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

Join us in this episode of The Great Tech Game Podcast as we delve into the murky world of cybercrime with investigative journalist and author, Geoff White. We discuss why few states succeed in building effective military cyber forces, the evolution of ransomware into a national security crisis, and the actors behind major cybercrime networks. Geoff maps out where these networks function geographically and in cyberspace, and identifies both state and non-state cyber actors, including Russia's ransomware economy, North Korea's Lazarus group, and fraud networks in Southeast Asia and West Africa. We also explore how technology has revolutionized money laundering for the world's deadliest crooks, as seen in Geoff latest book, 'Rinsed,' and touch on key geopolitical impacts, defense strategies, and the intersection of gaming and cybercrime.Key Chapters00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode02:28: Introducing Today's Guest: Geoff White03:51 The Evolution of Cyber Espionage Post-Snowden Leaks07:45 Mapping the Global Cyber Landscape11:35 Non-State Cyber Actors: A Closer Look17:18 The Infamous Lazarus Group and North Korean Cyber Operations20:08 The Rise of Cryptocurrency in Cybercrime23:44 The Black Axe Group: A Global Threat29:24 Money Laundering in the Digital Age32:20 The Din sisters Double Life33:28 Bitcoin as a Money Laundering Tool34:06 The Arrest and Aftermath35:23 Gaming and Cybercrime37:43 How Cybercriminals Get Caught41:10 Crypto Tech Firms Under Scrutiny52:10 Global Responses to Crypto Crime55:21 Geopolitics and Crypto58:07 Conclusion and RecommendationsBook Links:by Geoff White:Rinsed: From Cartels to Crypto: : https://amzn.in/d/48PaZjNThe Lazarus Heist: https://amzn.in/d/f0xbAofBy 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: http://www.greattechgame.com/

In the latest episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, cyber conflict expert Max Smeets—senior researcher at ETH Zurich and co-director of Virtual Routes—draws on his books “No Shortcuts” and “Ransom War” to explore why most states struggle to build effective cyber forces and how ransomware has become a major national security threat. He breaks down the contrasting cyber strategies of the US, China, and Russia, the rise of professionalized ransomware groups like Conti, and what it takes for governments to build capable cyber commands. A must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the evolving frontlines of cyber conflict.Chapters00:00 Trailer03:37 Introduction to the Great Tech Game Podcast03:51 Meet Max Smeets: Cybersecurity Expert06:04 Max's Journey from Finance to Cyber Warfare08:22 Discussing No Shortcuts: Challenges in Cyber Command17:11 Global Cyber Strategies: US vs China27:09 Building Cyber Capacity: The PETIO Framework46:38 Ransomware: A Growing National Security Threat52:03 Evolution of Ransomware53:30 The Rise of Conti55:03 Global Ransomware Landscape59:14 Ransomware Trust Paradox1:02:48 Conti Group and the MOB Framework1:09:45 Ransomware Attack Lifecycle1:19:36 Government Responses to Ransomware1:25:25 Comparing Ransomware to APTs and Terrorist Groups1:29:14 Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsBook Links:By Max SmeetsNo Shortcuts: Why States Struggle to Develop a Military Cyber-Force:-https://a.co/d/03FfTolRansom War: How Cyber Crime Became a Threat to National Security:-https://a.co/d/2FuXaWSBy 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: http://www.greattechgame.com/#cyber #cybersecurity #cyberwarfare #ransomware #cybercrime #hackers #tech #geopolitics #thegreattechgame #thegreattechgamepodcast #tgtgpodcast #anirudhsuri #maxsmeets

Drones are revolutionizing warfare, but it’s not just about the hardware — it’s about how we use it. Lt. Gen. Dr. RS Panwar explores the strategic challenge of integrating drones and autonomous systems into modern military operations. From linking sensors to shooters across branches to rethinking battlefield tactics, he argues that true innovation lies in a technological mindset. Drawing on lessons from past and present conflicts, he advocates for a collaborative ecosystem of military, tech, and academic leaders to shape the future of combat.

Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla discusses the vital role of India’s military institutions and defence startups in driving cutting-edge technology. He emphasizes the need for strong leadership, skilled talent, and clear directives to fast-track AI and defence innovation, highlighting how technology and strategic vision are essential to strengthening India’s military capabilities.

This podcast episode features a discussion between host Anirudh Suri and two distinguished Indian Army veterans, Lt. Gen. RS Panwar (Signal Corps, specializing in technology and warfare) and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Infantry, focusing on military futures and force modernization). The conversation analyzes the recent India-Pakistan standoff through the lens of technology, drawing lessons from the engagement and broader global conflicts (Ukraine, Hamas, Azerbaijan). Both experts emphasize the critical need for India to accelerate technological adoption and development in its military to address both Pakistan and the more significant challenge posed by China. Key themes include the evolving character of warfare driven by unmanned systems and precision weapons, the necessity of developing indigenous technological capabilities, the importance of a technology-minded military leadership, and the urgent need for structural reforms and investment in critical areas like AI, electronic warfare, and space-based capabilities.The conversation also explores the lessons learned for India's future defense capabilities, highlighting the need for greater focus and investment in areas like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space-based technologies (particularly low-earth orbit constellations), and the development of a strong, innovative, indigenous technological ecosystem within the military and the private sector. The podcast discussion underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in India's approach to military technology. The recent standoff with Pakistan served as a timely reminder of the evolving nature of warfare and the increasing centrality of technology. Addressing the more significant long-term challenge from China necessitates not only increased investment but also a dramatic transformation in military mindset, talent development, R&D focus, and the integration of civilian technological expertise. Without decisive action in critical areas like AI, EW, and space, India risks being left behind in the emerging landscape of high-tech warfare. The message is clear: the time for debate is over; it is time for action.

This podcast episode features a discussion between host Anirudh Suri and two distinguished Indian Army veterans, Lt. Gen. RS Panwar (Signal Corps, specializing in technology and warfare) and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Infantry, focusing on military futures and force modernization). The conversation analyzes the recent India-Pakistan standoff through the lens of technology, drawing lessons from the engagement and broader global conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza). Both experts emphasize the critical need for India to accelerate technological adoption and development in its military to address both Pakistan and the more significant challenge posed by China. Key themes include the evolving character of warfare driven by unmanned systems and precision weapons, the necessity of developing indigenous technological capabilities, the importance of a technology-minded military leadership, and the urgent need for structural reforms and investment in critical areas like AI, electronic warfare, and space-based capabilities.The conversation also explores the lessons learned for India's future defense capabilities, highlighting the need for greater focus and investment in areas like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space-based technologies (particularly low-earth orbit constellations), and the development of a strong, innovative, indigenous technological ecosystem within the military and the private sector. The podcast discussion underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in India's approach to military technology. Their message is clear: the time for debate is over; it is time for action.Chapters:* Introduction: Backgrounds of the Guests (00:04 /)* Setting the Stage: Reflecting on Op Sindoor and the Evolving Nature of Warfare (04:34 /)* Lt. Gen. Panwar's Perspective: Glimpse of Changing Warfare (05:10 /)* Lt. Gen. Shukla's Perspective: Seminal Moment for Indian Statecraft (11:54 /)* Changing Character of War: Unmanned Systems & Precision (15:08 /)* The Critical Need for Low Earth Orbit Satellites and Space Presence (16:37 /)* From Technology Debate to Action: Focusing on AI, Electronic Warfare, and Space (17:50 /)* Leveraging Army's Technical Institutions and Startups (21:04 /) * Talent, R&D, and Technological Conviction (23:23 /)* Action Plan for Technology Adoption for Future Warfare (28:59 /) * Deep Dive: AI, EW, and LEO Constellations (30:55 /)* Need for AI/LLMs for Defence and Counter-UAS (33:40 /)* LEO Constellations: Surveillance and Resilience and Precision (38:41 /) * Cyber Capabilities: The Imperative for Offensive Cyber** (40:33 /)* Developing a Captive Cyber Force and Scaling up Cyber Talent (46:00 /)* Persistent Surveillance and SAR Satellites (52:43 /)* Civil-Military Fusion and China's Model (58:27 /)* R&D, Private Sector, and Digital Macaulay (57:56 /)* Importance of Innovative Warfighting Concepts (65:53 /)* Four Prongs for AI Ecosystem: Compute, Data, Expertise, Power (80:27 /)* Conclusion: Call to Action in the critical areas: data, talent, R&D, compute, AI, EW, Space, Cyber. (84:04 /)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/)#IndiaPakistanWar #Geopolitics #India #Pakistan #BorderStandoff #IndoPak #OperationSindoor #OpSindoor #DroneWars #AkashTeer #RajShukla #RSPanwar #AIWars #AI #ElectronicWarfare #SpaceWars #Satellites #LEO #PrecisionStrikes #PrecisionWarfare #AnirudhSuri #TheGreatTechGame #TGTGPodcast #Podcast

