# AI policy and the battle for computing power

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/practical-ai/ai-policy-and-the-battle-for-computing-power
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/practical-ai/ai-policy-and-the-battle-for-computing-power.md
Podcast: [Practical AI](https://stenobird.com/podcast/practical-ai)
Published: 2026-03-09T13:27:19+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1923dca1
Audio file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.transistor.fm/1923dca1/0dd54a72.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/practical-ai/episodes/ai-policy-and-the-battle-for-computing-power
Duration seconds: 2934

## Resource

AI is a geopolitical lever that requires a new policy framework distinct from nuclear or internet regulation. The discussion explores how the US can maintain its lead in innovation while establishing guardrails for military and domestic use.

## Highlights
- Main idea: AI policy must be approached on its own terms rather than through the outdated lens of nuclear or internet regulation
- Strategic priority: Maintaining dominance in chip manufacturing and computing power is essential to ensuring technology flows to democracies
- Failure mode: Allowing the erosion of innovation through poor export controls or failing to secure the supply chain for advanced hardware
- Practical takeaway: The US government must actively collaborate with the private sector to integrate AI into national security infrastructure
- Core challenge: Balancing the rapid adoption of AI in warfare and industry with the preservation of democratic values and social stability

## Topics

AI Policy, Geopolitics, US-China Relations, National Security, Computing Power, AI Governance, Semiconductors, Autonomous Weapons

## Chapters
- 1:00 — Introduction to Ben Buchanan: An introduction to Ben Buchanan's background as a White House Special Advisor on AI and his expertise in cyber operations.
- 4:45 — The Government's Technological Dilemma: The challenge of the US government managing technologies that move faster than traditional regulatory and funding models.
- 8:40 — Avoiding the Nuclear Policy Prism: Why policymakers must avoid treating AI like nuclear technology and instead confront its unique characteristics.
- 12:15 — Managing Military and Surveillance Risks: A look at the Biden administration's efforts to implement guardrails regarding AI in military applications and surveillance.
- 23:25 — The National Security Memorandum: Details on the executive actions taken to direct defense and intelligence agencies to work closely with the private sector.
- 26:55 — Autonomy and International Declarations: The importance of establishing international norms for the use of autonomous systems in military contexts.
- 38:05 — Navigating Chinese AI Models: Addressing the risks and strategic considerations of using or interacting with Chinese-developed AI models.
- 45:25 — The Future of Democracy in the AI Age: Evaluating the success of AI policy based on invention, adoption, and the preservation of democratic values.

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## Transcript

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