With Kendra Schaefer | Hosted by Jake E. Jennings

August 18, 2025
Coffee, Trade, and Tech, Episode #6

In episode six of our Tholos Talks series that unpacks the defining economic challenges of the 21st century — Coffee, Trade, and Tech — Jake is joined by Kendra Schaefer, Partner and Head of Tech Policy Research at Trivium China, and Basilinna Senior Fellow for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI, digital trade policy, and China’s position in the global tech race. They explore who is leveraging AI for maximum economic growth and social wellbeing, the U.S. versus China’s adoption and dominance, and the parallels between AI development and the global 5G rollout. The discussion also covers the role of GitHub in the AI race, China’s AI governance strategy, the U.S. AI Action Plan. From drone logistics and flying cars in the emerging low-altitude economy to the geopolitical stakes of AI leadership, this episode offers a sharp, timely look at how policy, economics, and emerging technology intersect—and when we might finally gain a clear view of who has, in fact, won the “AI race.”

Listen on: YouTube, Spotify, and Soundcloud

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This episode is brought to you by the Basilinna Institute.

About Our Guest

Kendra Schaefer is a Senior Fellow at Basilinna Institute. She is also a partner at Beijing-based strategic advisory consultancy Trivium China and a Nonresident Fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research. Kendra leads the Trivium tech policy research team, where she briefs investors, companies, and governments on Chinese tech regulation, including issues such as AI, data policy, and digital technologies. She is Chief Editor of Trivium’s premium newsletter Trivium Tech Daily...read full bio here.

About Our Host

Jake E. Jennings is Chair of Technology and Trade at Basilinna. He is a seasoned government affairs leader with over three decades of experience with expertise in global trade, supply chain policy, and international markets. His career spans...read the full bio here.

About the Show

Tholos Talks, a series following the spirit of the tholos circle, where Ancient Greek intellectuals gathered to debate the issues of the day. Through deep insight and thought-provoking dialogue, we offer the tools to decode complexity and illuminate the path forward.

Tholos Talks is a Basilinna Institute-produced podcast.

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