David, Goliath, and Drones: The New Map of Geo-Technology

As global power dynamics shift, the intersection of technology and national strategy is defining a new Cold War race. In this season opener of Disruptors, host John Stackhouse sits down with economist and Noahpinion author Noah Smith to map out the new geopolitics of tech.

Together, they unpack China’s dominance over the critical "electric tech stack" (batteries, magnets, and power electronics), why traditional military platforms are being upended by cheap drone warfare, and how middle powers like Canada, Japan, and Korea can build "Allied Scale" to compete. They also explore the true goal of modern industrial policy, the reality of AI labor disruption, and what a disabled rabbit named Giggles can teach us about resilience in a noisy world.

CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction: The Shift to Geo-Technology
01:58 - Lessons in Resilience from a Disabled Rabbit
03:07 - Great Power Competition & the New Global Tech Map
07:15 - The "Electric Tech Stack": Batteries, Magnets, and Electronics
10:03 - Rebuilding "Allied Scale" Without the U.S.
13:32 - Modern Industrial Policy: Wealth vs. Strategic Preservation
17:10 - AI, Labor Disruption, and Jevons Paradox
21:30 - Canada’s Next Move in the Geo-Tech Race

RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:

Substack Newsletter: Noahpinion by Noah Smith
Commentary & Analysis: Bloomberg Opinion archives by Noah Smith
Concepts Referenced: Rush Doshi’s "Allied Scale," Mark Carney’s commentary on global hegemons, and Jevons Paradox in economic theory.

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