Behind the Global Race for AI Dominance
Nikita Lalwani joins Deep Dish to unpack how US industrial policy, national security, and China's tech ambitions are shaping the AI chips competition.
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About the Episode
The US and China are locked in a high-stakes race to dominate AI and the chips that power it. As the Trump administration lifts export controls and sets tech priorities, Beijing is doubling down on its AI ambitions while hosting top EU leaders. Nikita Lalwani, former White House director for technology and national security, breaks down what this means for global power.
About the Experts
Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Nikita Lalwani is a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She formerly served as the director for technology and national security at The White House’s National Security Council (2024-2025) and was the senior advisor to the director of the CHIPS Program Office at the US Department of Commerce (2022-2023).
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She brings more than 20 years of experience working at the intersection of international affairs, research, policy, and public engagement.