Decoupling, de-risking and tech diplomacy – special episode

Technology and Security (TS)

In a special episode, Dr Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Michael Green, CEO of the United States Studies Centre, to consider the conversations and developments around technology decoupling between the United States and China across the past six months. Drawing on insights from previous guests on the podcast, Miah and Mike cover topics from international standards, subsea cables and individual user trust in technology to the role of Japan and Australia. They also discuss the role of alliances, digital infrastructure, national security and historical lessons that can inform this evolving area of debate.

Technology and Security is hosted by Dr Miah Hammond-Errey, the inaugural director of the Emerging Technology program at the United States Studies Centre, based at the University of Sydney.

Clips used in this recording:

• Jessica Hunter, First Assistant Director-General Access & Effects Operations at the Australian Signals Directorate, recorded in Canberra, February 2023 for Technology and Security Episode 1.
• Alex Lynch, Google Australia Public Policy Manager, recorded in Sydney, March 2023 for Technology and Security Episode 2.
• Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, recorded in Sydney, March 2023 for Technology and Security Episode 3.
• Dr Robert Atkinson, President and Founder of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, recorded in Sydney in March 2023 while at the USSC as a Visiting Fellow.
• The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and Assistant Minister for Employment, and Dr Robert Atkinson, President and Founder of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, recorded in Canberra, March 2023 at the USSC’s ‘Technology, Innovation And Strategic Competition’ event.
• Sue Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, recorded in Washington, May 2023 for Technology and Security Episode 4.

Resources mentioned in the recording:

• (USSC Polling Explainer) Collaboration with trusted allies and distrust in Chinese technology: American, Australian and Japanese views on technology
• (Standards Australia Report) Iconic Nation
• (ASD Resources) Protecting your devices and cybersecurity
• (USSC Report) Secrecy, sovereignty and sharing: How data and emerging technologies are transforming intelligence
• (Elisabeth Braw, Foreign Policy article on subsea cables) Decoupling Is Already Happening – Under the Sea
• (White House) CHIPS and Science Act
• (US Bureau of Industry and Security) Commerce Implements New Export Controls on Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing Items to the People’s Republic of China (PRC)
• (Australian Defence Force) Defence Strategic Review 2023
• (White House) National Security Strategy
• (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan) National Security Strategy
• (Wall Street Journal) Potato Chips Vs. Computer Chips – High Technology Any Way You Slice It

Making great content requires fabulous teams. Thanks to the great talents of the following.

• Special co-host: Dr Mike Green
• Research support and assistance: Tom Barrett
• Production: Elliott Brennan
• Podcast Design: Susan Beale
• Music: Dr Paul Mac

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging — here and wherever you’re listening. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.