

The Great Tech Game Podcast: Geopolitics, Technology, Business and Global Affairs, with Anirudh Suri
Anirudh Suri
Interested in geopolitics, technology, business, entrepreneurship and global affairs?
The Great Tech Game Podcast is the perfect podcast for you. Host Anirudh Suri, a tech venture capitalist, policy advisor, and bestselling author of The Great Tech Game, brings you smart, insightful conversations at the intersection of tech and geopolitics.
Listen to the carefully curated line up of the world's best thinkers on these themes. They will help you see the big picture, and in the process, understand how to get ahead in a world thats constantly being upended by technology and geopolitics.
The Great Tech Game Podcast is the perfect podcast for you. Host Anirudh Suri, a tech venture capitalist, policy advisor, and bestselling author of The Great Tech Game, brings you smart, insightful conversations at the intersection of tech and geopolitics.
Listen to the carefully curated line up of the world's best thinkers on these themes. They will help you see the big picture, and in the process, understand how to get ahead in a world thats constantly being upended by technology and geopolitics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 10, 2024 • 6min
Future of AI: Open-Source or Closed Source? Ft. George Lee
Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M
In this conversation, Anirudh and George delve into the debate over open versus closed source AI development and its implications for global unity and conflict. At a recent global technology summit in Delhi, key figures from the Indian tech sphere, including Nandan Nelakani, discussed India's AI strategy, emphasizing the potential benefits of an open source model over the pursuit of large-scale proprietary AI models like those developed by OpenAI. The success of India's digital public infrastructure, like Aadhaar and the IndiaStack, is cited as influencing the country's approach towards a more open source AI strategy. Anirudh and George speculate on the future interplay of closed and open source models in AI development, suggesting a trend towards more open, cooperative models driven by the ethos of open source innovation.
00:00 Exploring the Open vs. Closed Source Debate in AI
00:37 Global Technology Summit Insights: India's AI Strategy
02:00 The Future of Large Language Models: Open Source vs. Closed Source
02:26 India's Tech Ethos and the Shift Towards Open Source AI
03:21 The Evolution of AI Models: From Closed to Open Source
04:43 The Interplay of Closed and Open Source in AI's Future
#AI #technology #geopolitics #business
In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach.
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
Book Links:
Anirudh Suri:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My
George Lee Article:
About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Mar 9, 2024 • 4min
How Will AI Impact Jobs and Economic Growth? ft. George Lee
Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M
In this discussion, Anirudh and George delve into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing economic growth worldwide. According to investment research from Goldman Sachs, AI could potentially increase productivity by 1.5 percent, leading to a $7 trillion growth in global GDP. They explore the potential impacts of AI on economic output and growth, focusing on which sectors, countries, and segments of the workforce might see the most benefits. Through a detailed analysis of 900 occupations in the U.S., extended to a global context, the research suggests that task automation will primarily affect developed markets and knowledge work, including administrative, software development, operational, medical, and educational sectors. The conversation emphasizes the concept of AI as augmenting rather than replacing jobs, capable of automating tasks within jobs rather than the jobs themselves.
00:00 Exploring AI's Potential to Drive Economic Growth
00:31 Deep Dive into AI's Impact on Productivity and Global GDP
01:08 Insights from Investment Research on AI and Economic Output
01:43 The Future of Work: How AI Will Transform Jobs and Industries
02:50 AI's Role in Augmenting Jobs Rather Than Replacing Them
03:24 Comparing AI's Economic Impact to Historical Industrial Revolutions
#AI #technology #geopolitics #business
In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach.
