Episode 5 | Jun 3, 2025 - Guarding the Gates
In this conversation, Vipul Vyas and Billy Riggs discuss the erosion of trust in global institutions, particularly focusing on the implications of foreign affiliations and national security concerns. They explore the challenges faced by U.S. institutions like Harvard in navigating these issues, the impact of foreign student policies on academic freedom, and the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring security. The discussion also highlights the role of technology in enhancing trust and the need for institutions to be mindful of geopolitical tensions.
Takeaways
Takeaways
- Trust in global institutions is eroding, impacting national security.
- The concept of 'guarding the gates' reflects growing scrutiny of foreign affiliations.
- Loss of trust can lead to significant consequences for institutions.
- Harvard's position as a leading institution makes it a focal point for scrutiny.
- Foreign student policies can affect academic freedom and innovation.
- Balancing innovation with national security is increasingly complex.
- Technology can enhance trust but also poses risks.
- Geopolitical tensions require institutions to be more cautious.
- The implications of shaping public opinion are significant.
- Institutions must navigate vulnerabilities in a changing global landscape.
Titles
- Navigating Trust in Global Institutions
- Guarding the Gates: A New Era of Scrutiny
Sound Bites
- "We need to manage the narrative."
- "Should we be guarding the gates?"
- "We can't be blind anymore."
Chapters
00:00 - The Erosion of Unipolarity
06:45 - Guarding the Gates: Foreign Affiliations and US Institutions
09:24 - The Scrutiny of Academic Freedom
16:56 - The Role of Institutions in National Security
21:31 - Innovation and Security: A Delicate Balance
25:47 - Navigating Geopolitical Risks
- Blockchain and Distributed Autonomous Community Ecosystems: Opportunities to Democratize Finance and Delivery of Transport, Housing, Urban Greening and Community Infrastructure: (PDF Report)
- Riggs, William and Vyas, Vipul, Current State of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency for International Governments (December 31, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4337641 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4337641
- Riggs, William and Vyas, Vipul, Current State of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency for US States (December 31, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4337624 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4337624
- Riggs, William and Vyas, Vipul, Current State of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency for Major US Cities (December 31, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4337656 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4337656