

The Great Tech Game Podcast: Geopolitics, Technology, Business and Global Affairs, with Anirudh Suri
Anirudh Suri
Interested in geopolitics, technology, business, entrepreneurship and global affairs?
The Great Tech Game Podcast is the perfect podcast for you. Host Anirudh Suri, a tech venture capitalist, policy advisor, and bestselling author of The Great Tech Game, brings you smart, insightful conversations at the intersection of tech and geopolitics.
Listen to the carefully curated line up of the world's best thinkers on these themes. They will help you see the big picture, and in the process, understand how to get ahead in a world thats constantly being upended by technology and geopolitics.
The Great Tech Game Podcast is the perfect podcast for you. Host Anirudh Suri, a tech venture capitalist, policy advisor, and bestselling author of The Great Tech Game, brings you smart, insightful conversations at the intersection of tech and geopolitics.
Listen to the carefully curated line up of the world's best thinkers on these themes. They will help you see the big picture, and in the process, understand how to get ahead in a world thats constantly being upended by technology and geopolitics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 18, 2024 • 8min
New Power Brokers - Hedge Funds and Venture Capitalists
Full Episode: https://youtu.be/CH-4yCU1BTs
In this episode, host Anirudh Suri discusses with guest Sebastian Mallaby the rise and influence of hedge funds and venture capital in the finance industry. They delve into how these players, absent in the 1920s and 1930s, have become powerful forces shaping the rules of the game today. The conversation covers the significant growth and role of hedge funds in market innovation and price discovery, and the risk-reward dynamics unique to venture capital. Mallaby also explains why these forms of capital deployment remain distinct from the operations within large traditional banks, attributing it to the differences in incentive structures.
00:00 Introduction to New Players in Finance
00:31 The Evolution and Impact of Hedge Funds
02:50 Venture Capital: High Risk, High Reward
05:11 Comparing Hedge Funds and Venture Capital
05:49 Incentive Structures in Finance
**Books**
Sebastian:
**The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future** - https://amzn.eu/d/0N1LYKo
**More Money than God** - https://amzn.eu/d/goWCmMg
**The Man Who Knew: The Life & Times of Alan Greenspan -** https://amzn.eu/d/7U4ZzSe
Anirudh:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My)
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anirudh_suri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
#VentureCapital, #HedgeFunds, #CapitalGame, #FinancialMarkets, #InvestmentStrategy, #TraditionalBanks, #Regulation, #FinancialInnovation, #PriceDiscovery, #StockMarket, #Startups, #InvestmentRisk, #AssetManagement, #HighReturns, #IncentiveStructures, #InvestmentFocus, #CorporateVentureCapital, #EconomicImpact, #TradingResearch, #PowerLaw

Mar 17, 2024 • 5min
Was Piketty wrong about capital causing inequality? (Clip 2)
In this episode, host Anirudh Suri engages in an insightful conversation with Sebastian Mallaby about the implications of a tech-driven economic world. They discuss the divergence in global economic trends, the increase and decrease of inequality, and the dynamics between labor and capital. Mallaby provides historical context, referencing Thomas Piketty's theories and examining periods where labor held significant negotiating power, such as the 1950s and 1960s in America. The conversation touches on the reversal of inequality trends post-COVID and stresses the non-deterministic nature of economic cycles.

