Maintaining Democracy's Technological Edge
Jake Chapman, Haley Spletzer, and Jim Huff from Marque Ventures reflect on discussions from the 2023 Stanford Technological Innovation and National Security Conference.
In a world continually reshaped by rapid technological advances and shifting geopolitics, Stanford University is at the forefront of an ambitious initiative to address the intricate intersection of national security and technological innovation.
Led by a diverse group of students, including Defense Ventures alumnus Bryce Mitchell, this inaugural event opened a dialogue among thought-leaders from government, industry, and private capital.
Facilitated panels on current geopolitical topics addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, US and China technology competition, and defense investment; and themed breakouts focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy.
The Gordian Knot Center for National Security and invited speakers levied a call to action for all participants, panelists, students, and organizers to recognize the importance of emergent technologies to national security with a clear warning that protecting democracy will require a concerted effort from everyone in the national security ecosystem collaborating to maintain and grow a US technological edge.
protecting democracy will require a concerted effort from everyone in the national security ecosystem
In today’s age of technological rivalry, leading democracies find themselves at a crossroads, tasked with securing the democratic values like freedom of speech and free market economic principles while confronting an authoritarian adversary attempting to undermine those values at every turn. The panel for “China, Technology, and the Great Power Competition” consisting of Larry Diamond, Andrew Grotto, Jeff Fields, and Managing Director at Marque Ventures, Jake Chapman, discussed how democratic nations could adapt, compete, and collaborate in the face of China's technological might.
While panelists expressed their individual viewpoints on various strategies for competing in both American and Chinese markets, a unanimous consensus emerged – finding the delicate equilibrium between fostering a free-market environment, embracing open immigration policies, and avoiding blanket prejudices against individuals of Chinese descent due to concerns of intellectual property theft remains a challenging equation with no obvious solution.
Jake Chapman summarized the difficulty of striking that balance as a venture capitalist stating, “You cannot diligence intent”.
Despite the fear of China’s prowess, an optimistic message emerged that empowered democracies can and will continue to harness the potential of technology for the betterment of society while upholding the values that underpin democratic systems.
“You cannot diligence intent.”
- Jake Chapman
The closing keynote from Former Secretary of State and National Secretary Advisor, Dr. Condoleezza Rice addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as the recent Israeli-Hamas conflict - framing these events as pivotal opportunities to shape the future of global relations and sustain America’s role in the world.
Dr. Rice underscored how China’s approach to engaging with the international community has changed since her time in office, just as Chinese leadership has transformed from a slowly moderating and liberalizing country to one that has become increasingly ideological, irresponsible, and uncooperative.
The growing tensions in areas across the world, did not deter her steadfast belief that the United States should maintain a strong role in the world, there is power in free markets, and we must all preserve the power in individual liberty and responsibility.
Her parting words and the sentiments from all panelists throughout the day served to drive home the event’s main theme: maintaining democracy’s technological edge is critical for a safe and prosperous future.