The Great Tech Game Podcast: Geopolitics, Technology, Business and Global Affairs, with Anirudh Suri

*As France passes the Global AI Summit baton to India, what can we expect from the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026?* In the first episode of our podcast series *AI Futures: The Road to the India AI Impact Summit 2026* , we speak with Anne Bouverot, Special AI Envoy of the French President Emmanuel Macron. Bouverot organized the previous global AI summit - The AI Action Summit - in Paris in 2025. The AI Futures Podcast series, hosted by Anirudh Suri, is organized in collaboration with the *Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India* in the run up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026 being held from Feb 16 - 20, 2026 in New Delhi, India.Bouverot and Suri unpack how the global AI race is shifting beyond a US–China race, and why countries like India and France want to be actors, not just customers, in the AI economy. They deep dive into questions like:- Why is “Impact” the core focus of the upcoming AI summit being hosted by India?- Can AI leadership be multi-polar, or will it remain a US - China race?- What are the energy and climate cost implications of large-scale AI? - What are the most exciting use cases of AI that we can expect in 2026?- Will AI simply reshape work—or quietly hollow out human skills?🔔 Subscribe and listen to the full conversation now.Follow the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026: https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/*About Anne Bouverot* Anne Bouverot is Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS-PSL), and the French President's special envoy for the AI Action Summit. She has spent most of her career in the technology sector and now advises a number of public and private technology companies and scale ups. With economist Philippe Aghion, in 2024 she co-chaired the Commission that published the report ‘AI: our ambition for France’. She spent the first 20 years of her career at Orange, then became Director General of GSMA, the global mobile operators’ association, and later CEO of digital security and identity solutions company Morpho. She is a graduate of Ecole Normale Supérieure in mathematics and holds a PhD in artificial intelligence.*About Anirudh Suri, Host of the Podcast*Anirudh Suri is a non-resident scholar with Carnegie India, where his research and writing focus on technology, artificial intelligence and geopolitics. He is the author of The Great Tech Game: Shaping Geopolitics and the Destinies of Nations, and host of The Great Tech Game Podcast. He is also the Managing Partner at India Internet Fund, a US and India based technology-focused venture capital fund. Previously, Anirudh has worked with the Government of India in New Delhi, McKinsey and Co in New York, Goldman Sachs in London, the Carnegie Endowment in Washington DC, and China Institute of International Studies in Beijing. He completed his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and his MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School. Named a Goldman Sachs Global Leader, Anirudh has also served on the Board of the Harvard Alumni Association.The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: (http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: (http://www.greattechgame.com/)#IndiaAI #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 #AISummit #franceai #indiafrance #globalsouth #indiafrancerelations #geopolitics #anirudhsuri #aifutures #thegreattechgame #tgtgpodcast

In the latest episode of The Great Tech Game Podcast, Ambassador Kurt Tong argues that by 2070, 'all roads lead to Mumbai and New Delhi' as India is set to become the world's biggest and most powerful economy. We explore:- Why the intensive global focus on China might soon be viewed as merely a 'first half of the 21st century thing'- The surprising weaknesses displayed by both the US and China in their geopolitical dynamic - How today's technological rivalry differs from the US-Japan competition of the 1980s - Why Hong Kong remains a critical financial centre for greater China for the foreseeable future- What could stop India from becoming the world's biggest economy by 2070?- ...and more.🔔 Subscribe and listen to the full conversation now—only on The Great Tech Game Podcast.--------------------------Amb. Kurt TongAmbassador Tong is the Managing Partner at the Asia Group, where his work focuses on Japan, China, Korea, and broader Asia-Pacific policy. He provides strategic council to multinational corporations navigating the complex policy and market challenges across Asia. A career US diplomat for three decades, his past roles include serving as the Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, and the US Ambassador for APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation)🌐 More about Amb. Tong: https://theasiagroup.com/talent/amb-kurt-tong/#:~:text=Managing%20Partner&text=Prior%20to%20joining%20The%20Asia,with%20that%20important%20financial%20center.Host of the Podcast, Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)#India #India2070 #AsiaGeopolitics #KurtTong #AnirudhSuri #TheGreatTechGame #USChinaRivalry #NewDelhi #Mumbai #Japan #GlobalEconomy #WolfWarrior #TechCompetition #HongKong #AsiaGroup #TGTGPodcast #Podcast

In this episode of The Great Tech Game, host Anirudh Suri sits down with Chris Kemp — Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Astra, and former CTO of NASA — to unpack how the commercial space race is reshaping technology, defense, and geopolitics.From drones and rockets to optical space internet, Kemp explains how a new generation of private space companies are breaking into this domain that was initially dominated by states, especially during the Cold War when the first Space Race was between the United States and the Soviet Union.🔑 Highlights from the episode:- Why space is becoming the ultimate geopolitical high ground.- Which companies and countries are leading in this space- How cheap, mobile rocket systems are redefining military deterrence.- The shift from billion-dollar satellites to swarms of small ones.- What Astra’s Rocket 4 and propulsion business reveal about the future of scalable space manufacturing.- Why optical communication (light-based data transfer) could spark a new, unjammable internet in space.Kemp also discusses his time at NASA, founding OpenStack, and how commercial satellite networks like Starlink and Planet Labs are already influencing modern conflicts — from Ukraine to beyond. The conversation traces how space tech is moving from elite national programs to a mass-produced, distributed ecosystem that could reshape both global security and the everyday internet.

