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

Ylli Baraktari discusses why the 2020s are a make-or-break decade for democratic nations. From China's strategic dominance in AI, EVs, and 5G to the shifting dynamics of public-private collaboration in the U.S. and India, this conversation explores how innovation power is redefining geopolitical influence.

Ylli discusses how AI is transforming warfare, from predictive analysis to lethal autonomous weapons. He shares insights from Ukraine and the Middle East, explaining how AI-driven satellite imagery, cyber capabilities, and decision-making tools are reshaping modern conflicts.

Ylli discusses China’s growing influence in global technology and what it means for the U.S. and its allies. From AI and 6G to digital infrastructure and global standards, China has been making strategic moves to cement its dominance in critical emerging technologies.

The Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) has identified six critical technologies that will shape the future of nations and determine global leadership. From AI and quantum computing to semiconductors and energy, these technologies are at the core of the U.S.-China power struggle.

Ylli Baraktari discusses how he entered the field of AI and national security, why the U.S. government recognized AI as a critical technology, and how Congress formed the AI commission. He explains how AI is now at the core of global competition and why the U.S. needed a national strategy.

In this in-depth discussion, Ylli Bajraktari, the President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), delves into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming global warfare and the strategic positioning of the United States and India. Yill's insights stem from his extensive experience, including his tenure as Executive Director of the National Security Commission on AI, and his work with various US defense leaders. The conversation spans the evolution of AI in both administrative and military contexts, the emerging tech competition with China, and the critical role that US-India collaboration plays in maintaining technological and national security competitiveness. He emphasizes the need for strategic tech alliances, proactive governance in AI, and the integration of both hardware and software capabilities for India to stay ahead. Additionally, Yill touches upon the complexities of global governance in AI and presents a framework for international cooperation to navigate the competitive technology landscape.About Yill BajraktariYlli Bajraktari is the President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project.Prior to launching SCSP, Ylli served as the Executive Director of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Prior to joining NSCAI, he served as Chief of Staff to the National Security Advisor LTG H.R. McMaster, held a variety of leadership roles for former Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work, and served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dempsey. Originally joining the Department of Defense in 2010, he served in the Office of the Undersecretary for Policy as a country director for Afghanistan, and later India. Mr. Bajraktari is the recipient of the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Medal – the highest award given to career DoD civilian employees.Link: https://www.scsp.ai/ylli-bajraktari/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ylli-bajraktari-5b101326b/Chapters00:00 Promo03:14 Yill's Journey in AI and Technology05:39 AI Commission's Mission and Impact06:31 China's Technological Ambitions08:01 The Role of Technology in National Security08:29 Formation of the AI Commission09:42 Post-ChatGPT AI Landscape10:03 Public-Private Sector Dynamics12:54 Lessons from the AI Commission13:11 The Importance of Hardware in AI14:16 Energy and AI24:41 The Great Tech Game25:51 Competitiveness Strategy for Nations28:04 China's 5G and AI Strategy32:07 Private Sector's Role in National Security34:12 Recent Work at SCSP38:11 Future of AI and Technology39:43 Future of Semiconductors and Communication40:23 Advancements in Compute Power and Energy41:33 Biotech and AI Integration41:57 Dynamic Nature of Technology42:15 AI's Role in Modern Warfare44:22 AI in Military Decision Making51:33 AI and Cyber Warfare01:01:17 US-India Tech Alliance01:07:49 Global Governance of AI01:15:24 Book and Podcast RecommendationsBook Links: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/)AI, #cyberwarfare, #nationalsecurity, #technologycompetition, #India, #UnitedStates, #China, #militarypower, #innovationpower, #techalliance, #AIModels, #hardware, #privatesector, #publicprivatemodel, #AIcommission, #semiconductors, #techcompanies, #militaryAI, #AIethics, #AIGovernance, #internationaltechnologystandards, #digitalinfrastructure, #AIenabledcyberattacks, #globaltechcompetition, #satelliteimagery, #futureenergy, #biotech, #quantumcomputing, #advancedcommunications, #deepdiveonAI

