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

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.

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

This clip explores the current and future state of conflicts in the Middle East, focusing on Israel's strategic operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the changing dynamics in Syria, Iran's reduced military capabilities, and the impact on the Red Sea due to Houthi actions in Yemen. The discussion highlights Israel's recent military successes, the evolving situation in Gaza, and the broader geopolitical implications in the region.

This clip delves into the strategic military analysis of Israel's campaign against Hamas following the events of October 7th. It discusses the initial attack by Hamas, Israel's subsequent military actions, and the complex dynamics of insurgent and extremist groups in Gaza. The guest suggests a comprehensive civil-military counterinsurgency campaign of 'clear, hold, and build' as opposed to the current 'clear and leave' strategy. The analysis covers the degradation of Hamas's military capabilities, the need for security to enable humanitarian assistance, and the proposed involvement of organized Arab and international forces. The ultimate goal is to provide a better future for the Palestinian people free from Hamas's rule.

This clip delves into the complexities of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, examining various factors that could shape its future, especially with a new US president in office. The discussion highlights the potential paths to a ceasefire, the strategic dynamics on the ground, and the involved costs. Insight is provided into the necessary conditions for a meaningful negotiation, including the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine and the possible roles of NATO, the EU, and others. They also touches on the immense human and material costs incurred by Russia.

This episode explores the significant differences between the Vietnam War and the Afghanistan conflict, emphasizing the factors that made Vietnam unsustainable compared to the latter. Key topics include public opinion, military strategies, leadership issues in South Vietnam, and the cost of maintaining each conflict. The discussion debunks the frequent use of the Vietnam analogy in relation to Afghanistan, arguing that the historical circumstances and the sustainability of the two wars are fundamentally different.

In this clip, we discuss the sustainability of the Ukraine war from both Ukrainian and international perspectives. Key issues include Ukraine's challenges with conscription and training, the impact of political debates on conscription laws, and the role of the US, NATO, EU, and other Western countries in providing support. Additionally, we touch on Russia's reliance on North Korean fighters and the implications of their poor conditions and training.

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

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.