ChinaTalk Helen Toner Takes the CSET Reins
30 snips
Dec 2, 2025 
Helen Toner, Director of the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) and former OpenAI board member, dives into AI policy and the evolving relations between technology and China. She shares her vision for CSET's future, emphasizing evidence-driven policymaking amidst the chaotic information landscape. Highlights include her intriguing concept of 'jagged progress' in AI capabilities and its implications for policy adaptability. Helen also discusses the challenges of US–China AI dialogue and the impact of new AI tools on research processes.
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CSET's Data-Driven, Technical Niche
- CSET's strength is rigorous, data-driven, technically informed research that other think tanks now emulate.
- Helen Toner wants to keep those core practices while finding unique value in China expertise and emerging tech.
Facts Still Matter In Policy Channels
- Public discourse can be noisy while expert work in government still values facts and evidence.
- Helen Toner points to concrete policymaking wins like California and the EU where technical work produced usable outcomes.
Brief Policymakers And Adapt Outreach
- Engage policymakers proactively rather than just publishing papers online.
- Adapt CSET communication to modern channels and individual researcher brands where useful.