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
Book Links:
Anirudh Suri:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My
George Lee Article:
About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Mar 8, 2024 • 8min
Will India be a Key Swing State in Geopolitics and AI? Ft. George Lee
Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M
In this discussion, Anirudh and George explore the concept of geopolitical swing states and extend it to the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) competition. They highlight the transition from a unipolar to a multipolar world, leading to the emergence of countries like India, which exhibit flexibility in aligning with global powers such as the US, China, or the EU on a case-by-case basis. Further, the concept is applied to AI, with countries potentially becoming swing states in generative AI competition based on their regulatory approaches and interests. The conversation also covers the idea of 'innovation blocks,' suggesting that countries might form regional groupings to advance their interests in AI, driven by the high capital and energy demands of scaling AI algorithms. The potential for cooperation among like-minded nations in developing AI, including sharing significant capital costs, is discussed, pointing towards new alliances and partnerships in the AI domain.
00:00 Exploring the Concept of Swing States in AI Competition
00:52 The Evolution of Geopolitical Swing States
03:32 Applying the Swing State Concept to AI
04:30 Innovation Blocks and Regional Groupings
06:06 The Future of Cooperation in AI Development
#AI #technology #geopolitics #business
In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach.
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
Book Links:
Anirudh Suri:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My
George Lee Article:
About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Mar 7, 2024 • 3min
The AI Revolution: What Will India and Other Countries' Role Be? ft. George Lee
Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M
The discussion highlights the global impact and contributions of various countries to the generative AI field. They emphasize on India's significant role, credited to its intellectual capital, economic potential, and innovative approaches, particularly in digital advancements as pointed out by Anirudh. George mentions the academic leadership of England, France's historical and financial contributions, and the EU's regulatory efforts. The conversation also covers the technological expertise of countries like the Netherlands, South Korea, and Taiwan. Furthermore, it notes the United Arab Emirates for its achievements in Arabic language models and open-source development. Anirudh and George stress on generative AI as a global phenomenon that could foster competition yet hope it brings unifying effects among nations.
00:00 The Global Impact of Generative AI: Beyond the U.S. and China
00:16 India's Pioneering Role in the Innovation Ecosystem
00:50 The Digital Stack Initiatives: India's Path to AI Revolution
01:15 Global Leadership in AI: From England to the UAE
02:09 The Unifying Potential of Generative AI Across Nations
#AI #technology #geopolitics #business
In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach.
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
Book Links:
Anirudh Suri:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My
George Lee Article:
About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Mar 6, 2024 • 8min
How Generative AI has Helped the US Steal an Edge Over China ft. George Lee
Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M
In a detailed conversation between Anirudh and George, the duo explores the global landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on the generative AI sector where the United States holds a leading position. The discussion highlights AI as a global phenomenon, with the US's leadership attributed to its foundational role in intellectual and semiconductor innovations, thanks to contributions from companies like Google and NVIDIA, and the dominance of US hyperscalers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google in infrastructure provision. Despite the US's early lead, the conversation acknowledges the rapidly evolving nature of AI, predicting global diversification and innovation. The competitive landscape between the US and China is examined, noting China's strong AI capabilities despite challenges such as sanctions, export controls, and the need to align AI technologies with its social and political ideals.
00:00 The Global AI Race: US vs. The World
00:29 Generative AI: The US's Intellectual and Technological Edge
03:31 China's Unique Challenges in the AI Arena
04:14 The Unpredictable Nature of AI and China's Regulatory Approach
05:09 Can China Catch Up? The Ongoing US-China Tech Rivalry
06:00 China's Resilience and Innovation Despite Challenges
07:01 The Future of AI Competition and Collaboration
#AI #technology #geopolitics #business
In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach.
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
Book Links:
Anirudh Suri:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My
George Lee Article:
About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Mar 5, 2024 • 4min
The Great AI Game - The Global Competition for Leadership in AI ft. George Lee
Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M
The conversation between Anirudh and George on the early stages of 'The Great AI Game', emphasizes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global competition across markets and nations. They delve into the strategic investments by tech firms and countries in AI, highlighting the significant socioeconomic and geopolitical implications, particularly of generative AI. Anirudh and George explore AI's potential to profoundly affect economics, productivity, defense, culture, and the global competitive landscape. The discussion reflects on the urgency and complexity of thought leadership in navigating this transformative era.