Mar 17, 2024 • 7min
Why is a "Culture of Growth" so rare? feat. Joel Mokyr
The Clip dives into an in-depth conversation about the percentage of population that drives growth and development in a society, often termed as 'the intellectual lead.' The presence of these people across societies, the factors that may prevent them from contributing, and influences from education and political systems are key focus areas in the discussion. The role of culture, including its capacity for change and the significance of pluralism are also examined.
Full Episode Link
(Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8
(Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0
00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Small Number
00:30 The Role of Education and Society in Nurturing Creativity
01:14 The Barriers to Unleashing Creative Potential
01:40 The Struggle for Intellectual Freedom in Different Societies
02:46 The Importance of Pluralism and Challenging Established Knowledge
03:32 The European Enlightenment and the Desanctification of Past Knowledge
04:53 The Difficulty of Overcoming Established Knowledge Systems
06:07 The Act of Rebellion in Knowledge Creation
In this two-part episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri is joined by Joel Mokyr to dig deep into why some societies get rich, creative and successful while others don't.
Mokyr and Suri discuss examples of countries that have unshackled themselves from their past, such as 19th century Japan during the Meiji Restoration and the East Asian tigers. They also explore how India can reverse its brain drain and become a tech nation, and not remain just a talent nation.
Mokyr highlights the high levels of inequality being driven by the tech economy today, and both draw parallels with pre-WWI Europe and its experience with vast inequality driven by industrial capitalism. Jumping to the modern era, they discuss whether AI represents a new revolution in knowledge, or whether it is just hype.
About Joel Mokyr:
Joel Mokyr is Professor of Economics and History at Northwestern University. Joel Mokyr conducts research on the economic history of Europe, and specializes in the period 1750-1914. His current research is focused on the understanding of the economic and intellectual roots of technological progress and the growth of useful knowledge in European societies, as well as the impact that industrialization and economic progress have had on economic welfare.

Mar 16, 2024 • 7min
The new rising powers in a multipolar world ft. Sebastian Mallaby. (Clip 1) (Clip 1)
In this compelling episode, host Anirudh Suri converses with Sebastian Mallaby about the shifting dynamics of global power. They delve into the technological and capital trends propelling emerging powers like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Highlighting the transition from a bipolar to a multipolar world, Mallaby discusses the complexities and risks associated with this new geopolitical landscape. The conversation examines the decline of American dominance in multilateral institutions and the rise of regional governance structures such as the Quad and AUKUS.

Mar 16, 2024 • 6min
Government Clampdowns on Wall Street vs Silicon Valley ft. Sebastian Mallaby
Full Episode: https://youtu.be/CH-4yCU1BTs
In this episode, host Anirudh Suri engages in an insightful discussion with guest Sebastian Mallaby on the historical evolution of financial systems and the regulatory cycles over the past century. They explore the dynamics between private banking entities and public institutions like the central bank, focusing on significant periods such as the establishment of the Federal Reserve, the 1920s stock market bubble and the ensuing crash, and the 2008 financial crisis. They also draw parallels between these financial regulatory cycles and the current tug of war between big tech firms and governments, examining the systemic implications of financial versus technological excesses.
00:00 Introduction to Financial Systems
00:26 Historical Financial Cycles in the US
01:16 The Creation of the Federal Reserve
02:04 The 1920s Stock Market Bubble and Aftermath
02:53 Modern Financial Innovations and the 2008 Crisis
03:14 Government Regulation and Financial Cycles
03:50 Comparing Finance and Big Tech Regulation
04:59 The Impact of Financial and Tech Crises
**Books**
Sebastian:
**The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future** - https://amzn.eu/d/0N1LYKo
**More Money than God** - https://amzn.eu/d/goWCmMg
**The Man Who Knew: The Life & Times of Alan Greenspan -** https://amzn.eu/d/7U4ZzSe
Anirudh:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My)
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anirudh_suri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
#govtvsfinance, #financialhistory, #centralbanks, #hedgefunds, #venturecapital, #governmentregulation, #financialcrisis, #FederalReserve, #WallStreet, #stockmarketbubble, #SecuritiesAndExchangeCommission, #GreatDepression, #economiccycles, #financialinnovation, #2008financialcrisis, #techregulation, #bigtechvsgovernment, #AIregulation, #socialmedia, #congressionalhearings

