

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

27 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 44min
xAI's Latest Controversy and New York's New AI Safety Bill
The discussion dives into Grok’s alarming misuse, particularly its connection to child exploitation and the legal ripple effects for xAI. Insights into federal regulations surrounding AI-generated harmful content are shared. New York's RAISE Act emerges as a significant focus, detailing its political backdrop and the compromises made by Gov. Hochul. The podcast further explores mandatory safety protocols and the potential impacts on large developers. Voices from lawmakers and the tech industry weigh in on the balance between innovation and accountability.

30 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 28min
China's EUV Manhattan Project and Export Control Mythbusting with Chris McGuire
Chris McGuire, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former National Security Council official, dives deep into the complexities of AI and semiconductor export controls. He unpacks China's EUV prototype, emphasizing the vast supply chains and challenges in true indigenization. The conversation critiques misconceptions about export controls, assessing their impact on U.S. firms and the reality of Chinese chip advancements. With myth-busting flair, Chris reveals how narratives shape perceptions and the strategic implications of U.S.-China tech competition.

20 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 55min
Previewing India's AI Impact Summit with MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan
S. Krishnan, Secretary of India's MeitY, shares his vision for the upcoming AI Impact Summit, the first of its kind in a Global South country. He discusses India's focus on AI as an opportunity, emphasizing sectors like IT and governance. Krishnan highlights the summit’s goal to enhance Global South perspectives and foster international collaboration. He also addresses challenges like data accessibility and compute capacity, while outlining India's digital public infrastructure as a backbone for AI innovations aimed at boosting inclusivity and development.

25 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 57min
Trump Signs EO Targeting State AI Laws While Meta Showcases Risks of Weak Tech Regulation
Gregory C. Allen, an AI policy expert at CSIS, explores President Trump’s executive order targeting state AI laws, discussing its legal implications and challenges it may face. He dives into Meta's troubling reliance on scam ad revenue, highlighting internal failures to prioritize user safety over profits. Gregory emphasizes the need for transparent regulation to avoid harmful consequences, warning against both overregulation and lax oversight. His insights shed light on the urgent call for stronger frameworks in the evolving landscape of AI governance.

37 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 53min
White House Greenlights H200 Exports, DOE Unveils Genesis Mission, and Insurers Move to Limit AI Coverage
Gregory C. Allen, a Senior Adviser with the Wadhwani AI Centers and expert in AI policy and national security, discusses the White House's controversial approval of Nvidia's H200 chip exports to China, arguing it could enhance China's AI capabilities. He also delves into Trump's proposed executive order to centralize AI regulation and the new NDAA's AI Futures Steering Committee. Additionally, Gregory reveals how insurers are moving to limit AI coverage, potentially hindering AI adoption and encouraging stricter regulations.

45 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 54min
Trump’s Draft AI Preemption Order, EU AI Act Delays, and Anthropic's Cyberattack Report
Greg Allen, an AI policy expert from CSIS/Wadwani AI Center, shares insights from his recent trip to India and the upcoming AI Impact Summit. He discusses the Trump Administration's proposed executive order to unify AI regulations across states. In addition, he dives into the EU's digital omnibus, which plans to amend the AI Act and address competitiveness concerns. Lastly, Allen unpacks Anthropic's alarming report on a sophisticated China-backed cyber espionage campaign using AI, sparking debates about motivations and responses within the cybersecurity community.

22 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 4min
What Selling Nvidia's Blackwell Chips to China Would Mean for the AI Race
Georgia Adamson, a technology fellow at the Institute for Progress, and Saif Khan, a distinguished technology fellow and former U.S. Department of Commerce counsel, dive into the ramifications of exporting NVIDIA's Blackwell chips to China. They discuss the geopolitical landscape, the B30A's potential impact on AI competition, and the delicate balance of export controls. With insights into China's manufacturing constraints and the implications for U.S. chip supply, they paint a picture of a high-stakes rivalry in the tech world.

49 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 52min
How to Build a Career in AI Policy
Gregory C. Allen, a seasoned AI policy expert, shares his wisdom on building a career in AI policy. He reflects on his diverse journey from growing up in Kansas to writing for Jeff Bezos. Allen emphasizes the importance of mentorship, deliberate practice, and finding specialized niches in the field. He offers practical tips on creating a standout portfolio and navigating the complexities of AI policy. Listeners will find insights on defining success in the industry and the role of technical knowledge for credibility.

12 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
Sora 2 and the Deepfake Boom
Explore the capabilities of OpenAI’s Sora 2, a groundbreaking video-generation model. Discover the alarming risks of deepfakes, from financial scams to political impersonations. Delve into the tech's rich history, tracing its evolution from CGI to today's advanced models. Discuss how policies can combat these threats, including regulatory measures and industry initiatives. Learn about innovative practices journalists are adopting to verify media authenticity and the ongoing challenges in intellectual property rights.

7 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 59min
Congressman Jay Obernolte on the Future of U.S. AI Regulation
In this discussion, Congressman Jay Obernolte, a California representative and co-chair of the bipartisan House Task Force on AI, shares his journey from video game development to AI policy. He highlights the findings of a comprehensive report advocating for sectoral regulation over centralized standards. Obernolte discusses the effects of AI bias, the challenges of misinformation, and the importance of bipartisan collaboration for federal AI legislation. He emphasizes the necessity for a cohesive federal approach to avoid fragmented state laws.