In this episode, Adam Segal, discusses the evolving landscape of cyber power, cyber warfare, and cyber espionage. He outlines key technological areas essential for future military and economic competitiveness, such as semiconductors, biology, new materials, and energy. Segal also examines the rise of Chinese and U.S. cyber capabilities, the impact of private sector involvement, the role of major state and non-state actors, and the current state of international cyber policy. He shares lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasizes the importance of maintaining technological control, a principle rooted in Chinese strategic thinking since the 19th century. Finally, he talks about the challenges and opportunities of U.S.-India cyber cooperation and the potential for different countries to build vibrant digital ecosystems.00:00 Introduction to Chinese Technological Ambitions00:32 Guest Introduction: Adam Segal01:19 The Evolution of Chinese Cyber Capabilities11:00 Historical Context of Chinese Technological Control15:26 Global Cyber Power Dynamics31:24 National Cyber Capabilities and Strategies39:21 Private Sector's Role in Cybersecurity42:19 Non-State Actors in Cyberspace45:49 International Cyber Alliances48:23 Economic Cyber Espionage49:37 Public-Private Cooperation in Cybersecurity57:58 U.S. International Cyber Policy01:06:40 U.S.-India Cyber Cooperation01:10:34 Conclusion and RecommendationsBook Links:Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38MyAdam SegalThe Hacked World Order: https://amzn.in/d/ewMaEUMAdvantage: How American Innovation Can Overcome the Asian Challenge: https://amzn.in/d/1xvS8jeDigital Dragon: https://amzn.in/d/8ll79kUFollow 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.comBook and Podcast: www.greattechgame.com#GeopoliticsOfTechnology #Cybersecurity #USChinaTechCompetition #DigitalColdWar #CyberWarfare #RansomwareThreat #NationalSecurity #TechInnovation #ChineseTech #DigitalPolicy #StateDepartment #CyberEspionage #CriticalInfrastructure #DigitalSolidarity #PublicPrivatePartnerships #TechTalent #InternationalCyberPolicy #DigitalEcosystems #CyberAlliances #EmergingTech

In this episode of the Great Tech Game Podcast, host Anirudh engages in an enlightening conversation with Professor Arvind Panagariya, chairman of the 16th Finance Commission of India and Professor of Indian Political Economy at Columbia University. They explore a wide array of topics including India's historical and current economic policy strategies, the role of technology and innovation, and the challenges and opportunities in India's trade policies. Professor Panagariya shares his extensive experience and insights on how India can leverage markets, enhance R&D, and navigate the complexities of global trade to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth. They delve into historical economic models, compare them with present-day policies, and discuss the impact of geopolitical dynamics on India's economy. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of job creation in the age of rapid technological advancements.Show Notes:00:00 Introduction to the Great Tech Game Podcast03:30 Professor Panare's Academic and Professional Journey05:59 Evolution of Trade Theory and Policy11:07 Debates on Multilateralism vs. Bilateralism16:57 India's Economic Reforms and Policy Shifts21:54 Current Economic and Political Debates30:40 Impact of Geopolitics on Trade and Development38:16 India's Economic Model and Future Directions46:28 Industrial Policy Resurgence in the US47:14 Government's Role in India's Private Sector Growth48:05 Public Health and Education: Areas for Government Expansion50:25 Industrial Policy and India's Strategic Sectors56:15 Comparing Nehruvian and Modinomics Approaches01:03:04 Technology and Innovation: Past and Present01:18:38 Trade Policies and Global Market Dynamics01:23:17 The Benefits of Liberalizing Trade01:24:11 The Impact of Exchange Rates on Competitiveness01:25:30 Historical Perspectives on Trade and Protectionism01:27:23 Export Interests vs. Import Competing Interests01:29:33 Sectors with Export Potential01:34:24 Challenges in Services Exports01:44:24 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBook Links:Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Arvind Panagariya: The Nehru-Era Economic History and Thought & Their Lasting Impact: https://www.amazon.in/Nehru-era-Economic-History-Thought-Lasting/dp/019777461XIndia's Trade Policy: The 1990s and Beyond:https://www.amazon.in/Indias-Trade-Policy-1990s-Beyond/dp/9354899331India: The Emerging Giant: https://www.amazon.in/India-Emerging-Giant-Arvind-Panagariya/dp/0199751560Follow 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/)#GreatTechGamePodcast #EconomicPolicy #IndianEconomy #GlobalTrade #TechAndInnovation #InclusiveGrowth #ArvindPanagariya #IndianPoliticalEconomy #FinanceCommission #ColumbiaUniversity #TradePolicy #EconomicReforms #Multilateralism #BilateralTrade #GlobalTradePolicy #IndianEconomicReforms #PolicyShifts #GeopoliticsAndTrade #SustainableGrowth #IndustrialPolicy #EconomicDevelopment #GovernmentAndMarkets #StrategicSectors #PublicHealth #EducationPolicy #GovernmentInvestment #NehruvianEconomics #Modinomics #HistoricalEconomics #EconomicComparisons

