For this podcast, we are taking a break from Israel's coalition chaos, and instead focusing on two of the most important topics facing the world: the rise of China and the revolution in technology. What are China's interests in the long run? How important are their efforts to invest (or coerce) smaller states in southeast Asia and Africa with economic investments? What are the larger ramifications of the trade war? On the tech front, how is the internet changing the way power is exerted across the world? And, what’s briefing former Vice President Dick Cheney like? 

This episode's guest, David Gordon, offers a unique perspective of business and national security policymaking. Gordon is currently a senior advisor on geo-economics and strategy at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, a London-based think tank, and previously held senior positions at the geopolitical consulting firm Eurasia Group. In the George W. Bush administration, Gordon helped set up the National Intelligence Council (which advises the president on national security issues), serving as its deputy and acting director. From 2007-09 he served as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's director of Policy Planning, basically meaning he did long-term thinking and analysis along with speech writing directly under the secretary. Gordon holds a PhD in Economics and Political Science from the University of Michigan. 

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Most insightful person to follow on social media:Ian Bremmer 

A book that has most shaped your thinking: "Churchill: Walking with Destiny" - Andrew Roberts