In this in-depth conversation, senior national security expert and author of “The Great Heist — China’s Epic Campaign To Steal America’s Secrets,” David R. Shedd joins Josh Rogin, of the Washington Post, to discuss the real scope and scale of Chinese Communist Party–driven espionage—and why the challenge is far more extensive than most Americans realize. Drawing from his new book and decades of experience in the intelligence community, the discussion traces how the CCP has systematically integrated espionage, industrial policy, and economic strategy into a single, whole-of-society effort. The conversation explores how open democratic systems—built on collaboration, free markets, and global engagement—have been exploited through technology transfer, investment flows, human intelligence networks, and cyber operations.

Join the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue for an exciting panel discussion, “Winning the 21st Century Through Tech Diplomacy,” at SCSP’s AI+ Expo—the largest AI conference in Washington, D.C., drawing over 10,000 participants from government, industry, and academia.

AI is rapidly reshaping global power dynamics—touching everything from critical infrastructure to national security—and the need for tech savvy, globally-minded leaders has never been more critical. Get an exclusive look at the Tech Diplomacy Academy and how it is training the next generation of decision-makers to win the 21st century.  Join us for a compelling discussion on why becoming a tech diplomat is not just an advantage, but a necessity for navigating and shaping the 21st century.

This event is free, click here to register.

When: Monday, June 2, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where:  Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001

On November 8, 2023, the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue hosted our annual Tech Freedom Summit, bringing together leaders and innovators in technology and diplomacy.

This year’s summit featured influential speakers such as U.S. Senator Todd Young, Purdue University President Mung Chiang, Former Assistant Secretary of State for Economic & Business Affairs Manisha Singh, Kearney Board Director Ben Smith, aerospace pioneer Dana Linnet, and other experts. They shared valuable insights on trusted tech principles and the importance of freedom in our evolving digital age.

Michelle Giuda: “Countries like Romania are on the cusp of a great leap economically, technologically and culturally. But there is a four-dimensional contest between the Free World and authoritarian States: it’s military, it’s economic, it’s cultural and it’s diplomatic. Technology is at the crossroads of that competition. We believe at the Kroc Institute that technology must advance freedom, and trust is the ultimate accelerator for that.”