Washington, DC — In the latest episode of the Washington AI Network Podcast, host Tammy Haddad sat down with Sir Nick Clegg—former UK Deputy Prime Minister and longtime Meta executive—for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the internet, the global AI race, and his new book, How to Save the Internet: The Threat to Global Connection in the Age of AI and Political Conflict.
Drawing on his unique vantage point at the intersection of tech and politics, Clegg dives into the pivotal role Silicon Valley is once again playing in Washington, following a high-profile dinner at the White House that included Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other tech giants.
“The whole of Silicon Valley… have all decided now to plunge right back into the choppy waters of politics,” Clegg observed. “It’s definitely a big change in the mood music.”
Clegg examines the growing urgency among U.S. tech leaders to collaborate with policymakers, particularly in the face of escalating competition with China in the AI arena.
“They’re all united in wanting to win the race against China,” he noted, adding that the collaboration between technologists and politicians mirrors Cold War dynamics.
Throughout the episode, Clegg emphasizes the need for smarter governance of AI and digital infrastructure. He calls for the U.S. to take the lead in crafting global standards:
“A new approach to the governance of AI will require American leadership… It’s actually the way to assert and extend American values.”
He also argues that AI should not be seen as a panacea, stating, “It’s not going to be a medicine for our crazy times,” and warns against both technological utopianism and political inaction.
In a lightning round, Clegg shares frank thoughts on some of the tech industry’s biggest names—from calling NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang “one of the most consequential figures of this time,” to suggesting Elon Musk “probably best… stayed out of politics.”
The episode also touches on UK political scandals, including Clegg’s blunt take on the resignation of British diplomat Peter Mandelson. After reading Mandelson’s years of friendly correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Clegg thought, ‘He’s got to go. There’s absolutely no way.’