Can the U.S. Outpace China in AI Through Chip Controls?
The AI revolution is underway, and the U.S. and China are racing to the top. At the heart of this competition are semiconductors—especially advanced GPUs that power everything from natural language processing to autonomous weapons. The U.S. is betting that export controls can help check China’s technological ambitions. But will this containment strategy work—or could it inadvertently accelerate China’s drive for self-sufficiency? Those who think chip controls will work argue that restricting China’s access gives the U.S. critical breathing room to advance AI safely, set global norms, and maintain dominance. Those who believe chip controls are inadequate, or could backfire, warn that domestic chipmakers, like Nvidia and Intel, also rely on sales from China. Cutting off access could harm U.S. competitiveness in the long run, especially if other countries don't fully align with U.S. policy.
As the race for AI supremacy intensifies, we debate the question: Can the U.S. Outpace China in AI Through Chip Controls?
Arguing Yes:
Lindsay Gorman, Managing Director and Senior Fellow of the German Marshall Fund’s Technology Program; Venture Scientist at Deep Science Ventures
Will Hurd, Former U.S. Representative and CIA Officer
Arguing No:
Paul Triolo, Senior Vice President and Partner at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group
Susan Thornton, Former Diplomat; Visiting Lecturer in Law and Senior Fellow at the Yale Law School Paul Tsai China Center
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
This debate was produced in partnership with Johns Hopkins University.
This debate was recorded on May 14, 2025 at 6 PM at Shriver Hall, 3400 N Charles St Ste 14, in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Trump’s First 100 Days: The Economic Agenda
The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have come with a wide range of changes for the nation’s economy and global supply chains. Could these changes lead to a more prosperous America, or hardship for individuals and businesses? In partnership with Bloomberg, five renowned economists look at President Trump’s economic agenda during his first 100 days and discuss tariffs as a strategy, whether deregulation is good for growth, and whether the President's "medicine" means a recession.
Jason Furman, Former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers; Professor at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government
Allison Schrager, Economist, Bloomberg Opinion Contributor & Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute
Stephen Moore, Former Senior Economic Advisor to President Trump; Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation; Co-founder of Unleash Prosperity
Mariana Mazzucato, Professor of Economics at University College London; Author of "Mission Economy"
Jeff Ferry, Chief Economist Emeritus at the Coalition for a Prosperous America; Previous Tech Executive
Mishal Husain, Editor-at-Large for Bloomberg Weekend, is the guest moderator.
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Think Twice: The Stoic Capitalist with Robert Rosenkranz
From modest beginnings to a distinguished career, Robert Rosenkranz, the chairman of Delphi Capital Management and founder of Open to Debate, has used Stoic wisdom to navigate challenges, innovations, and business relationships. In this conversation, John Donvan speaks with Rosenkranz about his new book, “The Stoic Capitalist: Advice for the Exceptionally Ambitious,” how ancient philosophy shaped his pivotal moments, why he launched Open to Debate, and how disciplined thinking can unlock enduring accomplishment and serve as a guide for anyone seeking success and a life well lived.
Our Guest: Robert Rosenkranz, Author, Chairman of Delphi Capital Management, and Founder and Chairman of Open to Debate
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Should the U.S. Decouple from China?
For decades, China has been central for global supply chains and a primary U.S. trade partner, but as China’s influence grows, should the U.S. cut economic ties, or stay engaged? Those in favor of decoupling say it is vital for protecting national security and reducing reliance on China’s supply chains. Those against decoupling argue doing so would harm U.S. businesses, stall innovation, and deepen global divides. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Decouple from China?
Arguing Yes:
Derek Scissors, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute
Isaac Stone Fish, CEO and Founder of Strategy Risks
Arguing No:
Benn Steil, Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations
Susan Shirk, Research Professor and Director Emeritus of the 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego School of Global Policy
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power in the Middle East?
The U.S. has long balanced military strength with soft power in the Middle East through agencies like USAID. With the Trump administration reversing these policies, is this a necessary realignment—or a costly retreat? Those against these changes argue this will boost rivals like Iran and China and harm America’s image. Those hailing them argue it’s a necessary correction, favoring clear, transactional geopolitical goals over costly diplomacy. Now we debate: Was Trump Right to Be Hard on Soft Power in the Middle East?
Arguing Yes: Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, President & Founder of Ideas Beyond Borders
Arguing No: Jeffrey Gedmin, President & CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks
Xenia Wickett, Geopolitical strategist, moderator at Wickett Advisory, and Trustee of Transparency International UK, is the guest moderator.
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America is more divided than ever—but it doesn’t have to be. Open to Debate offers an antidote to the chaos. We bring multiple perspectives together for real, nonpartisan debates. Debates that are structured, respectful, clever, provocative, and driven by the facts. Open to Debate is on a mission to restore balance to the public square through expert moderation, good-faith arguments, and reasoned analysis. We examine the issues of the day with the world’s most influential thinkers spanning science, technology, politics, culture, and global affairs. It’s time to build a stronger, more united democracy with the civil exchange of ideas. Be open-minded. Be curious. Be ready to listen. Join us in being Open to Debate. (Formerly Intelligence Squared U.S.)
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