ChinaTalk

Yasheng Huang, an expert on China's economic and political development and author of "The Rise and Fall of the EAST," shares compelling insights into China's history. He discusses Mao's selective adoption of imperial governance and how it enabled radical policies. The conversation turns to China's rapid growth compared to India, revealing key governance factors. Huang critiques the failures of U.S.-China engagement and explores Xi Jinping's unique leadership role, touching on succession challenges and the potential for political instability in the future.

In conversation with Yasheng Huang, an influential author and scholar, the podcast delves into the impact of China's imperial examination system on governance and societal structures. Huang discusses how the keju system cultivated meritocracy within autocratic dynasties, enabling stability and growth. He reveals surprising connections between historical events and modern economic prospects in China and Taiwan. Additionally, they examine the cultural contrasts between Eastern and Western political models, offering insights into the future of governance in the region.

Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy and former Obama official, delves into the landscape of innovation and R&D funding. He discusses how his organization targets mid-scale, transformative ideas like carbon sequestration and neurocognition datasets. Kumar highlights the challenges that government and universities face in R&D funding, while praising entities like OpenAI for pushing progress. He also evaluates U.S.-China competition and the critical importance of managing alliances in the pursuit of strategic innovation.

Michael Collins, acting chair of the National Intelligence Council, brings 28 years of intelligence experience focused on East Asia. He discusses how the intelligence community shapes policymaking and the unique challenges of assessing China’s military capabilities. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration with external experts and the need for transparency in national security narratives. Collins also explores the concept of 'narrative intelligence' and strategies to enhance long-term forecasting, addressing complexities in the U.S.-China relationship.

Peter Harrell, who advised on international economics in the Biden administration, and Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Trump official focused on China policy, delve into the future of U.S. competition strategies. They explore the bipartisan agreement on facing China and the impact of leadership on policy effectiveness. The duo also offers insights into export controls, the need for robust manufacturing, and innovative supply chain solutions. Their candid advice for future U.S. leadership highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic foresight in addressing global competition.

Jeffrey Ding, a leading US scholar on China’s AI from George Washington University and author of "Technology and the Rise of Great Powers," discusses the pivotal role of general-purpose technologies in shaping global power dynamics. He emphasizes that while innovation is crucial, the true test lies in diffusion capacity. Historical examples from the UK and Soviet Union illustrate the challenges of adopting new technologies. Ding also explores how decentralized systems contributed to America's Cold War success and warns against complacency in US-China tech competition.

Brian Pomper, a partner at Akin Gump and former Chief International Trade Counsel, dives deep into the intricacies of global patent policy. He discusses the historical journey of America's innovation from the Constitution to the age of patent trolls and big tech's impact on the patent landscape. The fierce patent battle between Apple and Samsung highlights crucial issues surrounding standard essential patents. Brian also addresses how China's patent litigation approach is stirring debate in Europe, emphasizing the critical intersection of patent policy and international trade.

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.

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.