ChinaTalk

Dennis Wilder, a seasoned CIA veteran focused on China, shares his insights on U.S. intelligence strategies. He emphasizes the need for hiring staff with firsthand experience in China to improve analysis. Wilder discusses the importance of reinstating the Foreign Broadcast Intelligence Service for deeper insights into Chinese policies. He also highlights the establishment of China House and the CIA's China Mission Center. Notably, he draws lessons from the overlooked expertise of Raymond P. Ludden, advocating for a revised approach to facing modern geopolitical challenges.

Nick Mulder, author of "The Economic Weapon," delves into the role of economic sanctions throughout history. He discusses how the Great Depression paradoxically lowered commodity prices, impacting protectionism in Germany and Japan. Mulder introduces the concept of "temporal claustrophobia" in Japan’s decision-making. The discussion includes North Korea's resilience against fuel embargoes and the lessons modern policymakers can learn from pre-WWII sanctions, highlighting parallels with today’s semiconductor export controls.

Nick Mulder, a Cornell history professor and author of "The Economic Weapon," dives into the history of economic sanctions as a tool of war. He explores how countries like Britain approached sanctions during the Crimean War and discusses the reluctance of Europeans to use blockades in the early 20th century. Mulder also highlights Wilson's moral sanctions post-World War I and examines the League of Nations' failed attempts at positive sanctions. Stay tuned for insights on how this history connects to US-China relations!

Data scientist Bryan Cheong, known for his expertise in AI and revenue forecasting, delves into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. He discusses how Indian farmers utilize AI to enhance marketing efforts, while unraveling the complex mechanics behind AI image generation. The conversation highlights Singapore's innovative government projects and the ethical challenges posed by advanced AI. With rapid advancements on the horizon, Bryan reflects on their societal implications and what the future might hold for this transformative technology.

Dennis Wilder, a longtime CIA veteran and expert in East Asia, dives deep into the troubling potential for China to provide military support to Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. He discusses Xi Jinping's personal rapport with Vladimir Putin and the complexities of their alliance. Wilder also examines the deteriorating U.S.-China relations and the implications of China's 12-point proposal for peace. The conversation reveals the shifting geopolitical landscape and its impact on global power dynamics—a must-listen for anyone interested in international relations.

Matt Sheehan, a Carnegie researcher specializing in US-China AI research collaborations, and Hadrien Pouget, a fellow focusing on open technology policy in the EU, dive into the global landscape of AI regulation. They explore the complexities of US-China AI partnerships amid geopolitical tensions. The duo also discusses China's move toward algorithmic regulation, contrasting it with the EU's comprehensive approach. Their talk highlights the urgent need for effective standards and proactive measures to keep up with AI's rapid advancements.

William 'Balloon Guy' Kim, an expert on Chinese spy balloons and unidentified objects, dives into the recent controversies surrounding aerial surveillance. He discusses the intriguing capabilities of the Chinese spy balloon and its implications for U.S.-China relations. The conversation spans from military strategies to humorous theories about unidentified phenomena. Kim also touches on the challenges of intercepting these balloons and explores niche defense technologies, all while sharing whimsical insights about life’s adventures.

In this engaging chat, Simba Hua, the founder of Meletrix, dives into the booming world of mechanical keyboards. He shares fascinating insights about why custom keyboards are becoming a passion for many, and the unique challenges of navigating China's keyboard supply chain. The discussion highlights the rising keyboard culture in China, showcasing a diverse community of enthusiasts and the shift in consumer preferences. From aesthetics to functionality, Simba offers a taste of how innovation and personalization are steering the future of this vibrant industry.

Dan Correa, CEO of the Federation of American Scientists and founder of the Day One Project, shares insights on transforming expert knowledge into actionable policy. He emphasizes the need for productive meetings with officials and the value of focusing on practical solutions over exhaustive strategies. Correa discusses the importance of engaging informed citizens and the collaborative efforts required to bridge the gap between think tanks and effective policymaking. His experiences highlight how innovative ideas can drive meaningful change in science and technology policy.

Divyansh Kaushik, a newly minted PhD from Carnegie Mellon and tech policy expert at the Federation for American Scientists, dives into the complexities of tech policy and immigration reform. He discusses the Chips and Science Act, the backlog in high-skilled visas, and how the green card system fails many applicants. Kaushik emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and sharing personal stories to influence legislators. He also highlights innovative initiatives like the Day One Project to inspire broader participation in shaping policy, especially in emerging tech.