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

In this enlightening episode, host Anirudh Suri and guest Helen explore the critical impact of energy on global geopolitics. They discuss why energy, rather than technology, has historically shaped power structures and political dynamics. Helen explains the pivotal role of oil and its influence from the 19th century through to the 21st century, touching on the US-China tech war, the strategic importance of shale oil, and the economic and geopolitical consequences of energy production shifts. This discussion provides clarity on the historical and current significance of energy in shaping global realities.**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.

Full Episode link: https://youtu.be/BlxR5dqm3O4 In this episode, host Anirudh Suri and guest Helen discuss the evolving geopolitical dynamics in Africa, focusing on the continent's rich resources and the new scramble for them by global powers like China, Europe, and America. They explore whether African nations can leverage their resources to move up the value chain and transform their economies, rather than just being a source of raw materials. The conversation also touches on recent political shifts, such as the coup in Niger and France's subsequent search for uranium alternatives, highlighting the growing resource nationalism and its implications. **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 New Scramble for Africa's Resources 00:30 Africa's Historical Context and Missed Opportunities 00:57 Potential for Change: Leveraging Strengths in a Fractured World 01:25 Geopolitical Awareness and Resistance 02:09 Significance of Recent Coups in West Africa 02:46 France's Response and Uranium Deals 03:07 Beyond Resource Nationalism: Creative Economic Strategies 03:36 Economic Transformation Possibilities 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 #Africa, #Resources, #ScrambleForAfrica, #China, #Europe, #America, #Partnerships, #Concessions, #France, #MilitaryPresence, #Niger, #Cobalt, #Colonization, #Industrialization, #Capitalism, #TechGame, #Geopolitics, #AfricanStandpoint, #ValueChain, #EconomicTransformation

Full Episode link: https://youtu.be/BlxR5dqm3O4 In this episode, Host Anirudh Suri and guest Helen discuss the significant global elections in 2024, including those in the US, UK, and India, and analyze how current geopolitical disruptions might impact these elections. Additionally, they explore how the outcomes of these elections, particularly in the United States, could shape global geopolitics by the end of 2024. The conversation covers key issues like the US's relations with Europe and NATO, the Middle East conflicts, and the political dynamics surrounding the Ukraine war. **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 Global Elections in 2024: An Overview 00:37 Impact of US Elections on Geopolitics 01:12 Trump's Potential Return and European Relations 01:36 Constraints on Trump's Foreign Policy 02:08 Geopolitical Influence on US Elections 02:52 Middle East Tensions and US Politics 03:56 Ukraine and US Domestic Politics 04:58 Trump's 2016 Strategy vs. 2024 Challenges 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 #elections2024, #globalpolitics, #geopoliticaldisruptions, #USpolitics, #UKelections, #IndiaElections, #foreignpolicy, #TrumpBiden2024, #USforeignpolicy, #EuropeanUnion, #NATO, #MiddleEastConflict, #USmilitary, #AmericanElections, #IranianTensions, #UkraineCrisis, #MexicanBorder, #Trump2016, #ObamaLegacy, #AfghanistanWithdrawal

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri talks to Prof. Helen Thompson, one of the leading experts on geopolitics and political economy. They discuss how the geopolitics is likely to shape the outcomes of national elections in 2024 (and vice versa), the worrying trends around populism, nativism and nationalism, and how climate and energy transitions are shaping the global order and the future of international relations.Prof. Thompson shares invaluable insights on key global topics. From the potential impact of the 2024 US presidential election on global power dynamics to the intricate interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy in major nations like the US and China, we delve deep into the forces shaping our world. Discover how Middle East dynamics, populism, and nationalism are reshaping political discourse worldwide, and gain a nuanced understanding of the evolution of these ideologies in the 21st century compared to their 20th-century counterparts. Drawing parallels between leaders like Trump and Julius Caesar and exploring the complex relationships between technological supremacy, energy security, and the transition to renewable energy, this discussion offers a comprehensive view of today's geopolitical landscape. From China's potential leadership in climate transition to Europe's uncertain future amidst Brexit and the rise of populism, we explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the geopolitical forces shaping our world's future. Subscribe now for more insightful content!**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.Chapters:00:00 Highlights 01:15 Introduction02:27 Impact of 2024 Election Outcomes on Geopolitics10:04 The Influence of Nationalism and Populism in Politics23:35 The Intersection of Energy, Technology, and Geopolitics34:40 The Future of Energy and Geopolitics39:36 The Importance of Climate Tech Mastery40:00 Historical Perspective on Resource Control41:52 The Role of Technology in Resource Extraction43:13 Geopolitics of Metals vs Oil & Gas 44:06 Future of Oil Producing Nations47:58 Similarities between Data and Metals 48:42 Bigger geopolitical forces at play in the Middle East 01:00:31 Europe's Future: The Big Picture 01:06:36 Africa: The New Scramble for its Resources 01:10:43 Helen Thompson's Book and Podcast Recommendations 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#climate #energy #geopolitics #disorder #oil #climatetech #climatetransition #europe #us #china #africa #middleeast #iran #russia #houthis #redsea #rareearths #lithium #cobalt #nickel #Electricvehicles #domesticpolitics #populism #donaldtrump #biden #nationalism #nativism

