The Great Tech Game Podcast: Geopolitics, Technology, Business and Global Affairs, with Anirudh Suri

In this episode of The Great Tech Game, host Anirudh Suri speaks with Michael Brown — Partner at Shield Capital, Visiting Scholar at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, and former Director of the Defense Innovation Unit — about the frontlines of the US–China technology competition and what the U.S. must do to stay ahead.Together they explore:– How China’s top-down innovation model is challenging U.S. leadership– The urgent reforms needed in R&D, budgeting, and industrial policy– How Silicon Valley and the Pentagon are reconnecting through defense tech– Why allies and partners remain America’s biggest asymmetric advantageBrown also unpacks the decline in federal R&D spending, the rise of defense-tech startups, and how conflicts like Ukraine reveal the power of commercial technology in modern warfare.Tune in for an insider’s look at the race shaping global innovation — and what it means for the future of defense, technology, and geopolitics.Follow The Great Tech Game for more conversations at the intersection of technology, strategy, and the global economy.

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri interviews Peter Singer, a strategist at New America and a renowned futurist in national security. Singer discusses the evolving landscape of warfare, highlighting the role of new technologies such as drones, AI, and cyber capabilities. He reflects on the lessons learned from recent conflicts, such as Ukraine and Gaza, and explores the rise of private military and defence tech firms. Singer also delves into the potential for future global conflicts, the implications of emerging technologies, and the inherent vulnerabilities within autocratic systems. From multi-domain operations and cognitive warfare to the game-changing power of synthetic biology, this conversation reveals how technology, geopolitics, and global affairs are colliding to redefine the future of conflict.00:00 Introduction to Future Warfare00:09 Peter Singer's Background and Contributions00:44 The Reality of Modern Warfare00:54 Technological Denial and Acceptance01:22 The Impact of Drones and Robotics02:01 Private Military Contractors and Defense Tech Firms02:20 Silicon Valley's Role in Defense03:43 The Future of Warfare and Global Conflict05:29 The Role of Non-State Actors in Modern Warfare34:30 The Complexity of Multi-Domain Warfare38:33 Emerging Technologies in Space41:39 Cyber Warfare Insights47:20 AI and Robotics Revolution57:30 Future Technologies and Their Impact01:04:27 Rapid Fire Questions and RecommendationsAbout Peter W. Singer:Peter Warren Singer is a strategist at New America, Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, and Founder & Managing Partner at Useful Fiction LLC, a firm that specializes in strategic narrative. A New York Times bestselling author, Singer has been hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “the premier futurist in the national-security environment” and by the Washington Post as “an all-around smart guy.” He has been recognized by the Smithsonian as one of America’s 100 leading innovators, by Defense News as one of the 100 most influential voices in defense, and by Foreign Policy on its Top 100 Global Thinkers list. The U.S. Army has even designated him an official “Mad Scientist.” Notably, no other author, has more books featured on professional U.S. military reading lists.Links to Peter Singer's books:Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution - https://www.amazon.in/Burn-Novel-Real-Robotic-Revolution-ebook/dp/B07T4KLT74LikeWar: The Weaponization of Social Media - https://www.amazon.in/LikeWar-Weaponization-P-W-Singer/dp/1328695743Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War - https://www.amazon.in/Ghost-Fleet-P-W-Singer/dp/054470505XCybersecurity and Cyberwar: What Everyone Needs to Know - https://www.amazon.in/Cybersecurity-Cyberwar-What-Everyone-Needs/dp/0199918112Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and 21st Century Conflict - https://www.amazon.in/Wired-War-Robotics-Revolution-Conflict/dp/0143116843Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry - https://www.amazon.in/Corporate-Warriors-Privatized-Military-Industry/dp/0801489156Children at war - https://www.amazon.in/Children-at-War-P-W-Singer/dp/0375423494Host of the Podcast, Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow 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: (http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com]🎥 Clip Credit 1:PackBot® 510 | Unmanned Ground Systems -- Teledyne FLIRWatch here: https://youtu.be/kV0GwG269xQ?si=avvlSRnkqf4VqyKq#anirudhsuri #futurewarfare #futureofwar #privatemilitary #cyberwarfare #thegreattechgame #tgtgpodcast #anirudhsuri #petersinger #pwsinger #geopolitics #podcast #defenseanalysis #defensetech #cognitivewarfare #warfare #war

