AI and National Security: The Power Crisis featuring former Google CEO, Dr. Eric Schmidt | Episode #0007

In Episode 0007 of Start Small, Think Big, we explore a critical reality shaping the future of AI and national security: energy, infrastructure, and global leadership are now inseparable from technological progress. To lead the AI revolution, the U.S. must act urgently to modernize its energy grid, protect semiconductor supply chains, and stay ahead of China’s accelerating AI ambitions.

Start Small, Think Big: Episode 0007 – Show Notes

Brad Groux examines the mounting pressures facing America’s technological leadership, drawing insights from the 2024 LBNL Data Center Energy Usage Report and testimony from former Google CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt. From the soaring energy demands of AI data centers to the strategic importance of Taiwan and the South China Sea, this episode paints a sobering picture of the global competition underway.

We discuss the three-pronged challenge of AI (code, chipsets, and power), the vulnerabilities facing NATO allies, and why innovation and collaboration across the U.S. and Europe are more crucial than ever. As AI drives geopolitical shifts, securing the future isn’t just about building smarter tools – it’s about ensuring the infrastructure to power them is ready.

If we want to lead in AI, we must solve the power crisis driving it.New episodes are released every Friday across all major podcast platforms (direct links below), with video available on Spotify and YouTube – follow along to empower your AI journey!

Summary

In this episode, Brad Groux discusses the intersection of AI, energy demands, and global politics, emphasizing the urgent need for the U.S. to maintain its technological supremacy over China. He highlights the implications of AI on national security, the energy crisis posed by data centers, and the geopolitical dynamics involving Taiwan and NATO. The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing these challenges, while also calling for immediate action to secure the future of AI and energy resources.

Keywords

AI, energy, energy demands, geopolitical implications, China, NATO, super intelligence, technology race, national security, datacenters, innovation, artificial intelligence, south china sea

Takeaways

• AI revolution is underhyped and will change the world.
• The race for AI is akin to a new Cold War.
• Taiwan is crucial for semiconductor production.
• Energy demands for AI will triple by 2028.
• AI is a three-pronged problem: code, chipsets, and power.
• China is aggressively pursuing AI supremacy.
• NATO allies are falling behind in AI development.
• The future of AI is a national security issue.
• We must promote joint transatlantic energy and tech projects.
• Collaboration is essential to maintain technological leadership.

Titles

• AI and Global Politics: The New Cold War
• Energy Demands and the Future of AI

Sound Bites

• “The AI revolution is underhyped.”
• “AI is a three-pronged problem.”
• “China is weaponizing AI.”

Resources

• Presentation – Power Constraints – WAC Houston 2025 (PDF)
• World Affairs Council of America
• World Affairs Council of Greater Houston
• 2024 LBNL Data Center Energy Usage Report (PDF)
• Full Committee: “Future of AI Technology, Human Discovery, and American Global Competitiveness”
• C&T Subcommittee Hearing: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure (April 30th)
• Former Google CEO Tells Congress That 99 Percent of All Electricity Will Be Used to Power Superintelligent AI
• US Data Center Map
• I Live 400 Yards From Mark Zuckerberg’s Massive Data Center
• The World Needs AI, But There’s a Problem
• How China’s New AI Model DeepSeek Is Threatening U.S. Dominance

• China’s Taiwan threats: Tough talk, but what’s next?
• U.S., China and the Showdown Over an Indian Ocean Military Base | WSJ Coordinates
• Inside the US Navy’s nuclear submarine, the most powerful in the world
• What This $100B Ghost City Reveals About China’s Property Crisis
• Something Strange is Happening in China

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Geopolitics and AI

02:58 The AI Arms Race: US vs China

06:09 The Importance of Taiwan in AI

09:04 Data Centers and Energy Demands

12:09 The Three-Pronged Problem of AI

15:07 China’s Aggressive AI Strategy

18:11 NATO’s Lagging Position in AI

21:08 Bridging the Energy Demand Gap

23:56 Recommendations for AI Superiority

26:45 Dr. Eric Schmidt’s Testimony on AI

34:46 China’s Rise in AI Competition

39:11 Lessons from Europe: Growth vs. Regulation

39:34 The Threat of Superintelligence

42:47 China’s Economic Challenges and Global Partnerships

46:43 The Future of Warfare: Drones and Cyber Attacks

50:27 The Need for Light Touch Regulation

53:35 The Importance of Investment in AI

56:25 Call to Action: Prioritizing National Security

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