Full Episode Link: https://youtu.be/LfmxGA7nOR4 The discussion focuses on the important role global governance will play in the development and deployment of AI technologies. The speaker emphasizes that despite the necessity for collective international action, achieving consensus on core principles and institutions will take time. It highlights the interest from global bodies such as the UN and the discussions that have been ongoing for almost a decade without reaching a concrete agreement. The urgency is stressed due to the rapid advancement of AI technology compared to slower diplomatic efforts, especially in areas like AI safety. 00:00 Introduction to Global Governance of AI 00:35 Current Global Interest and Debates 00:47 Challenges in Defining AI 01:15 Diplomacy vs. Technological Advancements 01:21 Imperative for AI Safety and Future Governance As always, watch, share and subscribe! Book Links: #AnirudhSuri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My) #PaulScharre: Four Battlegrounds - Power In The A: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : https://amzn.eu/d/1GnHu2i Army of None – Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War : https://amzn.eu/d/b8wFXQn #globalgovernance, #AI, #ArtificialIntelligence, #UN, #SecurityCouncil, #AIsafety, #AIdevelopment, #diplomacy, #technology, #facialrecognition, #chatGPT, #selfdrivingcars, #militarytech, #UNSecretaryGeneral, #internationalrelations, #techprogress, #globalcooperation, #AIaccidents, #coreprinciples, #AIinstitutions

Full Episode Link: https://youtu.be/LfmxGA7nOR4 In a recent discussion during Sam Altman's visit to India, a key question arose about whether India, with its burgeoning venture capital ecosystem but lesser depth of capital compared to the U.S., could develop large language models (LLMs). The conversation addressed the constraints posed by the escalating training costs of LLMs, emphasizing that the capital needed is significant. The costs are doubling roughly every 18 months, with the training of models like GPT-4 already reaching as high as $100 million. This exponential rise in costs poses a substantial barrier for small startups and academic institutions. 00:00 Introduction: Sam Altman's Visit to India 00:22 The Capital Challenge in Building Large Language Models 01:22 The Exponential Growth of Training Costs 01:47 Impact on Startups and Academics 01:57 Conclusion: Capital's Role in AI Competition As always, watch, share and subscribe! Book Links: #AnirudhSuri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My) #PaulScharre: Four Battlegrounds - Power In The A: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : https://amzn.eu/d/1GnHu2i Army of None – Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War : https://amzn.eu/d/b8wFXQn #SamAltman, #OpenAI, #India, #VentureCapitalist, #LanguageModels, #Capital, #GPT4, #TrainingCosts, #AI, #Technology, #Innovation, #DepthOfCapital, #AIApplications, #BigData, #HighCosts, #ComputingResources, #AIResearch, #ExponentialGrowth, #SmallStartups, #Academics

Full Episode Link: https://youtu.be/LfmxGA7nOR4 This episode explores the concentration and diffusion of AI research and talent. It highlights how top universities and research institutions like Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and MIT attract the best researchers. Despite their concentration in a few top labs in academia and the private sector, the wide availability of published AI research and models online facilitates rapid knowledge diffusion. This allows a broader audience to access and build upon cutting-edge discoveries in AI. As always, watch, share and subscribe! Book Links: #AnirudhSuri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My) #PaulScharre: Four Battlegrounds - Power In The A: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : https://amzn.eu/d/1GnHu2i Army of None – Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War : https://amzn.eu/d/b8wFXQn 00:00 Introduction to Research and Talent in AI 00:49 Concentration of Top Researchers 01:11 Diffusion of AI Knowledge #Research, #Talent, #AIResearch, #CuttingEdge, #CloudComputing, #Infrastructure, #TopUniversities, #Stanford, #CarnegieMellon, #MIT, #PrivateSector, #Academia, #AI, #Breakthroughs, #OnlinePapers, #KnowledgeDiffusion, #TrainedModels, #Researchers, #Innovation, #TechInstitutions

