🎙️ EP15: Rethinking the Middle East — Trillions, Tech & the Geopolitics of Soft Power

In this high-stakes episode, Aparna and Harinda unpack Donald Trump's whirlwind tour through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE — a trip that fused geopolitics, tech, and ethics in a way few presidential visits ever have. With over $3.6 trillion in deals touching everything from AI chips to drone sales, and a guest list that included Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Jensen Huang and other top tech CEOs, the visit may mark a new chapter in how global power is negotiated.We explore how sanctions on Syria were suddenly lifted, why Israel was left out of the conversation, and what it means when the new currency in the Middle East is technology — not oil. As the region pivots toward U.S.-led AI investments and away from China, we debate whether this is a strategic renaissance or an ethical minefield for global tech companies.Articles of the Week:Aparna's Pick: FT – A new Middle East is taking shapeHarinda's Pick: AP – Trump sanctions ICC over arrest threatChapters:00:00 Geopolitics Meets Geotech00:48 Contextualizing the Middle East's Tech Landscape07:37 Big Deals and Their Implications18:45 The New Currency: Technology Over Oil19:40 Geopolitical Shifts in the Middle East21:17 The Absence of Israel: A New Dynamic23:28 Shifting Narratives: From Israel to Gaza26:48 Tech Companies as New Soft Power29:00 Profit vs. Principle: Ethical Dilemmas32:38 The Relevance of Ethics in Global Business40:27 Outro👥 Connect with us:• Aparna Bhushan on LinkedIn• Harinda Katugaha on LinkedIn• Learn more at Rethinkingtech.co🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Hit follow and rethink the tech world with us.