Ep 36 - Tariff Roulette: How India Can Play Trump's Tariff Game | Ft. Jason Furman, Harvard Economist

Ep 36 - Tariff Roulette: How India Can Play Trump's Tariff Game | Ft. Jason Furman, Harvard Economist

Author: Anirudh Suri August 22, 2025 Duration: 49:24

In this episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, Professor Jason Furman -- the Aetna Professor of the Practice of Economic Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and former 28th Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Barack Obama -- offers a rare peek behind the curtain of President Trump's tariff strategy and their far-reaching impacts. We explore the surprising realities of who truly wins and loses in this global economic upheaval, both within the US and across the world, and why the aggregate picture might not be what you expect.Professor Furman critically examines India's unique and challenging position in this tariff landscape, facing a potentially "unfair" deal with a projected 50% tariff rate. Could this be India's pivotal "1991 moment" for significant domestic reforms? What strategic choices lie ahead for its booming economy?The discussion also delves into:• Why countries have largely opted for "personalistic" bilateral deals rather than forming a united front against US tariffs, and what this reveals about global negotiation dynamics.• The one country that has successfully pushed back against US tariffs, and the unique leverage that allowed it to do so.• The potential long-term shifts in global trade patterns and whether the "most favored nation" principle is truly a thing of the past.• The profound implications of AI for global productivity and the future of jobs. Will AI be a "massively positive" force, and how might its benefits be distributed across different nations?• The critical role of immigration in fuelling the US tech and AI industries, and why its future is a key concern.Professor Furman also provides candid rapid-fire answers on pressing questions like whether Trump's trade war protects American jobs (his answer may surprise you!) and who ultimately pays the price for high tariffs, and whether Trump will finally strike a deal with India eventually or not.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping today's global economy and what lies ahead for nations caught in the "Tariff Roulette."Subscribe for more insightful discussions on geopolitics, technology, and economics!


Anirudh Suri sits at a unique crossroads, drawing from his experience as a tech venture capitalist and policy advisor to frame some of today's most pressing questions. In The Great Tech Game Podcast: Geopolitics, Technology, Business and Global Affairs, with Anirudh Suri, he moves beyond surface-level news to explore how technological shifts are actively redrawing the lines of global power and economic opportunity. Each episode is built around a conversation with a carefully selected thinker, from entrepreneurs and investors to strategists and scholars, who can unpack the real-world implications of these converging forces. You'll hear specific discussions on how supply chains are being reshaped by policy, what the race for semiconductors means for national security, and how business strategies must adapt in a fragmenting digital world. The dialogue is grounded in Anirudh's perspective as the author of *The Great Tech Game*, ensuring a consistent, insightful thread through diverse topics. This isn't about abstract theory; it's about understanding the tangible game board where technology decisions collide with geopolitical realities. Tuning into this podcast provides a clearer lens on the forces shaping your industry, investments, and the broader global landscape, offering depth and context that daily headlines often miss.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Great Tech Game Podcast: Geopolitics, Technology, Business and Global Affairs, with Anirudh Suri
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