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri interviews Peter Singer, a strategist at New America and a renowned futurist in national security. Singer discusses the evolving landscape of warfare, highlighting the role of new technologies such as drones, AI, and cyber capabilities. He reflects on the lessons learned from recent conflicts, such as Ukraine and Gaza, and explores the rise of private military and defence tech firms. Singer also delves into the potential for future global conflicts, the implications of emerging technologies, and the inherent vulnerabilities within autocratic systems. From multi-domain operations and cognitive warfare to the game-changing power of synthetic biology, this conversation reveals how technology, geopolitics, and global affairs are colliding to redefine the future of conflict.00:00 Introduction to Future Warfare00:09 Peter Singer's Background and Contributions00:44 The Reality of Modern Warfare00:54 Technological Denial and Acceptance01:22 The Impact of Drones and Robotics02:01 Private Military Contractors and Defense Tech Firms02:20 Silicon Valley's Role in Defense03:43 The Future of Warfare and Global Conflict05:29 The Role of Non-State Actors in Modern Warfare34:30 The Complexity of Multi-Domain Warfare38:33 Emerging Technologies in Space41:39 Cyber Warfare Insights47:20 AI and Robotics Revolution57:30 Future Technologies and Their Impact01:04:27 Rapid Fire Questions and RecommendationsAbout Peter W. Singer:Peter Warren Singer is a strategist at New America, Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, and Founder & Managing Partner at Useful Fiction LLC, a firm that specializes in strategic narrative. A New York Times bestselling author, Singer has been hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “the premier futurist in the national-security environment” and by the Washington Post as “an all-around smart guy.” He has been recognized by the Smithsonian as one of America’s 100 leading innovators, by Defense News as one of the 100 most influential voices in defense, and by Foreign Policy on its Top 100 Global Thinkers list. The U.S. Army has even designated him an official “Mad Scientist.” Notably, no other author, has more books featured on professional U.S. military reading lists.Links to Peter Singer's books:Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution - https://www.amazon.in/Burn-Novel-Real-Robotic-Revolution-ebook/dp/B07T4KLT74LikeWar: The Weaponization of Social Media - https://www.amazon.in/LikeWar-Weaponization-P-W-Singer/dp/1328695743Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War - https://www.amazon.in/Ghost-Fleet-P-W-Singer/dp/054470505XCybersecurity and Cyberwar: What Everyone Needs to Know - https://www.amazon.in/Cybersecurity-Cyberwar-What-Everyone-Needs/dp/0199918112Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and 21st Century Conflict - https://www.amazon.in/Wired-War-Robotics-Revolution-Conflict/dp/0143116843Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry - https://www.amazon.in/Corporate-Warriors-Privatized-Military-Industry/dp/0801489156Children at war - https://www.amazon.in/Children-at-War-P-W-Singer/dp/0375423494Host of the Podcast, Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: (http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com]🎥 Clip Credit 1:PackBot® 510 | Unmanned Ground Systems -- Teledyne FLIRWatch here: https://youtu.be/kV0GwG269xQ?si=avvlSRnkqf4VqyKq#anirudhsuri #futurewarfare #futureofwar #privatemilitary #cyberwarfare #thegreattechgame #tgtgpodcast #anirudhsuri #petersinger #pwsinger #geopolitics #podcast #defenseanalysis #defensetech #cognitivewarfare #warfare #war

