Jake Sullivan on the Long Game

In this episode of ChinaTalk, the host interviews Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor, about his experiences in government and his views on national security strategy. Sullivan discusses the challenges of balancing immediate crises with long-term strategic planning, the importance of delegation, and the need for a coherent approach to industrial and technology policy, particularly in relation to China. He reflects on his time as a younger National Security Advisor, the lessons he learned, and the difficulties of mobilizing capital for national security ends. The conversation touches on potential conflict scenarios, the role of experience in decision-making, and the complexities of US-China relations, including trade vulnerabilities and technology controls. Sullivan also shares his thoughts on AI policy and the need for a deeper understanding of its underlying assumptions.