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Introduction
The balance of global power is rapidly changing, and it’s not just about who has the biggest military or the fastest-growing economy anymore. Trade wars, AI breakthroughs, and disruptive economic policies are reshaping international relations, national security, and business strategies across the globe. During a high-level event hosted by Axios on May 21 and sponsored by Exiger, influential voices from government, intelligence, healthcare, and industry gathered to weigh in on these pivotal shifts. What emerged was a striking portrait of a world in flux ā and a growing sense that innovation, strategy, and adaptation are now the core currencies of power.
Key Highlights from the Event
The discussions at the Axios event painted a vivid picture of how nations and institutions are recalibrating their positions in an era defined by rapid technological advancement and geopolitical tension.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen didnāt hold back in her critique of President Trumpās dealings with Vladimir Putin, suggesting the Russian leader is manipulating him. Reflecting on her time working alongside Marco Rubio, she expressed a desire for his return to a more collaborative and globally focused posture.
CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis made a striking admission: many of the agencyās tools and systems are outdated, tracing back to the 1960s and 70s. He emphasized the urgent need for modernization in light of the technological threats posed by adversaries today.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed an eyebrow-raising initiative ā a “gold card” website that will soon allow foreigners to purchase U.S. permanent residency for \$5 million.
On the business front, Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said current tariffs havenāt significantly impacted the company, but he underlined the importance of resolving trade conflicts to avoid future damage.
From a military angle, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stressed that AI could revolutionize Army operations, especially in non-combat sectors like logistics and business administration.
Representative John Moolenaar warned about the complexities of dealing with China. He acknowledged the need for continued engagement while also urging strategic restructuring of supply chains to reduce over-dependence.
In the sponsored content, Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels called for relentless innovation to counter Chinaās deeply integrated supply chain model. He advocated for making innovation a continuous, embedded process in Western industries to remain competitive.
As a side note of cultural relevance, Soundgarden was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a long-overdue recognition of their impact on the grunge music scene and wider rock genre.
What Undercode Say:
The Axios event reflected a moment of global inflection ā where policy, technology, and economics converge in new and unpredictable ways. Itās clear that the traditional playbook of diplomacy, defense, and commerce is being rewritten. Let’s unpack the deeper implications.
The political tension between the U.S. and global adversaries like Russia and China is no longer confined to diplomatic posturing or military rivalry. Itās now deeply entangled with trade rules, economic leverage, and technology innovation. The critique of President Trump’s dealings with Putin highlights not just political friction but also concerns about a shift in American foreign policy strategy.
Michael Ellisās comments from the CIA show how crucial it is for even the most powerful intelligence agencies to stay technologically agile. In a time when AI can be weaponized and cyber threats evolve daily, being stuck with Cold War-era infrastructure is a national security liability.
The proposed “gold card” website from Howard Lutnick may spark controversy. While it represents a new frontier in monetizing immigration, it also raises ethical and national interest questions. Is selling permanent residency a sustainable or moral policy path?
In the corporate and defense realms, innovation is emerging as the most valuable asset. AIās role in the U.S. Army isnāt just theoretical anymore. It’s a tool to streamline operations and possibly reduce bureaucratic friction in large institutions. The real question is how fast the military-industrial complex can implement these tools responsibly.
Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels’ analysis sheds light on a major blind spot in the Western industrial approach. China’s vertically integrated, hyper-efficient supply chains offer not only economic but strategic superiority. To counter that, the West must embrace a culture of agile, layered innovation ā not just at the top, but at every node of production and logistics.
Rep. Moolenaarās balanced yet cautious tone toward China points to a broader shift in American policy ā less about complete decoupling and more about insulation and resilience. This middle path may be the most practical way forward, avoiding both confrontation and dependency.
Finally, cultural nods like Soundgardenās Hall of Fame induction serve as subtle reminders that while the world is changing fast, certain legacies endure. Culture, like politics and technology, continues to shape identity and influence power ā albeit in different ways.
Fact Checker Results: ā š§
All quoted speakers are verifiable public figures with known positions.
The gold card immigration website announcement has not yet been confirmed through independent policy channels.
AI integration into defense operations aligns with ongoing Pentagon modernization goals.
Prediction
Global trade dynamics will continue to polarize in 2025, with countries accelerating domestic innovation and regional alliances. AI will become a cornerstone of both defense and industry, especially in logistics and cybersecurity. The U.S. will likely adopt a mixed strategy of engagement and protectionism in dealings with China, while public debate around controversial immigration-for-investment programs will intensify. Expect deeper integration of tech in intelligence operations as legacy systems become liabilities.
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