Mar 16, 2024 • 5min
Why Capital Matters ft. Sebastian Mallaby
Full Episode: https://youtu.be/CH-4yCU1BTs
Join host Anirudh Suri and guest Sebastian Mallaby as they explore the historical evolution of capital and its profound impact on global finance. They discuss the pivotal role of the Industrial Revolution in shifting from small-scale operations to large companies, the influence of trade finance during the great trading era, and the emergence of powerful financial figures like JP Morgan. The conversation also highlights the significant contributions of contemporary financiers such as George Soros and Arthur Rock in shaping modern economics and technological innovation.
00:00 The Rise of Capital: A Historical Perspective
00:13 The Industrial Revolution: Catalyst for Capital Growth
01:31 The Role of Technology in Capital Expansion
02:52 Influential Figures in the History of Capital
03:20 Modern Examples of Capital Power
**Books**
Sebastian:
**The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future** - https://amzn.eu/d/0N1LYKo
**More Money than God** - https://amzn.eu/d/goWCmMg
**The Man Who Knew: The Life & Times of Alan Greenspan -** https://amzn.eu/d/7U4ZzSe
Anirudh:
The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My)
Follow Anirudh here:
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anirudh_suri
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in
Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)
Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)
#CapitalMatters #IndustrialRevolution #EconomicHistory #Finance #BigFinance #JP Morgan #TradeFinance #OceanicNavigation #GlobalTrade #MediciBankers #PowerOfCapital #TechnologyAndFinance #HedgeFunds #VentureCapital #GeorgeSoros #ArthurRock #SiliconValley #InnovationHub #EconomicShifts #HistoricalFinance

Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 7min
Ep 11. Will The Power of Capital Be Eclipsed by Technology? ft. Sebastian Mallaby
Tune in to The Great Tech Game Podcast as host Anirudh Suri and guest Sebastian Mallaby unravel the intricate dynamics of capital's rise to power in the modern world. From colorful characters in capitalism's history to parallels between historic adventure capitalism and today's venture capitalism, they explore it all. Dive into the tug of war between financiers and governments, analyze the evolution of hedge funds and venture capital, and ponder the globalization of the VC industry. Are we witnessing a shift from Wall Street to Silicon Valley? Will rising inequality lead to global conflict? Join the conversation on the future of AI, competition versus monopolies, and the geopolitical risks of a multipolar world. Don't miss out on this insightful exploration of the forces shaping our world today.---Sebastian Christopher Peter Mallaby, born in May 1964, is a prominent English journalist and author renowned for his expertise in international economics. Currently serving as the Paul A. Volcker senior fellow for international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Mallaby also contributes as a columnist to The Washington Post. With a diverse portfolio, he has previously held positions such as contributing editor at the Financial Times and columnist/editorial board member at The Washington Post.Mallaby's insightful analyses and commentaries have graced prestigious publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Atlantic Monthly. Notably, his 2012 essay in Foreign Affairs tackled the intricate subject of China's currency future. Among his notable literary contributions are "The Man Who Knew" (2016), "More Money Than God" (2010), and "The World's Banker" (2004), solidifying his reputation as a leading authority in the field of economics and global finance.---**Chapters:**Introduction - 0:00How did capital become such a powerful force in the world? - 4:15Colourful characters in capitalism - 7:28Parallels between 16th century Adventure Capitalism and today’s Venture capitalism - 9:08Tug of War between Financiers and Governments - 11:56Regulation of Finance and Tech: Parallels and Distinctions - 16:23Rise of the Hedge Fund Industry - 18:55Rise of the VC Industry - 21:35Why VC firms and Hedge Funds haven't been subsumed by Large Banks? - 23:56Globalisation of the VC industry? Unipolar or Multipolar VC World? - 26:33Duopoly of Tech and Capital: The Two Most Powerful Forces in the World Today - 36:21IS Power Shifting From Wall St to Silicon Valley? - 38:36Inequality and Capitalism - The Battle between Capital and Labour - 39:35Will Rising Inequality Lead to another World War? Or Populism? - 46:09Will AI cause greater divergence between Nations? The second great Divergence? - 48: 52Microsoft Taking Over Apple, in AI? - 52:04Competition or Monopolies - How will the AI Industry Shape Up? - 53:26Which Countries are the Major Emerging Powers? - 55:40Bipolar world or Multipolar World? - 57:35Key Geopolitical Risks of a Multipolar World - 59:13Sebastian’s Recommendations - Books and Podcast Guests - 1:02:55**Books** Sebastian:**The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future** - https://amzn.eu/d/0N1LYKo**More Money than God** - https://amzn.eu/d/goWCmMg**The Man Who Knew: The Life & Times of Alan Greenspan -** https://amzn.eu/d/7U4ZzSe**The World's Banker: A Story of Failed States -** https://amzn.eu/d/0oXfFoxAnirudh:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : [amzn.eu/d/1Su38My](http://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My)Follow Anirudh here:X: @anirudhsuriYoutube: @anirudh_suriLinkedin: @anirudhsuri/Instagram: @anirudh_suriFacebook: @AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: http://www.anirudhsuri.com/Book and Podcast: http://www.greattechgame.com/)#CapitalDynamics, #VentureCapital, #FinanceEvolution, #GlobalizationTrends, #WallStreetvsSiliconValley, #InequalityDebate, #AIandFuture, #CompetitionVsMonopoly, #GeopoliticalRisks, #ShapingOurWorld