In this engaging episode, renowned diplomat and author Kishore Mahbubani discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia and the world. Highlighting key themes from his latest book, 'Living the Asian Century,' Kishore delves into the interplay between Western and Eastern values, China's rapid rise, and the strategic dynamics between major global powers like the United States, China, and India. He shares insights on Singapore’s phenomenal success, ASEAN’s role in balancing global influence, and the necessity for multipolar governance in the current age. A must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of global politics and the shifting balance of power.Chapters03:53 Introduction and Guest Background04:46 Personal Journey and Early Influences05:56 Clash of Western and Eastern Values08:11 Rise of Asia and Western Complacency13:49 US-China Geopolitical Conflict15:44 China's Peaceful Rise and Strategic Planning23:03 Challenges Facing the US and China48:47 India's Potential and Global Competition55:17 Singapore's Pragmatic Approach56:03 Singapore's Economic Miracle57:58 US-China Relations and Singapore's Neutrality59:55 ASEAN's Strategic Position01:02:45 China's Influence in Asia01:04:00 Managing US-China Competition01:22:38 India-China Relations01:28:48 India's Geopolitical Strategy01:31:36 Global Governance and Multilateralism01:36:15 BRICS vs. G701:38:28 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsBook Links:Has China Won?: The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy: https://amzn.in/d/fJUnl8ULIVING THE ASIAN CENTURY: https://amzn.in/d/j2SLOSAHas the West Lost It?: https://amzn.in/d/7b7dfsZAnirudh 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/)#China #USA, #GeopoliticalRealism, #ChinaRise, #IndiaChinaRelations, #Meritocracy, #UnipolarAsia, #MultipolarWorld, #USChinaTensions, #ASEAN, #EconomicGrowth, #Globalization, #SocietalChallenges, #TechnologyCompetition, #IndustrialRevolution, #GlobalSouth, #Corruption, #DiplomaticRelations, #ChinaEconomy, #USDebt, #CulturalAffinities, #AsiaDevelopment, #GlobalTrade, #Liberalization, #PoliticalSuccession, #MediaInfluence, #HistoricalAnalysis, #StrategicPatience, #InternationalInstitutions, #GlobalGovernance, #ChinaUSConflicts

