TechPlomacy Talk

What are autonomous weapons systems? How are they used in modern warfare? And how do we strengthen international cooperation? In this episode, the Director of the Technology and National Security Program at the Center for a New American Security and award-winning author of the book ‘Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War’, Paul Scharre, helps us understand this emerging topic.

How can Europe and The United States develop a democratic model for technology together? And what other countries should be included in the work? In this episode, Europe's 'Most Wired Politician' and former MEP, Marietje Schaake, takes us on a tour de force through Europe's role in regulating tech.

What is quantum technology? And how will it be a game changer for technology and perhaps even help solve big societal challenges like climate change? In this episode, Professor Charlie Marcus from The Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen helps us understand this (admittedly quite complex) technological frontier & its potential global impact.

Should we be afraid of China or impressed by their technological development? And how does China compare with the US? In this episode, we are joined by Kaiser Kuo, who is a rockstar of the tech world. Literally. Using his expertise from both China and the US, Kaiser Kuo helps us take a nuanced look at China through a technology prism.

What is the problem with SoMe platforms? That is the question for lifelong Silicon Valley investor & former mentor to Mark Zuckerberg, Roger McNamee, author of the New York Times bestseller ‘Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe’. Finally, we get his take on how to fix the issue at hand & where to look for answers.

In this episode, we are joined by a woman who can ‘out-guy’ the guys of Silicon Valley, CEO of Nextdoor Sarah Friar. Based on research and experience, she shares her perspective on the gender problem in tech and how to create a work environment that utilizes diversity in the best possible way. Finally, we discuss the developments of e-commerce and the future of Silicon Valley.

In this episode, we use the wide-angle lens. Joined by Dr. Robin Niblett, director of the think tank Chatham House, we talk about the state of the world order and what role technology plays. We also zoom in on the transatlantic relationship, the unique approach to technology in Europe - and since Robin is a Brit we don’t avoid talking about Brexit…

Strap yourself in for a somewhat undiplomatic episode with Hany Farid, professor at Berkeley and one of the world's leading experts in digital image forensics. Professor Farid is a harsh critic when it comes to the social media platforms’ willingness to live up to their responsibilities when it comes to tackling illicit content.

In this episode we meet up with a superhero in political science - professor Joseph Nye who pioneered the theory of soft power. We talk about how technology is changing the geopolitical power balance and how the tech industry is using soft power on the global stage.

In this episode, we travel to Israel’s biggest city Tel Aviv to learn more about one of the most sprawling high tech hubs in the world. We meet Yossi Vardi - a grandfather of the Israeli tech industry. Casper and Yossi talk about what we can learn from Israel’s unique approach to innovation and entrepreneurship. We also dive into geopolitics, and how tech can be a driver for peace and less division.

In this episode, we meet a fascinating character of Silicon Valley – Mozilla’s “Chief Lizard Wrangler” – aka chairwoman Mitchell Baker. We talk about how to ensure the free and open internet Mitchell and her nonprofit organization Mozilla fights for every day. We also discuss why there still are so few women in tech like Mitchell and what can be done to change that.

In this TechPlomacy Talk Special Casper teams up with award winning tech entrepreneur, analyst and investor Azeem Azhar. Tune in for an interesting conversation between the two, where they challenge each other on the role of future technology, the effects of artificial intelligence, and how China is using technology to change the global balance of power.

In this episode, we talk with one of the world’s leading experts on Artificial Intelligence: Kai-Fu Lee. Former CEO of Google China and author of the international bestseller “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order”. It’s a fascinating look into what AI actually is, where the technology is going and how it is literally changing the global balance of power. We also look at what Europe can do to avoid missing out on the technology that is changing the world as we speak.

In this episode we go to India to see how technology is used to bring people out of poverty and to empower 1.3 billion people in whole new ways. We talk to Pramod Varma, the chief architect behind India’s unique ID system "Aadhaar". We also zoom in on ”Digital India” - the vision behind Aadhaar and how it is used to avoid a possible future digital colonization of the second largest population in the world.

We go dark in this month’s episode with Franklin Foer - author and writer at The Atlantic. We talk about his fascinating book: “World Without Mind: The Existential Threat of Big Tech”. As the title hints, it paints a dark picture of an all almighty tech industry. An industry that in Franklin’s view is weakening national security destroying journalism and creates political division across the globe all while turning us into addicts of platforms and devices. Tune in if you dare;)

In this episode, learn how data and technology is transforming the way we think development aid. We talk with one of Europe’s sharpest political minds in this field, Belgium’s deputy prime minister, and minister for development, Alexander De Croo. He also shares his interesting view on how technology is changing the face and effect of globalization in the third world.

Will new technology be the end of governance as we know it, and what role can old-fashioned diplomacy play in the 21st century? The questions are big in this pod – but so are the answers from the former British top-diplomat and advisor to three PMs, Tom Fletcher. Tom also shares his view on how governments, NGOs and tech companies needs to work together in order to solve some of the biggest existential threats of this century

She has been labeled “The Woman Silicon Valley Fears” and caused more than one episode of high blood pressure among tech bosses and on Capitol Hill. But the perception of the European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager is changing rapidly among both investors and politicians in the US. What happened? In this episode, the Danish top EU official delivers unfiltered answers to the critique and offer her view on how we meet the challenges and opportunities when it comes to...

How is political turmoil and technology changing the unique relationship between Europe and the US? Tune in to this month's episode where we take the temperature on the transatlantic relationship together with the president of The German Marshall Fund of the United States, Karen Donfried.

Technology and human rights are linked together closer than ever. In this episode the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein talks about how technology and the companies behind are crucial in the fight for human rights. A few months before his departure from the post the High Commissioner also delivers and honest reflection on the state and future of human rights and the threats against them.