From Cold War to Code Wars: Unpacking America’s Bold AI Strategy

Welcome to another episode of Data Driven, where we delve deep into the crossroads of data, technology, and the ever-shifting world of geopolitics. In this packed episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Bailey are joined by Christopher Nuland, AI technical marketing manager at Red Hat, for a candid, no-holds-barred discussion on the newly released America's AI Action Plan. Together, they tackle everything from the resurgence of Cold War tensions in the AI arena to the complexities of “AI sovereignty” and what it really means for the US, China, and the rest of the world. Expect spirited debates about EU’s place in the global AI race, the real-world implications of chip supply chain disruptions, and the heated rhetoric around workforce security in an era when AI is starting to replace traditional jobs. The conversation weaves through existential questions—can AI ever truly reason, or are we just witnessing the rise of superpowered “spreadsheet goblins?”—and gets hands-on with the very real risks (and opportunities) of rolling out LLMs in everyday workplaces. Plus, the team touches on power-hungry data centers, potential impacts on the job market, and even finds time to swap sci-fi references from The Expanse to Ghost in the Shell to help paint a picture of what our AI-dominated future might look like. Buckle up for a dense, dynamic, and dangerously nerdy journey into the world of AI policy, technology, and what it means for all of us. Let’s get into it!Timestamps 00:00 AI Geopolitics & America's Action Plan 08:14 EU's Role in Tech Hierarchy 14:10 "US Focus: Securing AI Workforce" 20:40 Supply Chain Security in Software 24:24 Politicians' Technical Proficiency Limits 27:19 AI Sovereignty and Cultural Values 33:52 CHIPS Act: Innovation and Expansion Hopes 38:11 "AI Vulnerability: Patch Attacks" 47:58 Maryland Power Line Controversy 50:09 "AI Impact on Jobs & UBI" 55:47 Techno Feudalism Perspective 01:04:41 "AI Sovereignty: A Geopolitical Chess Match"