FT Tech Tonic

Marty Baron, the former executive editor of The Washington Post, shares insights into Jeff Bezos's controversial ownership of the paper. He discusses how Bezos's stance shifted dramatically regarding Trump, affecting the newspaper’s editorial direction. Baron highlights the broader implications of billionaire influence in media, particularly in navigating political pressures. The conversation dives into the entangled relationship between commerce and journalistic integrity, pondering the future challenges faced by major media institutions amidst these dynamics.

In this discussion, Stephen Morris, FT’s San Francisco Bureau Chief, and Joe Miller, the FT’s Washington correspondent, dive into the tumultuous relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They unravel Musk's ambitious yet unsuccessful government reform plans and his abrupt exit from political life. The conversation reveals how Musk's bold ideas clashed with the realities of governance, leading to a dramatic fallout marked by public disputes. This breakdown raises questions about Musk's future impact on both tech and politics.

In this insightful discussion, Patrick McGee, author of 'Apple in China', and Michael Acton, the FT's Apple correspondent, dive deep into Tim Cook's precarious balancing act amid U.S.-China trade tensions. They explore how Cook's unique relationship with Trump has shaped Apple’s strategies, from winning tariff exemptions to potential smartphone tariffs. The talk highlights Cook's efforts to navigate supply chain dependencies and the implications of protectionism for Apple’s future, revealing the intricate dance between politics and technology.

Delve into the complex ties between Donald Trump and tech giants like Tim Cook and Mark Zuckerberg. Discover how trade wars shape Apple’s strategies. Unpack the nuances of Musk's relationship with the president and what it means for innovation. Explore Bezos' surprising reconciliation with Trump and how Silicon Valley influences political landscapes. This insightful discussion sheds light on the future of technology in the U.S. and the role of key figures driving these relationships.

Sylvia Pfeifer, an industry correspondent covering defense, joins Ryan McMorrow, the deputy Beijing bureau chief focusing on China’s military tech, and Demetri Sevastopulo, who reports on US-China relations. They discuss how defense technology is reshaping geopolitics, the rapid advancement of drones and AI in military strategies, and the implications of these innovations on U.S.-China relations. The conversation also delves into the balance between automated systems and human soldiers in future warfare, highlighting the evolving landscape of global military capabilities.

Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing, a pioneering defense tech startup, shares insights on Europe's evolving security landscape amid the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the surge in military spending, especially France's staggering €800 billion defense budget, and highlights the crucial role of AI and drones in modern warfare. Scherf also explores investment trends in defense technology, ethical dilemmas faced by investors, and Europe's potential to lead in military advancements. The conversation delves into the risks and responsibilities of autonomous weapons in future conflicts.

The podcast dives into the role of artificial intelligence in the Israel-Hamas conflict, examining its use for precision targeting and the ethical concerns it raises. Experts discuss the complexities of AI systems in Gaza, highlighting advancements and the risk of civilian casualties. The evolution of Israel’s defense technology, driven by innovation and national security challenges, is also explored. The conversation addresses whether automating warfare leads to increased safety or escalates violence, questioning the future of military strategies in a high-tech world.

Defence tech is booming in the US. Start-ups building drones, missiles and AI systems are competing with established companies for a piece of the US defence budget. Are these new participants the future of the defence industry? John Thornhill hears from investors and founders, and we visit the neighbourhood of El Segundo in Los Angeles, dubbed the Silicon Valley of defence tech.Free to read: The age of drone warfare is disrupting the defence industryUS defence industry braced for tech shake-up under TrumpThe appetite for US defence tech is growingThis episode of Tech Tonic is produced by Persis Love. Edwin Lane is the senior producer. The executive producers are Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz. Sound design by Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, and Joseph Salcedo. Original music by Metaphor Music. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gyorgy Tsukakaya, Advisor to Ukraine's Minister for Digital Transformation and key figure in the Army of Drones project, discusses the revolution of drone warfare in Ukraine. He shares how drones have transformed combat dynamics, boosting supply transport, surveillance, and attacks. Tsukakaya highlights the vital role of volunteer initiatives and the government’s efforts to accelerate drone production. He also touches on the implications for global military strategies and the future of autonomous drones in warfare, showcasing Ukraine's innovative approach amid conflict.

Explore the revolution in warfare with the introduction of advanced tech like drones and AI systems in conflict zones such as Ukraine and Gaza. Discover how innovative start-ups are disrupting the traditional defense industry with cutting-edge weaponry. The ethical quandaries surrounding the use of these technologies are scrutinized, challenging our perceptions of combat and civilian safety. Join the discussion on how the future of war is evolving and what it means for global security.