In this episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, Professor Jason Furman -- the Aetna Professor of the Practice of Economic Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and former 28th Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Barack Obama -- offers a rare peek behind the curtain of President Trump's tariff strategy and their far-reaching impacts. We explore the surprising realities of who truly wins and loses in this global economic upheaval, both within the US and across the world, and why the aggregate picture might not be what you expect.Professor Furman critically examines India's unique and challenging position in this tariff landscape, facing a potentially "unfair" deal with a projected 50% tariff rate. Could this be India's pivotal "1991 moment" for significant domestic reforms? What strategic choices lie ahead for its booming economy?The discussion also delves into:• Why countries have largely opted for "personalistic" bilateral deals rather than forming a united front against US tariffs, and what this reveals about global negotiation dynamics.• The one country that has successfully pushed back against US tariffs, and the unique leverage that allowed it to do so.• The potential long-term shifts in global trade patterns and whether the "most favored nation" principle is truly a thing of the past.• The profound implications of AI for global productivity and the future of jobs. Will AI be a "massively positive" force, and how might its benefits be distributed across different nations?• The critical role of immigration in fuelling the US tech and AI industries, and why its future is a key concern.Professor Furman also provides candid rapid-fire answers on pressing questions like whether Trump's trade war protects American jobs (his answer may surprise you!) and who ultimately pays the price for high tariffs, and whether Trump will finally strike a deal with India eventually or not.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping today's global economy and what lies ahead for nations caught in the "Tariff Roulette."Subscribe for more insightful discussions on geopolitics, technology, and economics!

In this episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri sits down with Dr. John Klein—space strategist, military theorist, and author of Fight for the Final Frontier—as part of our Future of War and Tech series. This episode marks our first deep dive into the space domain.Dr. Klein explains why “space is not special, just wonderfully different,” urging a strategic and historical lens to understand the shifting nature of space power. The conversation explores how commercial firms—now responsible for over 90% of spacecraft in orbit—are transforming the global space landscape, and what that means for governments, warfighting, and deterrence.From anti-satellite tests and cyber attacks on satellite infrastructure to the critical role of geospatial intelligence in the Russia-Ukraine war, the episode highlights how space is already shaping today’s conflicts. Reflecting on maritime analogies, the risks of “mirror imaging,” and India’s evolving posture in this domain, this is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in space strategy and geopolitics.CHAPTERS00:00 Trailer04:06 Key Technological Advancements in Space in Recent Years10:56 Who Are the Key Nations in the Space Power Club?14:21 Key Private Space Entities and their Relationship with Governments31:36 How Commercial Companies are Governed by International Space Treaties36:38 Drone Warfare and GPS Jamming in the India-Pak Conflict40:15 Geospatial Intelligence and OSINT in Recent Conflicts50:31 India's Space Capabilities and Strategic Advice for Indian Startups57:20 How Should Countries Navigate Space Geopolitics?01:00:42 Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsAbout Dr. John Klein:Dr. John J. Klein is a Senior Fellow and Strategist at Falcon Research, Inc., and Adjunct Professor at George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute and Georgetown University’s Strategic Studies Program. He frequently writes on space strategy, deterrence, and the Law of Armed Conflict. He is the author of the books Understanding Space Strategy: The Art of War in Space (2019), Space Warfare: Strategy, Principles and Policy (2006) and the recently released Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space (2023), along with a score of other book chapters and articles. He is a retired Commander of US Navy, where he served as a Naval Flight Officer from 22 years. He also supported combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Links to Dr. Klein's books:Understanding Space Strategy: The Art of War in Space - https://www.amazon.in/Understanding-Space-Strategy-Power-Politics/dp/1138354627Space Warfare: Strategy, Principles and Policy - https://www.amazon.in/Space-Warfare-Strategy-Principles-Politics/dp/0415407966Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space - https://www.amazon.in/Fight-Final-Frontier-Irregular-Warfare/dp/155750735XHost of the Podcast, Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow 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/)🎥 Clip Credit 1:“2021 Russian Satellite Intercept” – Ansys Government Initiatives (AGI)Watch here: https://youtu.be/b52F9R9ByOY?si=vp1uc224HqiYJZE6🎥 Clip Credit 2:“Geostationary, Molniya, Tundra, Polar & Sun Synchronous Orbits Explained” – Scott ManleyWatch here: https://youtu.be/PZAkiXNJIqc?si=d7S8mNKstsYLbXEc🎬 Clip Credit 3:“Northrop Grumman’s MEV-1 docked with the Intelsat 901 satellite” – SciNewsWatch here: https://youtu.be/pHrxDGafnV4?si=q_MLCT9UDbhpI1iJ🎬 Clip Credit 4:“Low Earth orbit is littered with human-made space junk” – RAZOR Science ShowWatch here: https://youtu.be/QTXUbW77WZE?si=dZZr4NzR61DcrFFT