Mar 14, 2024 • 7min
How can nations cultivate a culture of innovation? feat. Joel Mokyr
Joel discusses the importance of Information and communication technology and its role in economic prosperity. He explores how nations can foster a spirit of tech creativity and emphasizes that it's not merely a financial matter. Joel criticizes the limitations of intellectual property (IP) rights systems but recognizes the flow of knowledge across borders. Using China and India as examples, he explains how they've taken existing Western knowledge and improved on it. Joel argues that to be technologically creative and successful, a society must embrace nonconformity and pluralism, allowing for unconventional ideas to flourish. Using historical examples like the Soviet Union's technological stagnation and Israel's culture of 'thinking outside the box', Joel suggests that autocratic regimes may struggle in the long-term technological race due to the repression of free thinking. He concludes that fostering a culture of tolerating and experimenting with crazy ideas is crucial to technological advancement.
Full Episode Link
(Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8
(Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0
00:00 The Importance of Tech Creativity in Economic Prosperity
00:40 The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Tech Creativity
01:14 The Asian Tigers: A Case Study in Tech Creativity
02:26 The Importance of Nonconformity and Pluralism in Tech Creativity
03:02 The Failure of the Soviet Union in Technological Leadership
03:51 The Power of Crazy Ideas in Tech Innovation
04:17 The Potential Downfall of China's Technological Race
04:48 The Role of Free Speech in Tech Creativity
05:07 Israel: A Culture of Nonconformity and Tech Success
06:09 The Importance of Tolerance in Fostering Tech Creativity
In this two-part episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri is joined by Joel Mokyr to dig deep into why some societies get rich, creative and successful while others don't.
Mokyr and Suri discuss examples of countries that have unshackled themselves from their past, such as 19th century Japan during the Meiji Restoration and the East Asian tigers. They also explore how India can reverse its brain drain and become a tech nation, and not remain just a talent nation.
Mokyr highlights the high levels of inequality being driven by the tech economy today, and both draw parallels with pre-WWI Europe and its experience with vast inequality driven by industrial capitalism. Jumping to the modern era, they discuss whether AI represents a new revolution in knowledge, or whether it is just hype.
About Joel Mokyr:
Joel Mokyr is Professor of Economics and History at Northwestern University. Joel Mokyr conducts research on the economic history of Europe, and specializes in the period 1750-1914. His current research is focused on the understanding of the economic and intellectual roots of technological progress and the growth of useful knowledge in European societies, as well as the impact that industrialization and economic progress have had on economic welfare.
#techgameboy
#EconomicProsperity#TechCreativity#RnD#IntellectualProperty#PatentSystem#AsianTigers#KnowledgeTransfer#Innovation#SocietyCreativity#Pluralism#Nonconformity#AutocraticRegimes#SovietUnion#TechnologicalLeadership#ChinaTech #Tolerance#InnovativeCulture

