Christine Keung, a Partner at J2 Ventures with a rich background at Dropbox and the government, dives into the modernization of U.S. government through technology. She discusses her strategic insights from playing a simulation on the Chinese electric vehicle market and shares her experiences with the Paycheck Protection Program. The conversation touches on the delicate balance of information sharing in joint ventures, the role of technology amidst U.S.-China competition, and the challenges of implementing tech-driven efficiency within government agencies.

Join Laurence Pevsner, a geopolitical strategy expert, as he unveils the alarming decline of the global commons. He dives into how China’s aggressive actions at sea and in cyberspace threaten international stability. Pevsner discusses the militarization of outer space and the challenges faced by global institutions like the IMF and UN amid rising powers. The conversation also touches on the privatization of vital resources and the difficulty of accessing reliable information in today's fragmented digital landscape. It's a crucial exploration of our world's shifting dynamics.

Isaac Stone Fish, CEO of Strategy Risks and expert in geopolitical analysis, dives into the seismic shifts in global trade dynamics as Trump returns to power. He reveals Ford's deep ties with China and contrasts that with Tesla's success in the electric vehicle race. The discussion highlights how U.S. corporations must navigate tense U.S.-China relations while managing risks and reassessing partnerships in a volatile landscape. Fish also emphasizes the evolving role of chief risk officers amidst these challenges, particularly in industries like biotech.

Byrne Hobart and Tobias Huber, co-authors of the book 'Boom,' dive into the transformative power of financial booms. They argue that these economic highs, often viewed as destructive, actually spur innovation and societal progress. The duo examines how tech startups thrive during these times, highlighting their role as catalysts for change. They also discuss the cultural attitudes towards risk, advocating for a shift towards optimism to harness the full potential of technological advancements while navigating the complexities of resource limitations.

This year sees a deep dive into AI's impact on global elections, spotlighting how democracies face the challenge of misinformation. The podcast discusses a shocking case of deepfake use in India and contrasts optimistic policy responses with philosophical debates. Economic dynamics shifts, particularly regarding supply chains and the potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, intertwine with espionage revelations in tech. Additionally, the rise of electric vehicles highlights fierce competition and strategic collaborations in a changing market landscape.

Ian Curtiss, the designer of the new Riskgaming scenario "Powering Up," discusses China’s rise in the electric vehicle sector alongside Laurence Pevsner, director of programming. They highlight the competitive challenges faced by companies like Northvolt and GM. The duo dives into strategic lessons from gameplay and the vital role of foreign consultants in navigating complex automotive dynamics. They also touch on varying political and business strategies across regions, revealing insights on adapting to industry mistakes and the future of global tech.

Stephen Smith, executive director of the Center for Building and author of a viral NYT op-ed, dives deep into America's soaring elevator costs, revealing they can be four times more expensive than in Europe and Asia. He discusses the tangled web of building codes and zoning laws that inflate prices and hinder urban accessibility. The conversation also touches on the inefficiencies of U.S. construction methods and how adopting international practices could revolutionize the industry. Smith calls for a reevaluation of standards to improve affordability and innovation.

Josh Wolfe, co-founder of Lux Capital, dives deep into historical lessons from Greek mythology to shed light on investment strategies in tech. He discusses how innovations can amplify human potential but often remain untapped due to systemic constraints. Wolfe emphasizes four strategic focuses for unlocking innovation. He also warns about the risks of hubris in the face of AI's energy demands and the potential emergence of decentralized computing. Alongside, he explores the concept of 'fixedware' for maintaining existing tech, highlighting a shift in investment priorities.

Dave Jilk, a tech entrepreneur and author of 'Epoch: A Poetic Psy-Phi Saga,' dives into the fascinating intersection of AI and poetry. He discusses the origins of his book, presenting a unique perspective on artificial general intelligence. The conversation explores the ethical implications of AI, the complexities of raising such entities, and how cultural awareness should guide AGI development. They also share engaging sci-fi recommendations that spark deeper reflections on our future with technology.

Join Laurence Pevsner, Lux’s Riskgaming director of programming with expertise in AI and election security, and Michael Magnani, a multifaceted researcher and columnist. They dive into the ramifications of AI deepfakes on U.S. elections and reveal the pressing global threats often overlooked. The discussion traverses Germany's industrial economy, the trajectory of the Ukraine war, and trade tensions with China. They also highlight the critical issues surrounding food security that demand urgent attention on the world stage.