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

In this thought-provoking clip, we unpack the growing alignment between Big Tech firms and national security interests, particularly after the Ukraine war and rising US-China geopolitical tensions.The conversation explores why tech giants like Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and others are moving closer to defense collaborations, how DeepMind remains an exception, and why antitrust pressures may also be influencing this shift.Key insights include:The Ukraine conflict as a turning point for Big Tech’s involvement in defense How China’s military-civil fusion strategy reshaped American tech prioritiesWhether antitrust crackdowns are pushing tech firms closer to governments Why Europe remains heavily dependent on US tech and military infrastructure, and how it complicates EU Big Tech regulation The ethical dilemmas facing engineers in companies like Google DeepMind This is a must-watch for anyone interested in geopolitics, cybersecurity, tech power, and the future of AI warfare.Topics Covered:Big Tech vs State PowerUkraine War & Tech AlignmentUS-China Great Power CompetitionEurope’s Tech DependenceAntitrust Politics & Corporate Behavior

In this clip, we explore the hidden power struggle between Big Tech, governments, and global citizens—a dynamic that’s rapidly shifting in today’s world.The discussion dives deep into how subsea cables have become a tool of geopolitical strategy, with the US, China, and Australia competing for control over critical infrastructure. From undersea cables to cable repair fleets, we uncover the rising tensions across the Asia-Pacific and South Pacific regions, with parallels to pre-World War I telegraph cable wars.But this story goes beyond infrastructure. We also break down the growing collusion between Big Tech and state power. Once viewed as separate forces, tech giants like Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Palantir are now working closely with defense departments, from Project Maven to surveillance programs in Gaza.The conversation highlights why citizens’ rights, state control, and corporate power are more entangled than ever—raising serious questions about tech neutrality, military ethics, and geopolitical influence in the age of AI and cyber warfare.Mentioned Book: Counter Intelligence by Robert HanniganTopics Covered:Subsea cables geopolitics Cloud & defense tech collusion Big Tech’s evolving role in warfare Why India and Europe lag behind infrastructure 🇮🇳🇪🇺Historical parallels to WWI

In this clip, we explore the rise of private cyber intelligence firms like Recorded Future, CrowdStrike, Mandiant, and their growing influence in cyber warfare. As cyber attacks and espionage escalate globally, these private cybersecurity giants are becoming as important as national intelligence agencies like the NSA and GCHQ.We discuss how these firms, through in-host monitoring, global telemetry, and real-time threat detection, are now at the frontlines of cyber conflicts—often revealing major cyber intrusions before governments do. The conversation also highlights the global dominance of US cyber firms and how countries in Europe and Asia are increasingly dependent on American cybersecurity infrastructure.Is this the future of cyber power—private companies outpacing traditional governments? And what does this mean for digital sovereignty and national security?Mentioned Book: This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends by Nicole PerlrothKey Topics:Rise of Private Cyber Intelligence Cybersecurity Firms vs National Intelligence Recorded Future, Mandiant, CrowdStrike ExplainedGlobal Dependence on US Cyber Firms Evolving Cyber Warfare Tactics

In this discussion, Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at the Economist, and host Anirudh Suri explore the evolving landscape of technology infrastructure with a focus on internet physicality and the growing importance of cloud computing. They delve into how undersea cables still carry the majority of global internet traffic and the growing geopolitical complexity as countries strive for data sovereignty. The conversation also covers the challenges posed by the increasing significance of cloud services and the critical role of AI in processing vast amounts of data for national security purposes. Watch this clip to learn about the engineering and bureaucratic hurdles nations face in adapting to these technological advancements.

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.