ChinaTalk

Orville Schell, a renowned Sinologist and Director at the Asia Society, and Alexander Boyd, associate editor at China Books Review, dive deep into intriguing parallels between Mao Zedong and Donald Trump. They explore how Mao's psychological complexities influenced his leadership style and reflect on the Cultural Revolution's lasting impacts on modern China, including Xi Jinping's family. The discussion also touches on loyalty dynamics and the role of civil society in defending democracy, illuminating the echoes of past authoritarianism in today's political landscape.

Join Nathan Lambert, a writer for the Interconnects newsletter and AI researcher at the Allen Institute, as he delves into the captivating world of artificial intelligence. Discover why OpenAI’s strategies seem to favor engagement farming and how this affects user interactions. Explore the competitive landscape of AI innovation in China versus the U.S., and get insights into Meta’s culture's impact on its Llama models. Nathan also shares unconventional career advice for succeeding in the AI landscape and recommends a thought-provoking book.

Bruce Andrews, a former Deputy Secretary of Commerce and government affairs leader at Ford and Intel, discusses America's industrial policy future. He examines the need for a new Department of Competitiveness to adapt to global pressures. The decline of bipartisanship is tackled, alongside the changing role of industry in policymaking, especially regarding the CHIPS Act. Andrews highlights why Silicon Valley's political involvement is vital and how the complexities of U.S.-China relations impact the semiconductor sector.

Ezra Klein, a prominent journalist and New York Times columnist, joins Derek Thompson, an Atlantic staff writer, and Dan Wang, a research fellow and author. They dive into how China serves as a rhetorical tool in U.S. politics, and the oversimplifications in understanding Chinese development. The trio discusses the 'abundance agenda' for policy change, navigating U.S.-China tensions, and the role of podcasting in shaping modern media narratives. They highlight the importance of nuanced political discourse and explore ways to foster effective communication.

Fiona Cunningham, a Political Science professor at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses her book on China’s nuclear strategy. Michael Horowitz, also from Penn and a former Defense official, co-hosts the conversation. They dive into how China balances military force with political goals without escalating to nuclear warfare. The guests also highlight China’s evolving defense strategies, including the significance of their 'no first use' nuclear policy and the development of advanced cyber and counter-space capabilities in response to U.S. actions.

Divyansh Kaushik, an AI PhD from Carnegie Mellon, and Alex Rubin, a former CIA expert on China and emerging tech, delve into America's research and development landscape amid fierce competition from China. They discuss the historical roots of U.S. R&D, highlighting the impact of budget cuts on key agencies. With insights from a leaked Chinese military exercise, they reveal China's strategic ambitions and its attempts to replicate U.S. innovations. The duo emphasizes the necessity for robust funding in universities to attract international talent and sustain long-term innovation.

In this engaging discussion, Vipin Narang, a nuclear policy expert from MIT, Pranay Vaddi, a fellow at the Center for Nuclear Security Policy, and Junichi Fukuda from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation dive deep into current nuclear dynamics. They cover the implications of U.S. deterrence on allies' nuclear aspirations, explore the historical case of France's nuclear development, and assess the threat of proliferation from nations like Japan and Saudi Arabia. They also analyze China's expanding nuclear capabilities and its impact on global stability.

Rush Doshi, author of 'The Long Game' and former Biden NSC Deputy Senior Director for China and Taiwan, dives into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations. He emphasizes the strategic importance of allied partnerships in countering China's rise. The discussion highlights China's economic challenges amidst its technological strengths, demographic shifts, and political stability risks. Furthermore, Doshi critiques past U.S. foreign policy approaches, advocating for a cooperative stance to enhance global alliances and ensure a balanced power dynamic.

Bill Reinsch, a senior adviser at CSIS and former Under Secretary of Commerce, teams up with Jay Goldberg, author and host covering the semiconductor industry. They discuss Trump's tariff impacts on semiconductors, revealing four driving instincts behind the policy. The duo explores how these tariffs could boost China’s chip production and complicate U.S. alliances. They also debate whether major companies like Nvidia and Tesla are too vital to face consequences, shedding light on the tangled dynamics of global trade.

Dylan Patel, a semiconductor analyst at SemiAnalysis, dives deep into the cutting-edge developments at Huawei, showcasing their AI chip prowess threatening NVIDIA. He discusses the intricacies of U.S. tech tariffs, advocating for smart policies to enhance domestic manufacturing. The conversation highlights the complex dance of geopolitics influencing China's tech landscape and the ongoing challenges in the optics industry. From semiconductor strategies to playful tech anecdotes, Dylan shares his insights with engaging flair.