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

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

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

In this powerful clip, Lt Gen Shukla breaks down how China’s military is deeply integrated with its tech and university ecosystems from AI and battery innovation to rocket science and shipbuilding. While India debates, China executes. He warns that unless India builds serious civil-military-tech fusion and prioritizes algorithmic innovation, we risk being outpaced in future wars—not just militarily, but technologically.

In the latest episode of The Great Tech Game, retired Lt. Gen. Dr. Ravindra Singh Panwar dives into the urgent need for India to overhaul its cyber defense strategy. Drawing on real-world comparisons with U.S. and Chinese cyber commands, he explains why India continues to lag behind in developing offensive cyber capabilities and what it will take to catch up.He unpacks the critical gaps ranging from a lack of specialized human capital to the absence of institutional clarity and makes the case for openly embracing offensive cyber operations as part of modern warfare. With insights into China’s vast Strategic Support Force and the U.S. Cyber Command’s evolution, this episode is a wake-up call for India’s national security establishment.A must-watch for anyone interested in cyber warfare, defense strategy, and the future of digital conflict

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.

Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla discusses how technology has increasingly become a key driver of geopolitics and national security. He calls for urgent, concrete action in critical areas like Space (LEO Constellations), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Electronic Warfare (EW), urging a shift from theoretical discussions to implementation.

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