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri discusses with Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, the transformative impact of technology on espionage and global warfare. Shashank delves into how technological advancements, from synthetic aperture radar satellites to cloud computing to subsea cables, are reshaping the tools and practices of intelligence agencies. They explore the shift in the global tech infrastructure, the rise of new-age defense tech firms, and the growing integration of big tech companies with state defense mechanisms. Shashank provides insights into the implications of these changes for global power dynamics, touching on issues like cyber intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and the future of warfare. Shashank and Anirudh also discuss how the Indian armed forces are approaching the adoption and invention of new technologies.Chapters00:00 Introduction 03:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Espionage08:46 The Geopolitics of Subsea Cables 19:14 Spy Satellites and Geospatial Intelligence 30:35 Big Tech Firms and National Security43:52 Digital Colonialism45:22 Cyber Armies of Big Tech Firms46:19 Geopolitics of Global Alliances48:12 Sovereign Capabilities and Strategic Technologies49:24 Private Firms and Geopolitical Alignments52:18 The Role of Cybersecurity Firms in Modern Conflicts01:00:22 New Age Defense Tech Firms01:08:45 India's Armed Forces: IDEX and Adoption of New Tech01:16:13 US - China Hot War: What It Will Look Like01:21:36 Shashank's Book RecommendationsBook Links:The Permanent Crisis: https://www.amazon.in/Permanent-Crisis-Nuclear-Trajectory-Whitehall/dp/041583256XIndian Power Projection: https://www.amazon.in/Indian-Power-Projection-Ambition-Influence/dp/1138452351Anirudh 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/)#spycraft #Espionage #technology #geopolitics #DefenceTech, #Geopolitics, #CyberSecurity, #AIinWarfare, #FutureOfWar, #BigTech, #Encryption #SpaceTech, #NationalSecurity, #DefenceInnovation, #UkraineConflict, #USChinaRelations, #DigitalColonialism, #MilitaryIndustrialComplex, #TechEcosystems, #MilitaryStrategy, #AutonomousWeapons

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri welcomes Gen. David Petraeus, former CIA chief and a highly decorated military leader, as they break down how today's hot wars including Ukraine and Gaza are likely to pan out.The discussion explores General Petraeus's illustrious 37-year military career, including his command roles in Iraq and Afghanistan and his tenure as the director of the CIA. They delve into how technology is transforming warfare and how geopolitical and economic factors are interlinked. General Petraeus also discusses his co-authored book on the evolution of warfare, offering an invaluable perspective on strategic military leadership. The conversation further extends to current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, evaluating their implications in the broader context of global geopolitics, especially in the U.S.-China dynamic. The episode culminates in an assessment of the growing importance of private defense tech companies in modern military structures.About Gen David Petraeus:David Howell Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and public official. He is currently a partner at KKR and chairman of the KKR Global Institute. He served as the fourth director of the Central Intelligence Agency from September 2011, until his resignation in November 2012. Prior to his assuming the directorship of the CIA, Petraeus served 37 years in the United States Army. His last assignments in the Army were as commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and commander, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) from July 2010 to July 2011. His other four-star assignments include serving as the 10th commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) from October 2008 to June 2010, and as commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I) from February 2007 to September 2008. As commander of MNF-I, Petraeus oversaw all coalition forces in Iraq.Chapters00:00 Promo02:33 Introduction 03:34 General Petraeus' Career Highlights07:33 Book Discussion: Evolution of Warfare10:10 Strategic Leadership in Modern Conflicts13:45 Current Wars: Russia-Ukraine24:52 The Future of the War in the Middle East32:36: Global Implications: US China Battle in the Indo-Pacific36:13 Future of Warfare: Private Defense Tech37:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBook Links:David Petraeus: https://amzn.in/d/hYWcB3jAnirudh 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/)#Warfare #MilitaryStrategy #Geopolitics #TechInWarfare #DavidPetraeus #Drones #artificialintelligence #MiddleEastConflict #RussiaUkraineWar #GeopoliticalTensions #ColdWarEra #GlobalSecurity #FutureOfWar #DefenseStrategy #MilitaryLeadership #NationalSecurity #PrivateDefenseFirms #StrategicLeadership #ConflictResolution #WarOnTerror #UkraineConflict #MiddleEastPolitics #CIA #DefenseTech #ConflictManagement #WorldDiplomacy #Insurgency #SurgeStrategy #GlobalWarOnTerror #NewWarfare #WarStudies #DefenseTechnology #MilitaryEvolution

Ylli discusses the need for a U.S.-India Tech Alliance—what it means and why it matters. How India can shift from being a software powerhouse to a hardware leader. Key areas of collaboration: AI, semiconductors, biotech, quantum, and space. Why India’s scale and production capabilities are crucial for the global supply chain. Overcoming barriers like visa restrictions and bureaucratic delays