On December 2, 2024, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce released a very foreseen updated Biden-Harris administration controls on AI and semiconductor exports to China. These and other new policies are at the forefront of U.S. national security policy, with export controls emerging as a central part of the U.S. government’s efforts to curb the People’s Republic’s use of critical and emerging technologies as part of its military modernization.
On January 14, 2025, CSIS Wadhwani AI Center is pleased to welcome Alain EstévezUnder Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security and principal policymaker responsible for U.S. export controls at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Estevez will join the director of the Wadhwani Center Gregory C. Allen to analyze recent export control updates and reflect on the Biden administration’s AI and semiconductor export control strategy and other BIS developments over the past four years . This event will examine the importance of maintaining U.S. technological leadership, how the BRI has built on previous controls from the Biden and Trump administrations, and the future of technological competition with China and other American adversaries.
Mr. Estevez heads the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). BIS implements and enforces export controls on critical dual-use technologies and investigates transactions involving technology supply chains that may pose a threat to U.S. national security. Prior to joining BIS, Mr. Estevez served for 36 years in the Department of Defense (DOD), including two Senate-confirmed leadership positions. Most recently at the Department of Defense, he served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, where he was responsible for the development, implementation, and management of acquisition, contracting, and logistics programs and policies that increased combat effectiveness and the department’s efficiency and purchasing power.
This event is made possible thanks to the general support provided to CSIS.