ChinaTalk

Trey Kollmer, a television writer for CBS’s "Ghosts," and Irene Zhang, a seasoned editor, dive into the unique world of Chinese TV. They discuss a quirky farming reality show that promotes cooperation over conflict, contrasting with Western formats. A comical pilot about farmers reveals amusing misadventures and critiques modern product placements. The conversation shifts to a gripping murder mystery series, exploring its cultural depth and societal implications. They also touch on the evolution of Chinese animation, blending tradition with modern creativity.

Doug O'Laughlin, the insightful author behind the Fabricated Knowledge Substack, discusses NVIDIA's incredible journey from a humble graphics card producer to a powerhouse in semiconductors and AI. He breaks down its irreplaceable role in the AI revolution and explores the competitive dynamics between the U.S. and China concerning semiconductor access. Doug also emphasizes how NVIDIA's innovative leadership shapes industry policies and the transformative potential of AI on society, all while interspersing light-hearted moments.

Michele Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and co-founder of WestExec Advisors, dives deep into U.S.-China relations. She discusses the Biden Administration’s strategies for re-engagement and the critical need for dialogue to manage tensions, especially under Xi’s leadership. Flournoy explores innovation in defense and AI's transformative role in military decision-making. She also addresses the importance of mental health support in the armed forces, highlighting data-driven strategies to improve soldiers' readiness.

Nina Kollars, an advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and Cyrus Jabbari, R&E’s Chief Data Officer, dive into the Pentagon's new tech strategy. They discuss the intricate challenges of peacetime innovation and how historical lessons from military technology can inform future developments. The relationship between art and military strategy is explored, revealing how creativity can drive success, while the complexities of data management and ethical considerations in technology adaptation are also addressed.

Dan Faggella, founder of Emerge Artificial Intelligence Research Firm and host of the Business and AI podcast, dives into the gritty challenges of AI implementation. He discusses the gap between expectations and reality in AI adoption, revealing cultural and bureaucratic hurdles. Sectors like e-commerce and fintech are set to lead the charge, while traditional industries lag behind. Dan also shares insights from a decade of interviewing industry leaders, emphasizing the importance of authentic communication in navigating these complexities.

Jeff Ding, a leading US scholar on China and AI, delves into the critical role of diffusion capacity in assessing China's technological rise. He argues that mere innovation isn’t enough; a country must effectively adopt new technologies to maintain economic growth. The discussion covers historical examples, including the Cold War, to illustrate challenges faced by powers with strong innovation but weak diffusion. Jeff also highlights the importance of effective STEM education and the contrasting strengths of U.S. and Chinese tech policies.

PJ Maykish, Abigail Kukura, and Will Moreland from the Special Competitive Studies Project's Future Technologies platform share their expertise on crafting a national technology strategy. They discuss the vital role of international collaboration in developing emerging technologies and the importance of prioritizing critical technologies to compete with global powers like China. The conversation delves into the complexities of strategic planning and historical lessons from the Cold War, underscoring the need for a cohesive public-private approach to technology and national security.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, dives into the RESTRICT Act aiming to regulate tech suppliers from rival nations. He discusses the emerging bipartisan consensus on China, addressing its military tensions and technological ambitions. The conversation also touches on the Chips and Science Act's role in sustaining U.S. tech leadership and the importance of preventing AI-related industrial espionage. Warner emphasizes the need for collaboration between tech leaders and policymakers to ensure robust regulations that foster both innovation and accountability.

Beverly Gage, a 20th-century U.S. history professor and author of a prize-winning biography on J. Edgar Hoover, discusses the enigmatic FBI director's profound impact on American society. Their conversation delves into Hoover's anti-communist beliefs, his methods of political suppression, and how his legacy still resonates today. Gage draws parallels between Hoover's surveillance tactics and contemporary practices, even highlighting the surprising interactions between FBI informants and figures like Mao Zedong. It’s a riveting exploration of power, paranoia, and the shadows of history.

Orville Schell, a veteran China scholar and the Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations, shares deep insights into Xi Jinping's worldview shaped by his formative years. They discuss why Mao Zedong offers more compelling literature than Xi, delve into China's reciprocity issues globally, and reveal U.S. officials' secretive reactions to Tiananmen. Schell also reflects on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations and the significance of Taiwan in current politics, framing these discussions within historical and ideological contexts.