
The Great Tech Game Podcast: Geopolitics, Technology, Business and Global Affairs, with 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.
Latest episodes

Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 14min
Ep. 9 - The Geopolitics of Energy and the Climate Transition, feat. Helen Thompson of Cambridge University and author of Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century
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

Feb 2, 2024 • 2min
Can the World Govern AI?
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

Feb 1, 2024 • 2min
Can India Prove Sam Altman Wrong?
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

Jan 31, 2024 • 2min
Why Is Top AI Research Talent So Concentrated?
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

Jan 31, 2024 • 3min
Can New Leaders Emerge in AI?
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

Jan 30, 2024 • 2min
Is AI like Nuclear Tech or Smartphone Technology?
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

Jan 29, 2024 • 4min
Weighing China's Strengths vs Weaknesses in AI
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

Jan 28, 2024 • 5min
Does China Have a Data Advantage in AI?
Full Episode Link: https://youtu.be/LfmxGA7nOR4
Host Anirudh Suri and guest Paul delve into the data supremacy of the United States and China. They discuss the strategic importance of data for artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need to refine and manage data effectively. The conversation highlights the differences in global reach between US and Chinese tech firms and the metrics that matter for leveraging data in the AI-driven future.
00:00 Introduction: The Data Advantage of Nations
01:06 The Importance of Data in AI
01:48 Data Management and Refinement
02:40 Measuring Data Capabilities
03:43 Global Reach and Diversity of Data
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
#data, #advantage, #USgovernment, #privatesector, #China, #datamanagement, #machinelearning, #AI, #globalreach, #internetusers, #USTechFirms, #ChineseGovernment, #applicationsofdata, #diversedatasets, #refiningdata, #competitiveadvantage, #bookresearch, #population, #mobileinternet, #globalusers

Jan 28, 2024 • 2min
Why Is Top AI Research Talent So Concentrated?
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.

Jan 26, 2024 • 40min
Ep.8 AI Leadership: The Four Key Battlegrounds of Artificial Intelligence with Paul Scharre
In this in-depth discussion on the Great Tech Game podcast, Paul Scharre fshares interesting insights on the state of global competition in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The conversation revolves around the four key battlegrounds of AI – data, computing hardware (or computer chips), human talent and institutions. They also touch upon the role of various countries such as the US, China, and India in this competition, as well as the need for global AI governance. Paul Scharre, the Executive Vice President and Director of Studies at CNAS. He's a distinguished author, receiving accolades for his book "Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." His groundbreaking work, "Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War," not only clinched the 2019 Colby Award but also made it to Bill Gates' top five books of 2018. Recognized by TIME magazine in 2023 as one of the "100 most influential people in AI," Scharre's expertise offers a deep dive into understanding modern warfare. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation!As always, watch, share and subscribe!Chapters:00:00 Intro00:48 The Potential of India in the AI Competition01:10 The Great Tech Game Podcast Introduction01:54 Discussion on the Book 'The Four Battlegrounds'05:52 The Importance of Data in AI11:42 The Significance of Computing Power in AI20:10 The Role of Other Nations in the AI Race28:52 The Importance of Capital and Ideas in AI37:44 Is Global Governance of AI possible?39:22 Paul's book and podcast guest recommendationsBook Links:#AnirudhSuri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : amzn.eu/d/1Su38My#PaulScharre:Four Battlegrounds - Power In The A: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : https://amzn.eu/d/1GnHu2iArmy of None – Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War : https://amzn.eu/d/b8wFXQn#artificial intelligence #technology #competition #data #computing #hardware #talent #institutions #research #China #United States #India #global governance #capital #startupecosystem #geopolitics