Geoffrey Cain

Tyler Cowen, an economics professor and AI expert, joins Geoffrey Cain, a specialist on China and author of "The Perfect Police State," to unravel the recent AI rivalry sparked by China's DeepSeek. They discuss how this unexpected competitor emerged, challenging U.S. dominance despite restrictions on technology export. The conversation highlights potential national security threats, the complexities of trade, and the implications of AI on higher education. They argue for more dialogue amidst rising tensions as America navigates the shifting landscape of AI innovation.

Geoffrey Cain, an expert on national security, argues that banning TikTok is crucial to counter authoritarian influence due to its data collection practices. Walter Kirn, a novelist and critic, warns that such a ban threatens user free speech and represents government overreach. They debate the balance between national security and civil liberties, explore the implications of TikTok's foreign ownership, and question whether the fears surrounding the app are genuine or merely a modern moral panic.

Geoffrey Cain, journalist and author who studies authoritarian regimes and tech, shares his take on geopolitics. He discusses China’s Belt and Road as a strategic project. He explains China’s transactional ties with Iran and others. He connects recent US strikes to China’s influence, Taiwan calculations, chips and tech leverage. He outlines risks if the Middle East becomes a prolonged quagmire.

Geoffrey Cain, journalist and author on China, on how recent events reshape Xi Jinping’s foreign-policy alliances. Justin Marozzi, historian of the Middle East, traces martyrdom narratives in Iran and the risks of escalation. Alex Diggins, political reporter, exposes the crisis and human dangers in the Palace of Westminster’s stalled restoration. Sam France, Spectator writer, offers a short celebratory piece about the 50p coin.

Geoffrey Cain discusses the threat TikTok poses to US digital sovereignty and infrastructure, likening it to Chinese control over American media outlets. The conversation explores the need for regulations to protect democratic values and the importance of data privacy and security in the digital age.