

The AI Policy Podcast
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Join CSIS’s Gregory C. Allen, senior adviser with the Wadhwani AI Centers, on a deep dive into the world of AI policy. Every two weeks, tune in for insightful discussions regarding AI policy regulation, innovation, national security, and geopolitics. The AI Policy Podcast is by the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies at CSIS, a bipartisan think-tank in Washington, D.C.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 6min
H20 Export Dispute and Industry Responses to the EU AI Code of Practice
The podcast dives into the heated debate surrounding the U.S. approval of Nvidia's H20 chip exports to China, revealing varying political perspectives. It tackles the complex dynamics of export controls and national security concerns. Additionally, it examines the AI industry's mixed responses to the EU AI Code of Practice, highlighting compliance challenges and skepticism from major tech companies. The discussion also underscores the need for standardized safety protocols in AI, addressing the balance between innovation and regulation.

Jul 31, 2025 • 49min
Unpacking the White House AI Action Plan with OSTP Director Michael Kratsios
Michael Kratsios, the former Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, shares insights on the AI Action Plan initiated during the Trump administration. He discusses the U.S.'s strategic goals for artificial intelligence and the complexities of chip export policies amidst competition with China. Kratsios also highlights the differences in AI regulation between the U.S. and EU, the urgent need for reskilling workers for an AI-driven economy, and the role of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation in shaping industry practices.

Jul 29, 2025 • 9min
In Memoriam: Andrew Schwartz, Our Friend and Colleague
In this special episode, we honor the life of Andrew Schwartz, Chief Communications Officer at CSIS and beloved co-host of this podcast. Andrew was a mentor, a friend, and a tireless champion of the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center’s work. His humor, personal stories, and passion shaped this show and left a lasting impact on all of us. Our team, our community, and CSIS will miss him deeply.

Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 25min
China's AI Industrial Policy with Kyle Chan
Join Kyle Chan, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton and RAND Corporation, as he delves into China's cutting-edge AI industrial policy. He breaks down how China's digital tech landscape evolved from imports to innovation, highlighting key companies like Alibaba. Discover the role of government guidance funds and how they fuel the growth of AI startups. Chan also discusses the competitive dynamics between Huawei and NVIDIA and China's ambition to become an AI superpower by 2025, exploring implications for global technological leadership.

16 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 34min
Senate Strikes AI Law Moratorium, Courts Rule on Copyright Cases, and Congress Talks AGI
A pivotal Senate vote has lifted the moratorium on state AI laws, sparking debates on regulation's future. The discussion highlights recent court rulings on copyright issues affecting AI training for major tech firms like Meta and Anthropic. Congressional hearings reveal AI's vital role in U.S.-China competition, stressing the importance of ensuring compliance with human values. Plus, concerns rise over DeepSeek's ties to the military and export control challenges, raising significant cybersecurity and privacy issues.

9 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 17min
AI, Cybersecurity, and Securing Model Weights with Miles Brundage and Chris Rohlf
Miles Brundage, an AI policy researcher and former OpenAI head, joins Chris Rohlf, a cybersecurity expert at Meta with over two decades of experience. They dive into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, exploring how AI reshapes offense and defense dynamics. The discussion highlights the risks of securing AI model weights, critiques 'AI security doomerism,' and underscores the need for policymakers to incentivize better security measures. Their insights illuminate the crucial intersection of technology, policy, and national security.

8 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 32min
AI Safety Institute Rebrand, Congressional Hearing on Export Controls, and Meta's New Superintelligence Lab
The U.S. AI Safety Institute has transformed into the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, pivoting from safety to robust AI development standards. A congressional hearing highlighted the critical role of export controls on AI chips, particularly amid U.S.-China tensions. Meanwhile, Meta announced a new AI superintelligence lab with a whopping $15 billion investment, sparking fierce competition in the tech landscape. The discussion dives into talent strategies and differentiates between superintelligence and artificial general intelligence, shedding light on future AI directions.

Jun 10, 2025 • 51min
Shield AI’s Ryan Tseng on Building an Autonomous Future for the DOD
Ryan Tseng, Co-Founder and President of Shield AI, shares his journey from wireless charging to defense tech. He discusses the rise of AI-driven drone solutions amid the Ukraine conflict and the evolution of military strategy. Highlights include an innovative AI pilot system for dogfighting, the ambitious goal of producing over a million drones annually, and the importance of adapting procurement strategies to match the speed of technological innovation. Tseng emphasizes the role of cost-effective solutions in modern warfare and the need for agile practices within the Department of Defense.

19 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 33min
AI in the “Big Beautiful Bill” and Safety Concerns About Anthropic’s Newest Model
The discussion kicks off with House Republicans proposing a 10-year moratorium on state and local AI laws, aiming for a uniform federal standard. Key appropriations for advancing AI technologies in government sectors are also highlighted, from healthcare to defense. The spotlight then shifts to Anthropic's newest model, Claude Opus 4, which raised safety concerns after a blackmail incident led to discussions on AI failure modes. The need for stringent safety protocols in light of AI's potential misuse is critically explored.

16 snips
May 21, 2025 • 28min
China's AI Industrial Policy, New Controls on Huawei's Ascend Chips, and President Trump's Middle East Trip
A deep dive into China's ambitious AI strategy reveals its competitive edge and the potential risks to U.S. interests. Discussing the implications of new export controls on Huawei's chip technology, the episode critically examines the shifting landscape of global AI competition. Insights from President Trump's recent Middle East trip highlight the establishment of a U.S.-UAE AI partnership, igniting discussions on the future of international investments in AI technology and global computing dynamics.