In the latest episode of _The Great Tech Game_ podcast, cyber conflict expert Max Smeets—senior researcher at ETH Zurich and co-director of Virtual Routes—draws on his books “No Shortcuts” and “Ransom War” to explore why most states struggle to build effective cyber forces and how ransomware has become a major national security threat. He breaks down the contrasting cyber strategies of the US, China, and Russia, the rise of professionalized ransomware groups like Conti, and what it takes for governments to build capable cyber commands. A must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the evolving frontlines of cyber conflict.Chapters00:00 Trailer03:37 Introduction to the Great Tech Game Podcast03:51 Meet Max Smeets: Cybersecurity Expert06:04 Max's Journey from Finance to Cyber Warfare08:22 Discussing No Shortcuts: Challenges in Cyber Command17:11 Global Cyber Strategies: US vs China27:09 Building Cyber Capacity: The PITO Framework46:38 Ransomware: A Growing National Security Threat52:03 Evolution of Ransomware53:30 The Rise of Conti55:03 Global Ransomware Landscape59:14 Ransomware Trust Paradox1:02:48 Conti Group and the MOB Framework1:09:45 Ransomware Attack Lifecycle1:19:36 Government Responses to Ransomware1:25:25 Comparing Ransomware to APTs and Terrorist Groups1:29:14 Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsBook Links:No Shortcuts: Why States Struggle to Develop a Military Cyber-Force:-https://a.co/d/03FfTolRansom War: How Cyber Crime Became a Threat to National Security:-https://a.co/d/2FuXaWSAnirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)#thegreattechgame #thegreattechgamepodcast #tgtgpodcast #anirudhsuri #maxsmeets #cyber #cybersecurity #cyberwarfare #ransomware #cybercrime #hackers #tech

This podcast episode features a discussion between host Anirudh Suri and two distinguished Indian Army veterans, Lt. Gen. RS Panwar (Signal Corps, specializing in technology and warfare) and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Infantry, focusing on military futures and force modernization). The conversation analyzes the recent India-Pakistan standoff through the lens of technology, drawing lessons from the engagement and broader global conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza). Both experts emphasize the critical need for India to accelerate technological adoption and development in its military to address both Pakistan and the more significant challenge posed by China. Key themes include the evolving character of warfare driven by unmanned systems and precision weapons, the necessity of developing indigenous technological capabilities, the importance of a technology-minded military leadership, and the urgent need for structural reforms and investment in critical areas like AI, electronic warfare, and space-based capabilities.The conversation also explores the lessons learned for India's future defense capabilities, highlighting the need for greater focus and investment in areas like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space-based technologies (particularly low-earth orbit constellations), and the development of a strong, innovative, indigenous technological ecosystem within the military and the private sector. The podcast discussion underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in India's approach to military technology. Their message is clear: the time for debate is over; it is time for action.

Chapters:* Introduction: Backgrounds of the Guests (00:04 /)* Setting the Stage: Reflecting on Op Sindoor and the Evolving Nature of Warfare (04:34 /)* Lt. Gen. Panwar's Perspective: Glimpse of Changing Warfare (05:10 /)* Lt. Gen. Shukla's Perspective: Seminal Moment for Indian Statecraft (11:54 /)* Changing Character of War: Unmanned Systems & Precision (15:08 /)* The Critical Need for Low Earth Orbit Satellites and Space Presence (16:37 /)* From Technology Debate to Action: Focusing on AI, Electronic Warfare, and Space (17:50 /)* Leveraging Army's Technical Institutions and Startups (21:04 /) * Talent, R&D, and Technological Conviction (23:23 /)* Action Plan for Technology Adoption for Future Warfare (28:59 /) * Deep Dive: AI, EW, and LEO Constellations (30:55 /)* Need for AI/LLMs for Defence and Counter-UAS (33:40 /)* LEO Constellations: Surveillance and Resilience and Precision (38:41 /) * Cyber Capabilities: The Imperative for Offensive Cyber** (40:33 /)* Developing a Captive Cyber Force and Scaling up Cyber Talent (46:00 /)* Persistent Surveillance and SAR Satellites (52:43 /)* Civil-Military Fusion and China's Model (58:27 /)* R&D, Private Sector, and Digital Macaulay (57:56 /)* Importance of Innovative Warfighting Concepts (65:53 /)* Four Prongs for AI Ecosystem: Compute, Data, Expertise, Power (80:27 /)* Conclusion: Call to Action in the critical areas: data, talent, R&D, compute, AI, EW, Space, Cyber. (84:04 /)

Anirudh Suri:

The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My

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Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)

#IndiaPakistanWar #Geopolitics #India #Pakistan #BorderStandoff #IndoPak #OperationSindoor #OpSindoor #DroneWars #AkashTeer #RajShukla #RSPanwar #AIWars #AI #ElectronicWarfare #SpaceWars #Satellites #LEO #PrecisionStrikes #PrecisionWarfare #AnirudhSuri #TheGreatTechGame #TGTGPodcast #Podcast

