ChinaTalk

William Henagan and Robert Obayda, directors at the NSC, share their expertise on the intersection of industrial policy and national security. They discuss the strategic collaboration between Canada, Finland, and the U.S. on icebreakers, emphasizing their critical role in the Arctic. The conversation touches on why cranes are vital for national security and the significance of positive incentives in American industrial policy. They also explore the geopolitical implications of the global shipbuilding industry, highlighting the need for cooperative approaches to maintain competitive advantage.

Chris Kirchhoff, a founding member of the Defense Innovation Unit and former Obama NSC member, shares insights on revolutionizing military practices. He reveals the DIU's struggle against bureaucracy and its strategic pivot towards emerging technologies. Kirchhoff discusses the necessity of reallocating defense spending to innovative tech companies and draws parallels with commercial advancements in space. He also warns of potential pitfalls in AI governance, advocating for a proactive approach to ensure national security amidst rapid technological change.

Ben Schwartz, the former director for national security at the CHIPS Program Office, shares insights from his work managing a $39 billion grant program focused on reshoring semiconductor manufacturing. He discusses the balance between economic growth and national security in the context of the CHIPS Act. Schwartz elaborates on the challenges of reshoring and friend-shoring in an era of Chinese dominance, while addressing the complexities of supply chain data collection and compliance hurdles for semiconductor companies.

Will Lasry, a Montreal-based designer and founder of Glass Factory, dives into the intricacies of clothing manufacturing. He unpacks how distressed denim is made and discusses the rising trend of 'Made in India' over traditional labels. The conversation sheds light on ethical issues like Xinjiang cotton and the environmental impacts of production. Lasry's mission for transparency in fashion is central, as he highlights the challenges of globalization and the critical role of communication in the journey from design to market.

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.