The podcast conversation of The Great Tech Game with Aniurdh Suri features Branco Milanovic, an expert on income inequality, discussing his work and global inequality trends.Milanovic's book, "Capitalism Alone," argues that capitalism is the only dominant economic system, with variations like liberal capitalism (US) and political capitalism (China). He also explores how socialist revolutions inadvertently paved the way for capitalism in some countries. His other book, "Visions of Inequality," looks at how influential economists have viewed inequality.Milanovic discusses how to measure inequality, noting that the Gini coefficient is a powerful tool. He explains that while inequality within most rich countries has increased, global inequality between people has decreased due to the rise of Asia. However, if Africa does not develop, this trend could reverse.Geopolitics and technology also play a role. The relationship between the US and China and the rise of Asia are reshaping the global landscape. New technologies, like AI, could increase inequality. India's influence is growing due to its non-aligned position and economic growth.In terms of policy, Milanovic notes that it is difficult to reduce inequality with government policy, though cash grant programs in Latin America are a potential example.Key takeaways:● Capitalism is the dominant system globally, with different variations.● While inequality within many countries is rising, global inequality has decreased.● Geopolitics, technology, and Africa's development will play a role in future inequality trends.● There's a disproportion between discussion and action on reducing inequality.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Tech Game Podcast03:22 Branko's Career Journey08:48 Diving into Capitalism Alone22:17 Different Models of Capitalism25:49 Global Inequality Trends46:31 Skepticism About Consumption Data47:01 Income vs. Consumption in India48:57 Gender Inequality Trends51:05 Global Inequality Decline53:36 Rise of the Middle Class57:02 Africa's Population Growth and Global Impact01:01:44 Geopolitical Risks and Global Inequality01:14:14 Technology and Inequality01:21:27 Policy Measures to Reduce Inequality01:24:53 Conclusion and RecommendationsBook Links:Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Branko Milanovic:Capitalism, Alone : The Future of the System That Rules the World : https://amzn.in/d/0jziPT1Visions of Inequality: From the French Revolution to the End of the Cold War: https://amzn.in/d/akDn6L6Global Inequality – A New Approach for the Age of Globalization: https://amzn.in/d/80DzQcJTHE HAVES AND THE HAVE-NOTS: https://amzn.in/d/cc4Co0uFollow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin:   / anirudhsuri  Instagram:   / anirudh_suri  Facebook:   / anirudhsuri.in  Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)#TheGreatTechGame, #AnirudhSuri, #BrankoMilanovic, #IncomeInequality, #GlobalInequality, #CapitalismAlone, #VisionsOfInequality, #LiberalCapitalism, #PoliticalCapitalism, #USChinaRelations, #Geopolitics, #EconomicTrends, #InequalityMeasurement, #GiniCoefficient, #AsiaRising, #AfricanDevelopment, #GlobalEconomy, #SocialistRevolutions, #TechnologyAndInequality, #AIImpact, #IndiaEconomicGrowth, #NonAlignedPosition, #EconomicSystems, #PolicyChallenges, #CashGrants, #LatinAmerica, #GlobalTrends, #WealthDisparity, #EconomicInequality, #FutureOfCapitalism

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri engages in a comprehensive discussion with Ruchir Sharma, an author, fund manager and columnist for the Financial Times. Ruchir shares insights from his extensive career, spanning over 25 years at Morgan Stanley and his thought leadership in macroeconomics, geopolitics, and technology. Key topics include the shifting dynamics in global economies, particularly in emerging markets like India and Mexico, the impact of technological adoption on national success, and the evolving challenges and criticisms of modern capitalism. Ruchir also highlights the necessity for India to enhance its infrastructure, govern better, and embrace technology while balancing the role of government intervention.00:00 Key Highlights02:15 Introduction to the Episode 05:06 Ruchir Sharma's Journey and Early Influences09:48 Emerging Markets and Investment Insights24:19 Discussion on Capitalism and Successful Nations34:36 Geopolitical Shifts and Emerging Markets35:55 Revisiting Capitalism: A Historical Perspective39:16 The Future of US Economic Growth42:31 Emerging Markets in a Slowing Global Economy47:01 India's Economic Potential and Investment Opportunities53:46 Policy Recommendations for India's Growth01:01:46 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsBook Links:Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Ruchir SharmaBreakout Nations - https://ruchirsharma.com/books/breakout-nations/The Rise and Fall of Nations - https://ruchirsharma.com/books/the-rise-and-fall-of-nations/Democracy on the Road - https://ruchirsharma.com/books/democracy-on-the-road/The Ten Rules of Successful Nations - https://ruchirsharma.com/books/the-10-rules-of-successful-nations/What went wrong with Capitalism - https://ruchirsharma.com/books/what-went-wrong-with-capitalism/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/) India growth, geopolitical risks, tech boom, emerging markets, Ruchi Sharma, Rockefeller International, Morgan Stanley, Indian democracy, China economic outlook, US debt, investor insights, global supply chains, Taiwan tech industry, Switzerland economic model, rise and fall of nations, debt management, AI boom, financial markets, India stock market, macroeconomic trends, public infrastructure, privatization in India, Vietnam economy, US growth forecast, competitive federalism, economic policy, tech investments, public platforms, creative destruction, Michael Pettis, Ruchir Sharma