In this engaging episode, renowned diplomat and author Kishore Mahbubani discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia and the world. Highlighting key themes from his latest book, 'Living the Asian Century,' Kishore delves into the interplay between Western and Eastern values, China's rapid rise, and the strategic dynamics between major global powers like the United States, China, and India. He shares insights on Singapore’s phenomenal success, ASEAN’s role in balancing global influence, and the necessity for multipolar governance in the current age. A must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of global politics and the shifting balance of power.03:53 Introduction and Guest Background04:46 Personal Journey and Early Influences05:56 Clash of Western and Eastern Values08:11 Rise of Asia and Western Complacency13:49 US-China Geopolitical Conflict15:44 China's Peaceful Rise and Strategic Planning23:03 Challenges Facing the US and China48:47 India's Potential and Global Competition55:17 Singapore's Pragmatic Approach56:03 Singapore's Economic Miracle57:58 US-China Relations and Singapore's Neutrality59:55 ASEAN's Strategic Position01:02:45 China's Influence in Asia01:04:00 Managing US-China Competition01:22:38 India-China Relations01:28:48 India's Geopolitical Strategy01:31:36 Global Governance and Multilateralism01:36:15 BRICS vs. G701:38:28 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsBook Links:Has China Won?: The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy: https://amzn.in/d/fJUnl8ULIVING THE ASIAN CENTURY: https://amzn.in/d/j2SLOSAHas the West Lost It?: https://amzn.in/d/7b7dfsZAnirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)ChinaVsUSA, #GeopoliticalRealism, #ChinaRise, #IndiaChinaRelations, #Meritocracy, #UnipolarAsia, #MultipolarWorld, #USChinaTensions, #ASEAN, #EconomicGrowth, #Globalization, #SocietalChallenges, #TechnologyCompetition, #IndustrialRevolution, #GlobalSouth, #Corruption, #DiplomaticRelations, #ChinaEconomy, #USDebt, #CulturalAffinities, #AsiaDevelopment, #GlobalTrade, #Liberalization, #PoliticalSuccession, #MediaInfluence, #HistoricalAnalysis, #StrategicPatience, #InternationalInstitutions, #GlobalGovernance, #ChinaUSConflicts

In this engaging episode, renowned diplomat and author Kishore Mahbubani discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia and the world. Highlighting key themes from his latest book, 'Living the Asian Century,' Kishore delves into the interplay between Western and Eastern values, China's rapid rise, and the strategic dynamics between major global powers like the United States, China, and India. He shares insights on Singapore’s phenomenal success, ASEAN’s role in balancing global influence, and the necessity for multipolar governance in the current age. A must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of global politics and the shifting balance of power.

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri discusses with Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, the transformative impact of technology on espionage and global warfare. Shashank delves into how technological advancements, from synthetic aperture radar satellites to cloud computing to subsea cables, are reshaping the tools and practices of intelligence agencies. They explore the shift in the global tech infrastructure, the rise of new-age defense tech firms, and the growing integration of big tech companies with state defense mechanisms. Shashank provides insights into the implications of these changes for global power dynamics, touching on issues like cyber intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and the future of warfare. Shashank and Anirudh also discuss how the Indian armed forces are approaching the adoption and invention of new technologies.

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri discusses with Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, the transformative impact of technology on espionage and global warfare. Shashank delves into how technological advancements, from synthetic aperture radar satellites to cloud computing to subsea cables, are reshaping the tools and practices of intelligence agencies. They explore the shift in the global tech infrastructure, the rise of new-age defense tech firms, and the growing integration of big tech companies with state defense mechanisms. Shashank provides insights into the implications of these changes for global power dynamics, touching on issues like cyber intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and the future of warfare. Shashank and Anirudh also discuss how the Indian armed forces are approaching the adoption and invention of new technologies.

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri discusses with Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, the transformative impact of technology on espionage and global warfare. Shashank delves into how technological advancements, from synthetic aperture radar satellites to cloud computing to subsea cables, are reshaping the tools and practices of intelligence agencies. They explore the shift in the global tech infrastructure, the rise of new-age defense tech firms, and the growing integration of big tech companies with state defense mechanisms. Shashank provides insights into the implications of these changes for global power dynamics, touching on issues like cyber intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and the future of warfare. Shashank and Anirudh also discuss how the Indian armed forces are approaching the adoption and invention of new technologies.

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri discusses with Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, the transformative impact of technology on espionage and global warfare. Shashank delves into how technological advancements, from synthetic aperture radar satellites to cloud computing to subsea cables, are reshaping the tools and practices of intelligence agencies. They explore the shift in the global tech infrastructure, the rise of new-age defense tech firms, and the growing integration of big tech companies with state defense mechanisms. Shashank provides insights into the implications of these changes for global power dynamics, touching on issues like cyber intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and the future of warfare. Shashank and Anirudh also discuss how the Indian armed forces are approaching the adoption and invention of new technologies.

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri discusses with Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, the transformative impact of technology on espionage and global warfare. Shashank delves into how technological advancements, from synthetic aperture radar satellites to cloud computing to subsea cables, are reshaping the tools and practices of intelligence agencies. They explore the shift in the global tech infrastructure, the rise of new-age defense tech firms, and the growing integration of big tech companies with state defense mechanisms. Shashank provides insights into the implications of these changes for global power dynamics, touching on issues like cyber intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and the future of warfare. Shashank and Anirudh also discuss how the Indian armed forces are approaching the adoption and invention of new technologies.

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri discusses with Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist, the transformative impact of technology on espionage and global warfare. Shashank delves into how technological advancements, from synthetic aperture radar satellites to cloud computing to subsea cables, are reshaping the tools and practices of intelligence agencies. They explore the shift in the global tech infrastructure, the rise of new-age defense tech firms, and the growing integration of big tech companies with state defense mechanisms. Shashank provides insights into the implications of these changes for global power dynamics, touching on issues like cyber intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and the future of warfare. Shashank and Anirudh also discuss how the Indian armed forces are approaching the adoption and invention of new technologies.