Mar 13, 2024 • 7min
Why is a "Culture of Growth" so rare? feat. Joel Mokyr
The Clip dives into an in-depth conversation about the percentage of population that drives growth and development in a society, often termed as 'the intellectual lead.' The presence of these people across societies, the factors that may prevent them from contributing, and influences from education and political systems are key focus areas in the discussion. The role of culture, including its capacity for change and the significance of pluralism are also examined.
Full Episode Link
(Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8
(Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0
00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Small Number
00:30 The Role of Education and Society in Nurturing Creativity
01:14 The Barriers to Unleashing Creative Potential
01:40 The Struggle for Intellectual Freedom in Different Societies
02:46 The Importance of Pluralism and Challenging Established Knowledge
03:32 The European Enlightenment and the Desanctification of Past Knowledge
04:53 The Difficulty of Overcoming Established Knowledge Systems
06:07 The Act of Rebellion in Knowledge Creation
In this two-part episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri is joined by Joel Mokyr to dig deep into why some societies get rich, creative and successful while others don't.
Mokyr and Suri discuss examples of countries that have unshackled themselves from their past, such as 19th century Japan during the Meiji Restoration and the East Asian tigers. They also explore how India can reverse its brain drain and become a tech nation, and not remain just a talent nation.
Mokyr highlights the high levels of inequality being driven by the tech economy today, and both draw parallels with pre-WWI Europe and its experience with vast inequality driven by industrial capitalism. Jumping to the modern era, they discuss whether AI represents a new revolution in knowledge, or whether it is just hype.
About Joel Mokyr:
Joel Mokyr is Professor of Economics and History at Northwestern University. Joel Mokyr conducts research on the economic history of Europe, and specializes in the period 1750-1914. His current research is focused on the understanding of the economic and intellectual roots of technological progress and the growth of useful knowledge in European societies, as well as the impact that industrialization and economic progress have had on economic welfare.

Mar 13, 2024 • 4min
Why did China and the Roman Empire not lead the Industrial Revolution? feat. Joel Mokyr
In this clip, Joel mentions why the Roman Empire and China didn't experience an industrial revolution, attributing lack of progress to diminishing returns from established trade routes and specialized industries. Joel also highlights gains made by Europe when it started to integrate into a single large market in 1967, he emphasizes the role of knowledge gains and technological advancements, stating that they are sectors that don't seem to succumb to the law of diminishing returns.
Full Episode Link
(Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8
(Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0
00:00 Why No Industrial Revolution in China or Roman Empire?
00:18 The Diminishing Returns of Trade and Specialization
00:54 The Power of Knowledge and Innovation
01:40 The Limitless Potential of Collective Intelligence
02:07 The Role of Technological Change in Historical Prosperity
02:38 The Stagnation of the Roman Empire and China
03:24 The Accelerating Pace of Progress in Europe
In this two-part episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri is joined by Joel Mokyr to dig deep into why some societies get rich, creative and successful while others don't.
Mokyr and Suri discuss examples of countries that have unshackled themselves from their past, such as 19th century Japan during the Meiji Restoration and the East Asian tigers. They also explore how India can reverse its brain drain and become a tech nation, and not remain just a talent nation.
Mokyr highlights the high levels of inequality being driven by the tech economy today, and both draw parallels with pre-WWI Europe and its experience with vast inequality driven by industrial capitalism. Jumping to the modern era, they discuss whether AI represents a new revolution in knowledge, or whether it is just hype.
About Joel Mokyr:
Joel Mokyr is Professor of Economics and History at Northwestern University. Joel Mokyr conducts research on the economic history of Europe, and specializes in the period 1750-1914. His current research is focused on the understanding of the economic and intellectual roots of technological progress and the growth of useful knowledge in European societies, as well as the impact that industrialization and economic progress have had on economic welfare.
#IndustrialRevolution #Trade#Specialization #EuropeIntegration #KnowledgeExpansion#ArtificialIntelligence #MaterialScience #MolecularBiology #TechnologicalBreakthroughs #Prosperity