In this week's episode, we sit down with Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan, the first director of the Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) and former head of Project Maven, to unpack how AI is transforming the battlefield.Project Maven (officially called the Algorithmic Warfare Cross Functional Team) is a project undertaken by the Pentagon starting in 2017, involving using machine learning and data from multiple sources with the aim of identifying potential targets, among other things. The Maven Smart System has been used, among other situations, in the Russia - Ukraine context by the US to help Ukrainian forces.Gen. Shanahan shares what it took to bring AI into the Department of Defense, from fighting bureaucratic inertia to handling mountains of battlefield data. We dive into the Pentagon’s collaboration—and tensions—with private tech firms, the high-stakes AI race between the US and China, and the lessons emerging from Ukraine. We also explore how AI could change cyber warfare forever—and what these shifts mean for the future of global power.If you’re curious about how technology is reshaping war, strategy, and geopolitics, this conversation is for you.Chapters:00:00 The Evolution of the Department of Defense00:52 The Rise of Silicon Valley and the Tech Boom01:33 Challenges in Integrating Tech with Defense02:48 Introduction to the Great Tech Game Podcast05:18 The Big Picture: Post-Cold War Shifts11:18 Project Maven: The AI Revolution in Defense21:33 Data Management Challenges in AI Projects27:32 Collaborating with Private Tech Firms36:08 Purpose and Challenges of AI in Defense36:55 Corporate Collaboration and Ethical Considerations37:52 Impact of Ukraine Conflict on AI Adoption38:22 Emergence of New Defense Primes39:17 Partnerships Between Big and Small Companies40:20 Transforming Government with Silicon Valley Talent44:24 Project Maven's Strategic Impact45:31 Algorithmic Warfare and Human-Machine Integration49:40 Global Use and Future of Project Maven54:58 US-China AI Military Competition01:03:41 China's AI Development and Civil-Military Fusion01:10:05 China's Manufacturing and Technology Growth01:10:48 Autonomous Systems and AI Integration01:11:07 China's Government and Tech Companies01:13:53 India's AI and Military Technology01:15:31 Challenges and Opportunities in India01:19:15 AI in Cyber Defense and Offense01:22:42 Private Tech Firms vs. Nation States01:31:08 Future of Industrial Policy and National Security01:36:08 Book and Podcast Recommendations#thegreattechgame #tgtgpodcast #anirudhsuri #jackshanahan #militarytechnology #projectmaven #dod #departmentofdefense #military #geopolitics #defenseinnovation #siliconvalley #uschina #indiaai #usmilitary #thegreattechgamepodcast

In this video, Geoff White, host of BBC Podcast 'Lazarus Heist', explores the hidden world of cyber defense and uncover how governments, private companies, and security agencies work together to track down some of the world’s most sophisticated hackers. While we often hear about massive cyberattacks and stolen millions, this conversation dives deep into the lesser-known side of the story — how these criminals are traced, caught, and exposed.From the SolarWinds hack, allegedly orchestrated by Russian hackers, to state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting private companies, he discusses how the lines between government operations and private tech firms are increasingly blurring. Today, big tech companies like Microsoft and Starlink often play roles as significant as governments themselves, supporting global defense strategies — similar to how they assisted Ukraine during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.We also discuss the covert battles happening behind the scenes, where espionage, counter-hacks, and intelligence operations unfold beyond public visibility. While countries like the US, UK, India, and Russia constantly engage in cyber warfare, most of these operations remain classified and never reach the headlines. Even in high-profile cases like North Korea’s alleged hacks, accusations rarely make it to court, leaving many questions unanswered about how these investigations actually unfold.This video unpacks the methods, partnerships, and challenges behind cyber defense, revealing how public and private forces combine to protect digital infrastructure in a world where attacks are constant, global, and evolving.If you’re interested in cybersecurity, digital warfare, or the secretive world of global hacking, this is a must-watch.

