

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

6 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 47min
Why is China's AI Sector Booming?
Explore the rapid rise of China's AI sector, fueled by the launch of advanced reasoning models and a vast talent pool. Discover the contrasting pragmatic approach of China compared to the West's superintelligence fascination. Learn about the impact of export controls on AI growth, revealing unintended consequences. Delve into the shifting landscape of AI chip production, with local companies challenging giants like NVIDIA. Finally, hear about China's strategy for self-reliance in AI technology, reshaping global tech dynamics.

10 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 51min
Unpacking the EU AI Act Code of Practice with Marietje Schaake
Marietje Schaake, a former Member of the European Parliament and fellow at Stanford's Cyber Policy Center, dives into the EU AI Act Code of Practice. She discusses the critical importance of AI safety and governance, highlighting how the Code helps AI companies demonstrate compliance. Schaake also addresses systemic risks linked to AI technologies, including bioweapons and cybersecurity threats. The conversation explores the historical context of technology regulation and the future impacts of the Act, aiming to align AI policies with democratic values.

9 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 37min
U.S. Takes 10% Stake in Intel and Nvidia Halts H20 Production for China
The U.S. government has made waves with an $8.9 billion investment to secure a 9.9% stake in Intel, raising eyebrows about market fairness and the future of U.S. semiconductor independence. Meanwhile, Nvidia has halted H20 chip production for China, sparking discussions about Beijing's push for self-sufficiency in the AI sector. The implications of these moves not only affect industry dynamics but also point to broader geopolitical tensions and the delicate balance of global technology competition.

16 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 46min
Trump's AI Chip Licensing Deal, AI Spending Bubble Concerns, & New Advances for Gov't AI Adoption
The podcast dives into a significant new licensing deal involving Trump, Nvidia, and AMD, discussing its implications for U.S. national security. It raises concerns about the potential for an AI-driven economic bubble as investments surge in the sector. The conversation also highlights recent advances in federal AI adoption, showcasing the approval of major vendors like OpenAI and Google by the General Services Administration. Listeners get a glimpse into the challenges and strategic considerations of integrating AI into government workflows.

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.

15 snips
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.