This episode explores the concentration of advanced AI technology among a few leading companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and Meta. It highlights how OpenAI and other companies are keeping their advanced models like ChatGPT proprietary, allowing usage but not ownership, analogous to riding but not owning a train. In contrast, Meta adopts a more open approach, releasing its models like Llama 2 publicly, enabling widespread access and modification, akin to digitally copying and laying a railroad track. This democratization of AI technology allows more widespread and affordable customization. 00:00 Introduction to Concentrated AI Technologies 00:17 Leading Companies in AI Development 00:49 OpenAI's Exclusive Approach 01:25 Meta's Open-Source Strategy 02:18 Democratizing AI Technology As always, watch, share and subscribe! Book Links: #AnirudhSuri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My) #PaulScharre: Four Battlegrounds - Power In The A: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : https://amzn.eu/d/1GnHu2i Army of None – Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War : https://amzn.eu/d/b8wFXQn #ArtificialIntelligence, #AI, #DataProtection, #ComputingPower, #TalentConcentration, #LeadingEdgeAI, #AdvancedModels, #ChatGPT, #OpenAI, #Anthropic, #Google, #Microsoft, #Meta, #AIModels, #Llama2, #TechnologyDemocratization, #ModelTraining, #CuttingEdgeTech, #DigitalRailroad, #AIInfrastructure

Full Episode Link: https://youtu.be/LfmxGA7nOR4 Exploring AI's Global Impact: A Discussion with Paul In this episode, Anirudh Suri and guest Paul discuss the role of various countries in the global technological landscape, focusing on the proliferation and impact of different technologies. They compare the concentrated power of nuclear technology to the widespread availability of AI, exemplified by its use on the battlefield in Ukraine and by non-state groups like ISIS. The conversation emphasizes how AI levels the playing field and can be utilized by countries, companies, and individuals to achieve diverse goals. As always, watch, share and subscribe! Book Links: #AnirudhSuri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My) #PaulScharre: Four Battlegrounds - Power In The A: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : https://amzn.eu/d/1GnHu2i Army of None – Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War : https://amzn.eu/d/b8wFXQn 00:00 Introduction: Global Technological Influence 00:15 Nuclear vs. Proliferative Technologies 00:51 Artificial Intelligence: A Level Playing Field 01:12 AI on the Battlefield: The Ukraine Example 01:52 Widespread Access to AI: Implications and Uses #GlobalPolitics, #Technology, #NuclearWeapons, #Smartphones, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AI, #US, #China, #Ukraine, #MachineLearning, #NeuralNetworks, #Drones, #NonStateGroups, #ISIS, #BattlefieldTech, #Civilians, #NationalPower, #Growth, #Revenue, #Innovation

Full Episode Link: https://youtu.be/LfmxGA7nOR4 China's AI Talent and the Global Computing Power Battle This episode explores China's AI research advantage due to its large pool of AI researchers, but highlights the issue of talent emigrating to the US and Europe. The conversation shifts to the geopolitical battle over AI-specific semiconductors and chips, emphasizing the competition between the US and China. The discussion includes the challenges posed by export controls and China's efforts to develop an indigenous supply chain to mitigate the impact of these restrictions. As always, watch, share and subscribe! Book Links: #AnirudhSuri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My) #PaulScharre: Four Battlegrounds - Power In The A: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : https://amzn.eu/d/1GnHu2i Army of None – Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War : https://amzn.eu/d/b8wFXQn 00:00 China's AI Talent Advantage and Disadvantage 00:33 Geopolitical Battle Over AI Computing Power 01:39 The Future of AI Computing Power and Export Controls 03:12 China's Strategic Response to Computing Power Constraints #AIEducation, #ChineseAI, #AIResearchers, #ChinaTalent, #AIResearchAbroad, #TalentDrain, #ComputingPower, #Semiconductors, #AIBattle, #GeopoliticalTensions, #ExportControls, #AdvancedAI, #ChipManufacturing, #TaiwanChips, #SouthKoreaChips, #GlobalCompetition, #ChinaStrategy, #ResearchOpportunities, #IndigenousSupplyChain, #AIChips