ChinaTalk

Arnab Datta, Director of Policy Implementation at Employ America, and Matt Klein, author behind the Overshoot newsletter, delve into pressing economic topics. They dissect JD Vance's views on dollar dominance and industrial policy, offering a humorous take on legislative strategies. The discussion also covers the evolving role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and its lessons for managing critical minerals. Plus, Arnab shares insights into policy entrepreneurship, while Matt offers a lighthearted comparison between fatherhood and Navy SEAL training.

Senator Todd Young from Indiana, a key player in technology legislation and the Chips and Science Act, dives into pressing issues facing Congress. He discusses the potential impact of a second Trump term on innovation, explores the intricacies of AI policy, and advocates for an Office of Global Competition Analysis. Young also addresses high-skill immigration and national security concerns while navigating the complexities of bipartisan support for tech funding. Tune in for insights on the future of U.S. tech legislation amidst a shifting political landscape.

Join Eliot Cohen, author of "The Hollow Crown," along with dramaturgs Drew Lichtenberg and Kate Pitt, and actor Phil Schneider for an insightful discussion on Shakespeare's relevance to modern politics. They explore themes from plays like 'King Lear' and 'Macbeth,' highlighting the struggles of aging leaders and the complexities of power. The conversation links Shakespearean characters to current political figures, illustrating the enduring lessons on ambition, identity, and legacy. Schneider even performs excerpts, bringing these themes to life!

David Lin and Abigail Kukura from the Special Competitive Studies Project explore what it takes for the US to compete in 21st-century technologies. They discuss the decline of government-backed research and the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. The conversation shifts to China's industrial espionage and its implications for global authoritarianism. They propose a 'moonshot mindset' to enhance responsiveness in governance, urging for cohesive strategies that align technological advancements with national interests.

Alex Wang, CEO of Scale AI and former DoD collaborator, dives into the high-stakes AI race between the US and China. He highlights three critical barriers to achieving AGI and discusses how they might be overcome. The conversation reveals China's strengths and weaknesses in this tech showdown. Wang emphasizes the national security implications of AI advancements and argues for a unified approach to innovation without stifling creativity. Additionally, he proposes methods to safeguard AI development from espionage while fostering growth.

Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of CrowdStrike and founder of the Silverado Policy Accelerator, explores the looming Cold War II and its implications. He draws parallels between the Soviet Union and today's China, addressing Washington's groupthink and the necessity of reevaluating U.S. policies. Alperovitch offers bold military and diplomatic strategies for Taiwan, critiques the current U.S. defense budget, and argues for a selective decoupling with China to enhance national security while fostering a balanced economic relationship.

Jake Newby, author of Concrete Avalanche, shares his top Chinese music picks for 2024. He explores an eclectic mix of genres, from psychedelic rock to rare Uyghur folk tunes. Discover vibrant tracks like 'Narcissus' Death' and 'Mountains in Yukashima.' The conversation dives into the cultural influences behind these sounds, including kawaii core and Tibetan chants. With each song, listeners are treated to a vivid soundscape that showcases China's dynamic musical landscape this year.

Eliot Cohen, a military historian and SAIS professor who advised Condoleezza Rice, dives deep into the interplay of Shakespeare and power. He shares how political leaders can learn from literary soliloquies to enhance their public speaking. The conversation explores the daunting nature of royal authority, the complexities of relinquishing power, and the timeless art of persuasion. Cohen reflects on historical figures like Nixon and draws parallels between Shakespearean themes and contemporary leadership challenges, offering insights on effective communication and the burdens of leadership.

In this discussion, J. Kevin McKittrick, a US Army Field Artillery Lieutenant Colonel and Iraq/Afghanistan veteran, shares his insights on the strategic decisions of WWII regarding Taiwan. He highlights the aborted American invasion plan and the critical lessons it holds for today's military strategies. The conversation touches on why bigger forces succeed in amphibious assaults, the continuing relevance of traditional artillery, and Taiwan's defense posture amid geopolitical tensions. McKittrick also critiques the CCP's handling of civil-military relations and why the US doesn't need a rocket force just yet.

Jared McKinney, an expert from the Air War College, and Peter Harris, a Professor at Colorado State University, discuss the precarious situation in Taiwan amidst a backdrop of daily cyberattacks and military drills by China. They delve into the dynamics of deterrence, examining the decay of current strategies and proposing ways for Taiwan to enhance its defense. The conversation highlights the complexities of decision-making under pressure, the risks of symbolic gestures, and the significance of strategic ambiguity in preventing conflict. Tune in for an insightful analysis!