Jeffrey Ding, a leading US scholar on China’s AI from George Washington University and author of "Technology and the Rise of Great Powers," discusses the pivotal role of general-purpose technologies in shaping global power dynamics. He emphasizes that while innovation is crucial, the true test lies in diffusion capacity. Historical examples from the UK and Soviet Union illustrate the challenges of adopting new technologies. Ding also explores how decentralized systems contributed to America's Cold War success and warns against complacency in US-China tech competition.

Jeffrey Ding, a lead China researcher at Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, delves into the complexities of China's AI landscape. He dispels myths about China’s AI strategy, emphasizing its long historical context and the significant role of private companies. The discussion contrasts the U.S.-China AI rivalry with cultural narratives and misconceptions surrounding surveillance practices. Ding also illuminates the social credit system's realities and the unique work culture that fuels China's tech advancements, encouraging a nuanced understanding of its AI ambitions.

Conor Grennan, Chief AI Architect at NYU Stern, and Jeffrey Ding, Assistant Professor at GWU, dive into the emergence of DeepSeek, a disruptive Chinese AI startup shaking up the global tech scene. They discuss how DeepSeek’s cost-effective models threaten giants like NVIDIA and OpenAI. The conversation explores the geopolitical shifts due to U.S. export controls and the implications for global AI leadership, particularly the U.S.-China rivalry. Is DeepSeek a game-changer or just a fleeting trend? Tune in for insights!