00:00 The Dawn of the Great AI Game: Navigating New Competitive Dynamics
00:53 The Rush of Tech Firms and National Strategies in AI
01:26 Exploring the Geopolitics of AI: A Timely Discussion
01:41 Reflecting on the Evolution of AI and Its Global Impact
02:59 Generative AI: A Game-Changer for Nations and Global Markets
#AI #technology #geopolitics #business
In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach.
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
Book Links:
Anirudh Suri:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My
George Lee Article:
About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 10 - The Future of AI and Geopolitics: Unraveling AI's Global Implications with George Lee
In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Lee, from his executive position at Goldman Sachs and extensive academic and professional background, shares insights on the formation of the Applied Innovation Group, aimed at driving thought leadership and innovation within the firm, motivated by the seismic shifts in geopolitics and technology. The conversation also explores the geopolitical 'AI swing states,' the influence of open vs. closed source AI models, and the historical parallels that might help predict the future of AI's impact on business models and economic growth. Throughout, they underscore the necessity of conscious technology development that augments human potential and fosters equitable growth, while also considering the implications of AI on job market dynamics, the importance of broad AI adoption, and strategies nations might employ during these formative 'Inter AI years' to secure their place in the future AI-driven world.About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html01:00 Introduction02:47 The Role of Applied Innovation Group04:09 The Intersection of Technology, Geopolitics, and Business04:49 The Geopolitics of AI06:51 The Global AI Competition09:14 The Role of Different Countries in AI Development21:42 The Future of AI: Open Source vs Closed Source28:59 Understanding AI as an Operating System or Application30:34 The Concept of Swing States in AI Competition31:26 Understanding Geopolitical Swing States32:03 The Rise of China and its Global Impact34:05 The Concept of AI Swing States35:03 The Role of Innovation Blocks in Geopolitics38:15 AI and Economic Growth: A Macro Perspective38:45 The Impact of AI on Economic Output and Growth47:07 The Interplay of AI, Capital, and Talent55:03 The Concept of Inter AI Years and its Opportunities56:56 The Risks and Opportunities for Businesses in the AI Era58:49 The Future of AI: A Discussion on Adoption and DemocratizationFollow 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/)Book Links:Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My#ArtificialIntelligence,#AIstrategy,#GenerativeAI,#Geopolitics,#GlobalAICompetition,#OpenSourceAI,#EconomicGrowth,#TechInnovation,#InterAIyears,#AIadoption

Feb 19, 2024 • 5min
Understanding Trump's Brand of Populism | Helen Thompson
Full Episode link: https://youtu.be/BlxR5dqm3O4
In this episode, host Anirudh Suri speaks with guest Helen about the underlying factors behind Donald Trump's rise in politics. They explore the notion that Trump's ascendancy is not solely due to populism and delve into the historical fusion of nationalism with representative democracy. The discussion highlights parallels between Trump's strategy and the American Populist Party, comparing Trump's nativism-plus-class approach with Bernie Sanders' class-focused rhetoric. Helen argues that nationhood has always been intertwined with democracy, challenging the simplistic label of populism often attributed to Trump's political narrative.
**Helen Thompson** is an English academic who teaches politics at Cambridge University, where she is a professor of political economy and a fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, where she is also Director of Studies.
She has been working in Cambridge since 1994 and is currently a member of the Department of Politics and International Studies. One of her recent research interests is the aftermath of the 2008 Financial crisis.
