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

• 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

30:30 - The Future of Innovation in a Complex World

Additional Content

• 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