Lawfare Daily: Chris Miller and Marshall Kosloff on the Abundance Agenda’s Implications for National Security
Feb 11, 2025
auto_awesome
Chris Miller, a professor at Tufts University and expert in international relations, joins Marshall Kosloff, a Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center and co-host of the Realignment Podcast, to delve into the intersections of AI and national security. They discuss the Abundance Agenda's effects on resource allocation and strategic decision-making. Topics include the critical role of semiconductors in global tensions and the need for improved AI infrastructure. They also stress the importance of AI literacy to ensure equitable access across society.
America's national security is threatened by reliance on Taiwan for semiconductors, underscoring the need for stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The establishment of TSMC's Arizona facility represents a step towards semiconductor resilience, yet it reveals the limited capacity for substantial progress.
Advancements in AI, particularly with DeepSeek, raise concerns about the U.S.'s competitive position against China, stressing the need for responsive policy adaptations.
Deep dives
National Security and Industrial Capacity
America's national security strongly hinges on its industrial capacity and infrastructure, particularly in relation to semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The reliance on Taiwan for advanced chips poses significant risks, as nearly all high-performance GPU chips critical for AI are manufactured there, leaving the U.S. vulnerable in the event of a supply chain crisis. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities to mitigate risks associated with global dependencies. This interdependence crystallizes the importance of strategic investments in local production to ensure national security against potential geopolitical tensions.
The TSMC Arizona Factory and Its Implications
The establishment of TSMC's manufacturing facility in Arizona marks a significant yet modest step towards alleviating the U.S.'s semiconductor supply chain vulnerabilities. While this factory represents progress, it is only a medium-sized solution compared to TSMC's extensive operations in Taiwan, suggesting that substantial challenges remain in achieving meaningful supply chain resilience. Additionally, the motivations behind TSMC's diversification into the U.S. are complex, with concerns arising in Taiwan regarding the potential erosion of U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense. The implications of this factory extend beyond mere production capacity, influencing geopolitical stability and perceptions of U.S. manufacturing prowess.
Challenges in U.S. Chip Manufacturing
The state of American chip manufacturing is fraught with challenges, highlighted by Intel's struggles against robust international competition. Intel's decline underscores broader issues within U.S. manufacturing, driven by a pressure for short-term profits that hampers sustained investment in research and development. The company’s significant role as a national champion is jeopardized by its inability to maintain technological innovation and customer retention. This emphasizes the urgent need for a strategic overhaul to revitalize the American semiconductor industry, balancing profitable operations with long-term technological advancements.
Economic Impacts of AI Developments
Recent developments in AI, particularly the launch of DeepSeek's model, have raised alarms regarding the U.S.'s competitive position against China in this crucial field. DeepSeek's efficient cost structure challenges the narrative of American superiority, posing questions about the sustainability of the U.S. investment model in AI infrastructure and research. Furthermore, concerns about the efficacy of U.S. export control policies are exacerbated by reports of smuggling and loopholes, questioning the efficacy of these regulations in maintaining a technological edge. The necessity for a responsive policy framework that adapts to fast-paced advancements in AI becomes increasingly clear.
Stargate Project and Infrastructure Investment
The Stargate project represents a monumental shift in how tech companies in the U.S. approach investment in infrastructure, signaling an era where substantial capital is directed toward creating physical assets rather than solely prioritizing software and intellectual property. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need for robust technological foundations as the tech landscape becomes increasingly competitive globally. However, significant challenges related to obsolescence and rapid technological advancement pose risks, with investments needing to yield returns in a short timeframe. The success of such projects will depend not only on the magnitude of the funding but also on the ability to navigate the complexities of the political and economic landscape intertwined with technology.
Chris Miller, a professor at the Fletcher School at Tufts University and Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Marshall Kosloff, Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center and co-host of the Realignment Podcast, join Kevin Frazier, a Contributing Editor at Lawfare and adjunct professor at Delaware Law, and Alan Rozenshtein, Senior Editor at Lawfare and associate professor of law at the University of Minnesota, to discuss AI, supply chains, and the Abundance Agenda.
We value your feedback! Help us improve by sharing your thoughts at lawfaremedia.org/survey. Your input ensures that we deliver what matters most to you. Thank you for your support—and, as always, for listening!