00:00 Introduction: Trump's Rise and Populism
00:25 The Conceptual Problem with Populism
00:58 Nationalism and Democracy
01:19 Historical Context of Populism
02:06 Populism in American History
02:30 Trump and the American Populist Party
02:58 Class and Nativism in Trump's Rhetoric
03:44 Comparing Trump and Sanders
04:28 Conclusion: Nationhood in Representative Democracy
Book Links:
#AnirudhSuri:
**The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri:** [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My)
#HelenThompson
**Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century**: https://amzn.eu/d/72bIz8J
#TrumpRise, #Populism, #ChinaJobs, #Nationalism, #Nationhood, #Democracy, #NationLanguage, #RepresentativeDemocracy, #NationState, #HistoricalPerspective, #FranklinRoosevelt, #AmericanHistory, #AmericanPopulistParty, #ClassCritique, #NativistAppeal, #BorderQuestion, #CheapLabor, #WashingtonPolitics, #BernieSanders, #CrudeRacism

Feb 18, 2024 • 6min
The Energy Transition: What It Means for Europe? | Helen Thompson
Full Episode link: https://youtu.be/BlxR5dqm3O4
In this episode, host Anirudh Suri discusses with guest Helen Europe's future, highlighting the rising use of civilizational language among European politicians. The conversation examines President Macron's stance on defending European civilization, the complex energy transition, and the challenges of foreign resource dependency. The discussion also touches on Europe's ambitions to become a leader in climate tech, the competition with China, and Europe's strategic interests in Africa.
**Helen Thompson** is an English academic who teaches politics at Cambridge University, where she is a professor of political economy and a fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, where she is also Director of Studies.
She has been working in Cambridge since 1994 and is currently a member of the Department of Politics and International Studies. One of her recent research interests is the aftermath of the 2008 Financial crisis.
00:00 Introduction: Europe's Future and Civilizational Language
00:22 Macron's Civilizational Language and European Challenges
00:57 Energy Transition and Europe's Geopolitical Strategy
02:12 Resource Dependency and Environmental Concerns
03:12 Europe's Climate Tech Ambitions
03:50 China's Lead and Europe's Position in Africa
04:58 Conclusion: Europe's Technological and Geopolitical Predicaments
Book Links:
#AnirudhSuri:
**The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri:** [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My)
#HelenThompson
**Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century**: https://amzn.eu/d/72bIz8J
#EuropeFuture, #CivilizationalTerm, #EuropeanCivilization, #Macron, #USChinaCompetition, #EnergyTransition, #NetZero, #EuropeanGeopolitics, #ClimateChange, #MetalsDependency, #MiningResistance, #EnvironmentalConcerns, #ClimateTech, #TechRevolution, #ChinaCompetition, #AfricaPartnerships, #InvestmentPriorities, #RareEarths, #TechProcessing, #EuropeanUnion

Feb 18, 2024 • 5min
Will Oil Rich Countries Be Irrelevant Soon? | Helen Thompson
Full Episode link: https://youtu.be/BlxR5dqm3O4
Host Anirudh Suri and guest Helen discuss the future of oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia in the context of ongoing climate transitions. They analyze potential scenarios of reduced oil dependence, the geopolitical implications, and the continued necessity for oil in certain sectors, comparing it to historical shifts from coal to other energy sources post-World War II.
**Helen Thompson** is an English academic who teaches politics at Cambridge University, where she is a professor of political economy and a fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, where she is also Director of Studies.
She has been working in Cambridge since 1994 and is currently a member of the Department of Politics and International Studies. One of her recent research interests is the aftermath of the 2008 Financial crisis.
00:00 Introduction: The Future of Oil-Producing Nations
00:17 Saudi Arabia's Role in a Changing Energy Landscape
01:00 Comparing Oil to Coal: Historical and Future Perspectives
01:52 Geopolitical Implications of Energy Transitions
03:35 The Continued Importance of Oil and Petrochemicals
03:55 A Multi-Energy Future and Its Geopolitical Tensions
Book Links:
#AnirudhSuri:
**The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri:** [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My)
#HelenThompson
**Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century**: https://amzn.eu/d/72bIz8J
#OilNations, #SaudiArabia, #EconomicFuture, #ClimateTransition, #OilConsumption, #EnergyMix, #Geopolitics, #BatteryTechnology, #ClimateTechnology, #US, #SovietUnion, #EnergyPower, #EconomicDecline, #MilitaryPower, #WorldEconomy, #Electrification, #Petrochemicals, #LowCarbonEnergy, #GeopoliticalTensions, #EnergyRegime


