Schaak: https://amzn.in/d/1jkYoiiFollow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) technology, geopolitics, economics, history, global affairs, cyber policy, artificial intelligence, European Parliament, tech governance, big tech firms, democracies, Tech Coup, Silicon Valley, tech regulation, international policy, digital sovereignty, human rights, accountability, surveillance, social media, digital public infrastructure, India, Europe, United States, authoritarian regimes, transparency, national security, facial recognition, spyware, election interference, AI ethics