

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

Dec 16, 2024 • 57min
AI Policy in Trump 2.0
In this discussion, Neil Chilson, former FTC chief technologist and now at The Abundance Institute, teams up with Kara Frederick, Director of the Tech Policy Center at The Heritage Foundation. They delve into the changing landscape of AI policy under the Trump administration, exploring a shift towards optimism in AI's potential. Topics include navigating safety regulations amidst competitive tech dynamics, international relations regarding AI technology, and the complex role of AI in political misinformation and free speech concerns.

Dec 9, 2024 • 50min
Understanding the AI Policy Landscape with Alondra Nelson
Join a fascinating discussion with Alondra Nelson as she delves into the intricacies of AI policy. Explore the significance of the AI Bill of Rights and its connection to recent presidential executive orders. Discover the contrast between U.S. and European strategies for AI governance and the challenges of implementing effective regulations. Reflect on the importance of science communication in building trust during the pandemic. Plus, consider what future AI policy could look like under new leadership.

Nov 25, 2024 • 33min
Scaling Laws, a Chinese AI Ecosystem Update, and a Manhattan Project for AI
The conversation kicks off with the intriguing idea that scaling laws in AI might be plateauing, raising questions for future investments. A spotlight shines on the competitive rise of China's AI models, particularly with DeepSeek's latest innovation. The urgency for a U.S. Manhattan Project for AI is discussed, emphasizing national security implications. Additionally, the European Union reveals a draft for its General Purpose AI Code of Practice, aimed at guiding responsible development. Exciting updates on AI events and feedback opportunities round out the chat.

Nov 20, 2024 • 36min
The Promise of AI Governance with Vilas Dhar
Discover the journey of Vilas Dhar as he shares insights on AI philanthropy and its potential to shape a sustainable future. Learn about the evolving landscape of AI governance, where equity and human rights take center stage, especially in contrasting global perspectives. Explore how technology reshapes philanthropy and community empowerment while advancing ethical AI practices. Delve into the transformative power of AI in storytelling, connecting personal creativity to broader societal narratives, and ponder the geopolitical implications of AI policy.

Nov 7, 2024 • 28min
Predicting AI Policy in the Second Trump Administration
The podcast delves into the predicted shifts in AI policy under a potential second Trump administration. Key topics include the administration’s history with AI regulations and the political divides shaping future policies. It explores export controls on AI chips, contrasting views from tech titans like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, and the implications for U.S.-China relations. Additionally, it discusses the complexities of open-source AI, antitrust challenges, and the future of energy policy, providing a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape.

12 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 30min
The National Security Memorandum on AI
The discussion dives into the National Security Memorandum on AI, released by the Biden administration, addressing its historical context and significance. Key insights include the document's impact on national security, particularly against adversarial threats like China. The podcast explores the necessity for clear AI governance to enhance innovation while managing risks. Furthermore, it examines how the upcoming U.S. election may affect the implementation of AI policies and the importance of international partnerships in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 24min
AI and Advanced Technologies in the Fight: Combatant Command and Service Collaboration
On this special episode, Wadhwani AI Center director Gregory C. Allen is joined by Schuyler Moore, the first-ever Chief Technology Officer of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Justin Fanelli, the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of the Navy, and Dr. Alex Miller, the Chief Technology Officer for the Chief of Staff of the Army for a discussion on the warfighter's adoption of emerging technologies. They discuss how U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), in conjunction with the Army and Navy, has been driving the use of AI and other advanced technologies through a series of exercises such as Desert Sentry, Digital Falcon Oasis, Desert Guardian, and Project Convergence.

Sep 16, 2024 • 55min
The European Perspective on AI Governance with Dragoș Tudorache
In this episode, we are joined by former MEP Dragoș Tudorache, co-rapporteur of the EU AI Act and Chair of the Special Committee on AI in the Digital Age. We discuss where we are in the EU AI Act roadmap (2:37), how to balance innovation and regulation (11:20), the future of the EU AI Office (25:00), and the increasing energy infrastructure demands of AI (42:30).The European Approach to Regulating Artificial Intelligence

Sep 5, 2024 • 25min
Nvidia's Earnings Report, Gallium and Germanium Export Controls, and OpenAI's National Security Demo
Dive into the fascinating world of AI and semiconductors. Discover Nvidia's astounding earnings and the implications of their growth on the market. Learn how China's export controls on gallium and germanium are shaking up the global supply chain. Finally, explore OpenAI's impressive national security demo and its potential impact on AI advancements. These topics unravel the intricate connections between technology, national security, and global competition.

Aug 30, 2024 • 59min
The Past, Present, and Future of Technology Forecasting with Jeff Alstott
Jeff Alstott, an expert at the National Science Foundation and director of the Center for Technology and Security Policy at RAND, dives deep into technology forecasting. He critiques traditional methods and emphasizes the need for strategic foresight and robust data to enhance predictions. Alstott discusses the challenges of data accessibility and the impact of historical contexts on future advancements. He also shares insights on the role of AI in shaping national security and the importance of collaborative initiatives in technology assessment.