Emily Weinstein and Tim Hwang, research fellows at Georgetown's CSET, dive into the complexities of export controls and their impact on AI and technology development. They challenge whether U.S. measures might inadvertently boost China's tech prowess, revealing how controls can weaken American industries. The conversation highlights unconventional players like TikTok shaking up markets, and offers humorous anecdotes about trade show networking. Finally, they lighten the mood with a whimsical tune, reminding us to savor simple joys amidst serious discussions.

Tim Hwang, a Research Fellow at Georgetown’s CSET and former director at Harvard-MIT, dives into the fierce AI rivalry between the U.S. and China, highlighting its geopolitical stakes. He discusses how democracies can develop AI responsibly, balancing ethical values with innovation. Hwang also tackles pressing issues like the implications of facial recognition technology, the risks of deepfakes in misinformation, and the need for transparency in AI systems. His insights reveal the intricate interplay between technology, ethics, and global policy.