In this video, Geoff White, host of BBC Podcast 'Lazarus Heist', explains the turbulent world of crypto tech firms, government crackdowns, and the growing clash between regulation, freedom, and financial innovation. He explores why some of the biggest names in the crypto industry — from FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried, sentenced to 25 years in prison, to Binance founder CZ, facing legal troubles — have come under intense global scrutiny, while traditional tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon continue to thrive with government support.The conversation looks at why crypto companies operate differently from established big tech firms. While traditional companies have decades of regulatory integration, government ties, and lobbying power, many crypto startups are new, disruptive, and anti-establishment. Built on the idea of financial freedom, privacy, and decentralization, these firms have positioned themselves outside traditional power structures, rejecting government control over money. But this independence has also made them prime targets for regulators cracking down on fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.We also discuss the controversial role of crypto mixers like Tornado Cash, which was accused of laundering over $500 million stolen in the Axie Infinity hack by North Korean cybercriminals. While governments see these services as enablers of illegal activity, many in the crypto community defend them as vital tools for privacy, free speech, and financial liberty — sparking a deep philosophical divide about the future of money.If you’re interested in cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, or the tussle over financial freedom, this is a must-watch.

In this video, Geoff White, host of BBC Podcast 'Lazarus Heist', explores how the booming online gaming industry has become one of the newest battlegrounds for cybercrime, crypto theft, and money laundering. He explains how hackers — including North Korea’s state-backed Lazarus Group — are exploiting gaming platforms and digital ecosystems to steal millions and move illicit funds undetected.We dive into the shocking Axie Infinity hack of 2022, where North Korean hackers allegedly stole $625 million by exploiting blockchain vulnerabilities within the Vietnamese gaming platform. With the gaming industry now valued in billions, gaming companies have become high-value targets for hackers, while unsuspecting gamers are also at risk. From stolen digital assets like skins, avatars, and in-game currencies to compromised wallets, the threat extends far beyond corporate systems.With the rapid rise of crypto-based gaming, NFTs, and digital in-game assets, cybercriminals now see gaming as one of the most lucrative and low-risk frontiers. This clip unpacks the methods, motives, and scale of these operations, exposing how the gaming world has become a new playground for hackers, scammers, and money launderers.If you’re interested in cybersecurity, gaming, cryptocurrency, or digital finance, this is a must-watch.

In this video, Geoff White, host of BBC Podcast 'Lazarus Heist', delves into the hidden world of cartels, hackers, and crypto laundering, revealing how technology is being used to move billions of dollars through secretive financial networks. He uncovers the shocking alliances between cybercriminals, money launderers, and organized crime syndicates, exposing how the tech industry has inadvertently become a tool for the world’s deadliest crooks.From North Korean hackers breaching banks and crypto firms to sophisticated laundering networks built to bypass regulations, this conversation unpacks how these shadow economies operate. Hackers may know how to break into financial systems, but when it comes to moving the stolen money, they rely on powerful laundering specialists who set up shell companies, recruit money mules, and exploit digital loopholes to clean illicit funds without detection.The rise of digital finance, instant payments, and cryptocurrency has made the problem even more alarming, giving global criminals faster and smarter ways to hide their tracks. Whether it’s drug cartels, fraud syndicates, or state-backed hacking groups, these networks leverage advanced technology to launder billions and outpace international regulators. Geoff unpacks the motives, methods, and global impact of these digital laundering systems, showing how technology has transformed the way crime moves money around the world.

In this video, Geoff White, host of BBC Podcast 'Lazarus Heist', exposes the hidden world of Southeast Asian cybercrime networks, where romance scams, pig butchering schemes, and crypto-driven fraud have evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global industry. These scams use emotional manipulation to trap victims, convincing them to invest in fake opportunities — only to be drained of their savings.Countries like Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand have become hotbeds for organized cybercrime, fueled by underground casinos, crypto laundering, and poorly regulated financial systems. Many of these networks operate with little government oversight, and in some cases, authorities appear complicit in allowing these fraudulent operations to thrive.Adding another disturbing layer, thousands of people are trafficked into these regions and forced into scam operations under harsh, exploitative conditions. What seems like an online fraud problem is, in reality, a deeply rooted crisis tied to human trafficking, illegal gambling, and financial exploitation — powered by modern technology.Geoff explains how Southeast Asia became the global hub for organized scams, why these operations are growing so fast, and the devastating human cost behind them. If you are interested in the full story,watch Full Episode here: https://youtu.be/66u1zeJVKLI