In this episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri sits down with Dr. John Klein—space strategist, military theorist, and author of Fight for the Final Frontier—as part of our Future of War and Tech series. This episode marks our first deep dive into the space domain.Dr. Klein explains why “space is not special, just wonderfully different,” urging a strategic and historical lens to understand the shifting nature of space power. The conversation explores how commercial firms—now responsible for over 90% of spacecraft in orbit—are transforming the global space landscape, and what that means for governments, warfighting, and deterrence.From anti-satellite tests and cyber attacks on satellite infrastructure to the critical role of geospatial intelligence in the Russia-Ukraine war, the episode highlights how space is already shaping today’s conflicts. Reflecting on maritime analogies, the risks of “mirror imaging,” and India’s evolving posture in this domain, this is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in space strategy and geopolitics.CHAPTERS00:00 Trailer04:06 Key Technological Advancements in Space in Recent Years10:56 Who Are the Key Nations in the Space Power Club?14:21 Key Private Space Entities and their Relationship with Governments31:36 How Commercial Companies are Governed by International Space Treaties36:38 Drone Warfare and GPS Jamming in the India-Pak Conflict40:15 Geospatial Intelligence and OSINT in Recent Conflicts50:31 India's Space Capabilities and Strategic Advice for Indian Startups57:20 How Should Countries Navigate Space Geopolitics?01:00:42 Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsAbout Dr. John Klein:Dr. John J. Klein is a Senior Fellow and Strategist at Falcon Research, Inc., and Adjunct Professor at George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute and Georgetown University’s Strategic Studies Program. He frequently writes on space strategy, deterrence, and the Law of Armed Conflict. He is the author of the books Understanding Space Strategy: The Art of War in Space (2019), Space Warfare: Strategy, Principles and Policy (2006) and the recently released Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space (2023), along with a score of other book chapters and articles. He is a retired Commander of US Navy, where he served as a Naval Flight Officer from 22 years. He also supported combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Links to Dr. Klein's books:Understanding Space Strategy: The Art of War in Space - https://www.amazon.in/Understanding-Space-Strategy-Power-Politics/dp/1138354627Space Warfare: Strategy, Principles and Policy - https://www.amazon.in/Space-Warfare-Strategy-Principles-Politics/dp/0415407966Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space - https://www.amazon.in/Fight-Final-Frontier-Irregular-Warfare/dp/155750735XHost of the Podcast, Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)🎥 Clip Credit 1:“2021 Russian Satellite Intercept” – Ansys Government Initiatives (AGI)Watch here: https://youtu.be/b52F9R9ByOY?si=vp1uc224HqiYJZE6🎥 Clip Credit 2:“Geostationary, Molniya, Tundra, Polar & Sun Synchronous Orbits Explained” – Scott ManleyWatch here: https://youtu.be/PZAkiXNJIqc?si=d7S8mNKstsYLbXEc🎬 Clip Credit 3:“Northrop Grumman’s MEV-1 docked with the Intelsat 901 satellite” – SciNewsWatch here: https://youtu.be/pHrxDGafnV4?si=q_MLCT9UDbhpI1iJ🎬 Clip Credit 4:“Low Earth orbit is littered with human-made space junk” – RAZOR Science ShowWatch here: https://youtu.be/QTXUbW77WZE?si=dZZr4NzR61DcrFFT

In this video, Geoff White, host of BBC Podcast 'Lazarus Heist', explores the hidden world of cyber defense and uncover how governments, private companies, and security agencies work together to track down some of the world’s most sophisticated hackers. While we often hear about massive cyberattacks and stolen millions, this conversation dives deep into the lesser-known side of the story — how these criminals are traced, caught, and exposed.From the SolarWinds hack, allegedly orchestrated by Russian hackers, to state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting private companies, he discusses how the lines between government operations and private tech firms are increasingly blurring. Today, big tech companies like Microsoft and Starlink often play roles as significant as governments themselves, supporting global defense strategies — similar to how they assisted Ukraine during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.We also discuss the covert battles happening behind the scenes, where espionage, counter-hacks, and intelligence operations unfold beyond public visibility. While countries like the US, UK, India, and Russia constantly engage in cyber warfare, most of these operations remain classified and never reach the headlines. Even in high-profile cases like North Korea’s alleged hacks, accusations rarely make it to court, leaving many questions unanswered about how these investigations actually unfold.This video unpacks the methods, partnerships, and challenges behind cyber defense, revealing how public and private forces combine to protect digital infrastructure in a world where attacks are constant, global, and evolving.If you’re interested in cybersecurity, digital warfare, or the secretive world of global hacking, this is a must-watch.

In this video, Geoff White, host of BBC Podcast 'Lazarus Heist', explores how the booming online gaming industry has become one of the newest battlegrounds for cybercrime, crypto theft, and money laundering. He explains how hackers — including North Korea’s state-backed Lazarus Group — are exploiting gaming platforms and digital ecosystems to steal millions and move illicit funds undetected.We dive into the shocking Axie Infinity hack of 2022, where North Korean hackers allegedly stole $625 million by exploiting blockchain vulnerabilities within the Vietnamese gaming platform. With the gaming industry now valued in billions, gaming companies have become high-value targets for hackers, while unsuspecting gamers are also at risk. From stolen digital assets like skins, avatars, and in-game currencies to compromised wallets, the threat extends far beyond corporate systems.With the rapid rise of crypto-based gaming, NFTs, and digital in-game assets, cybercriminals now see gaming as one of the most lucrative and low-risk frontiers. This clip unpacks the methods, motives, and scale of these operations, exposing how the gaming world has become a new playground for hackers, scammers, and money launderers.If you’re interested in cybersecurity, gaming, cryptocurrency, or digital finance, this is a must-watch.