The Great Tech Game, authored by Anirudh Suri, argues that in the 21st century, technology has established itself as the driving and primary force behind world power at par with trade, industrialisation and agriculture in the previous historical epochs.
A non-resident scholar at Carnegie India and the managing partner at India Internet Fund, a tech-focused venture capital firm operating across India and the US, Suri, whose areas of interest lie in the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and climate, describes the current era as the new Great Game—one that is not only fought over colonies, land or sea routes but over the control of digital ecosystems, data and vital technologies.
According to him, nations around the globe are closely engaged in a fierce technological competition that tend to shape not only the economic growth and military capabilities but also the very destinies of nations. Those who adapt smoothly, make calculated investments, and construct robust digital infrastructure will emerge as leaders, while those that remain passive and reliant on others risk of descending into a new kind of digital dependency or even digital colonialism.
The book draws parallel to previous power shifts such as how industrial capacity was employed to dictate the rise of empires or how Britain’s dominance over undersea telegraph cables gave it a geopolitical leverage. These days, the analogous source of power lies in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, semiconductors, and other emerging fields.
Data, he says, has emerged as the oil of the digital age and nations must learn to harness, regulate and protect this vital resource. At the same time, the ability to create digital public infrastructure like universal internet access, payment platforms and identity platforms are becoming a fundamental element for innovation and inclusion. Without these systems, nations will remain out of the technological race and would be unable to scale of opportunities for its people.
In addition to infrastructure and innovation, the book emphasises on the significance of governance, alliances and values. Suri writes that technology is not neutral, rather it represents moral, social and political decisions that influence societies in lasting ways. The kind of world order that evolves will depend on whether countries embrace authoritarian control and surveillance or uphold values like privacy, transparency and inclusivity.
Suri issues a warning regarding growing gaps between nations that possess the power to form standards and laws and those that are compelled to follow and abide by the laws that have been established elsewhere. Furthermore, strategic partnerships through supply chains, alliances or international platforms and forums will become crucial as no single nation can master all technologies. The current technological contest going on between the US and China is one of the examples of this technological rivalry, but other nations like India should also develop their own rules and strategies.
The author presents a roadmap based on innovation, investment, and strategic foresight, especially for India. He asserts that India must focus on nurturing talent through education and reskilling, strengthening research and development and forming incentives to retain innovators within the country. Meanwhile, India should simultaneously keep expanding its digital infrastructure projects like the unified payments interface and Aadhar, while ensuring these systems continue to remain secure, inclusive and globally competitive. Global partnerships should be fostered to secure supply chains, influence global standards and prevent isolation, while the regulatory frameworks must strike a balance between innovation and accountability. Rather than replicating the trajectories of other nations, Suri suggests that India must leverage its unique advantages, from its demographic dividend to its growing digital ecosystem to position itself as a leader in specific technological domains.
In conclusion, The Great Tech Game is a cautionary tale as well as a manual. The message is: just as countries that missed the industrial revolution were left behind, those who disregard technological capabilities will end up dependent, marginalised, or even digitally colonised. The recommendation is equally compelling: countries can take advantage of opportunities and form a Pax Technologica, an era characterised by technology-driven peace and prosperity, rather than conflict and exploitation, by investing in people, infrastructure, governance, and partnerships. The book combines historical perspective, current case studies, and forward-looking analysis, and is written in an approachable and captivating manner. It makes the case that the geopolitical balance of tomorrow will be determined by the technological decisions made today. In other words, it is an appeal for countries, particularly India, to play the Great Tech Game with vision, urgency, and strategic clarity.
Yash Gupte is a Research Associate, Centre for National Security Studies at PIC.