Arjun Ramani

Arjun Ramani is a PhD candidate at Georgetown University's Department of Government and a non-resident fellow at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET). His research examines the intersection of technology, economics, and international security, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor supply chains, and the global diffusion of advanced technologies. Ramani's work has been published in academic journals and policy reports, and he is a frequent commentator on AI policy issues.

Education and Academic Background

Ramani is pursuing a PhD in government at Georgetown University, where his dissertation research focuses on the political economy of technology and innovation. He holds a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he was a fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. His undergraduate degree is in economics from the University of California, Berkeley. During his time at Harvard, Ramani conducted research on technology policy and international trade, which laid the groundwork for his later work on AI and semiconductors.

Research Focus and Contributions

Ramani's research primarily addresses how AI and advanced computing technologies shape economic competitiveness and national security. He has written extensively on the global semiconductor industry, analyzing the strategic importance of chip manufacturing and the implications of export controls. His work often explores the role of artificial intelligence in economic growth, the diffusion of machine learning technologies across countries, and the policy challenges posed by large language models and other generative AI systems.

One of his notable contributions is a series of reports and articles on the geopolitics of semiconductor supply chains, particularly the concentration of advanced chip production in Taiwan and the efforts by the United States and other countries to reshore manufacturing. He has also examined the impact of U.S. export controls on China's AI development, arguing that such measures can slow but not halt China's progress in deep learning and related fields.

Policy Engagement and Public Commentary

Ramani is actively engaged in the policy community, providing analysis to policymakers and the public. He has testified before congressional committees on AI and semiconductor policy and has been cited in major media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Bloomberg. His commentary often emphasizes the need for international cooperation on AI governance and the importance of maintaining a competitive edge in critical technologies.

At CSET, Ramani contributes to research projects that inform U.S. policy on emerging technologies. His work has influenced discussions on the CHIPS and Science Act and related legislation aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor production. He has also written about the role of NVIDIA and other companies in the AI hardware ecosystem, highlighting the strategic significance of GPU accelerators for training neural networks.

Selected Publications and Reports

Ramani has authored or co-authored numerous publications, including:

• "The Semiconductor Supply Chain: Assessing National Security Risks" (CSET, 2023)
• "AI Diffusion and the Global South: Opportunities and Challenges" (Georgetown University, 2024)
• "Export Controls and the Future of Chinese AI" (Journal of Cyber Policy, 2024)
• "The Economic Impact of Generative AI on Developing Economies" (Brookings Institution, 2025)

His academic articles have appeared in journals such as Science and Public Policy and The Washington Quarterly. He is also a regular contributor to the CSET blog, where he analyzes current events in AI policy.

Teaching and Mentorship

At Georgetown, Ramani has taught courses on technology policy and international relations. He has mentored undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in tech policy, encouraging them to explore the intersection of computer science and public policy. His teaching emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to complex technological challenges.

Recognition and Impact

Ramani's research has been recognized with several awards, including the Best Paper Award at the 2024 International Studies Association Annual Convention for his work on AI and trade. He has also been named a Rising Star in Technology Policy by the Aspen Institute (2025). His analysis has been used by international organizations, including the OECD and the World Bank, to inform their reports on AI and economic development.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, Ramani plans to continue his research on the global governance of AI, with a focus on the role of international institutions and the potential for cooperative frameworks to manage risks associated with advanced AI systems. He is particularly interested in the implications of open-source AI models and the challenges they pose for regulation. His upcoming book, The Silicon Curtain: Technology, Power, and the New Geopolitics, is scheduled for publication in 2026.

References

1. Center for Security and Emerging Technology. "Arjun Ramani." Accessed 2025.
2. Georgetown University. "Arjun Ramani - Department of Government." Accessed 2025.
3. Ramani, Arjun. "The Semiconductor Supply Chain: Assessing National Security Risks." CSET, 2023.
4. Ramani, Arjun. "Export Controls and the Future of Chinese AI." Journal of Cyber Policy, 2024.
5. Aspen Institute. "2025 Rising Stars in Technology Policy." 2025.