Age of AI

S14E8 (Season Finale): Before Nolan's Odyssey — The Robots of Ancient Greece and the History of AI

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:00:00 -0400

What if one of the oldest stories in Western literature is also one of the earliest stories about artificial intelligence?

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has brought new attention to Homer's epics — but they're only the beginning of a much longer story about intelligent machines.

In this Season 14 finale, historian of science Professor Elly R. Truitt (University of Pennsylvania) traces that story from Homer's self-navigating ships and golden handmaidens, through the bronze giant Talos of wider Greek myth, to the mechanical courts of Baghdad and Byzantium, medieval Europe, and today's anxieties about AI. Along the way: what these machines reveal about slavery and servitude in the societies that imagined them, and why — as Truitt argues — a technology that further concentrates power in the hands of people who already have it was never actually revolutionary.

S14E7: Is AI Governable?

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Age of AI, we speak with Branka Panic about the first-ever UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, where representatives from nearly 170 countries gathered in Geneva to discuss the future of global AI policy. Drawing on her firsthand experience at the conference, Branka explains what happened beyond the official speeches, why many participants questioned whether the event truly fostered dialogue, and what the discussions revealed about the growing divide between AI leaders and the Global South.

We explore the challenges of building international consensus, the findings of the UN's new Scientific Panel on AI, and whether global institutions can keep pace with one of the fastest-moving technologies in history. If AI is reshaping the world, who gets to write the rules?

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S14E6: Who Pays for the Cloud? The Politics of AI Infrastructure and Data Centers

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 22:00:00 -0400

AI may appear immaterial, but the cloud has a physical footprint. In this episode of Age of AI, Ford Copple joins us to discuss the data centers behind artificial intelligence, including their economic benefits, energy and water demands, local impacts, and the policy choices communities face as AI infrastructure expands.

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S14E5: Putting the Pieces Together - How Can AI Help Communities Make Decisions?

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Medlir is joined by Clara Long, a human rights lawyer turned democracy strategist and co-lead of BLOOM. We discuss why public deliberation matters in an age of polarization and disinformation, how technology can support rather than replace civic judgment, and what it takes to help communities reason and decide together across difference.

S14E4: Trump’s New AI Strategy With Adam Billen

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Medlir Mema sits down with Adam Billen, Co-Executive Director of Encode, to examine a surprising shift in U.S. AI policy. They discuss the Trump administration's recent efforts to establish a federal framework for frontier AI models, expand AI's role in national security, and limit state-level regulation. The conversation explores what these developments reveal about Washington's evolving approach to artificial intelligence, the changing relationship between government and AI companies, and the challenges of balancing innovation and security in the age of AI.

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S14E3: Michael Toscano on Pope Leo XIV’s AI Encyclical

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Michael Toscano joins Age of AI to discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first AI encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. The conversation explores human dignity, digital dependency, family life, AI personhood, and why the Vatican believes the future of artificial intelligence is ultimately a question about what it means to be human.

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S14E2: The Last Human Marketer with Josh Porter

Sun, 17 May 2026 23:00:00 -0400

AI is supposed to make marketing easier. So why are so many companies more confused about their messaging than ever? In this episode, Medlir talks with Josh Porter — author of The Last Human Marketer — about what he calls "drowning in automation": the paradox where scaling content and tools produces less clarity, not more. Josh makes the case that human judgment in positioning isn't a legacy constraint — it's a competitive edge. He also introduces the "Customer Connect Code," his framework for translating complex AI products into language that actually lands with buyers.

Link:

The Last Human Marketer

S14E1: Valerie Hudson on Tech Lords, Democracy, and AI Governance

Sun, 10 May 2026 17:00:00 -0400

To open Season 14 of Age of AI, and to mark the podcast’s 5-year anniversary, we are joined by Dr. Valerie Hudson for a wide-ranging conversation on AI, governance, and the future of political order. Drawing on her decades of work at the intersection of international relations and emerging technology, Dr. Hudson reflects on how we arrived at this moment, the risks of concentrated technological power, and what a more democratic future for AI might require.

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Special Announcement: the AI Ethics and Governance Institute is organizing the AI Law & Governance Conference (ALGO 2026), an immersive executive program taking place September 8-10, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey. Organized in collaboration with two leading AI law firms, Kirton/McConkie and Clarion AI Partners, the program is designed for lawyers, corporate governance officials, government officials, and graduate students. For more information, please visit the AI Ethics and Governance Institute website: aegixinstitute.org

S13E8: What’s Driving the AI Economy?

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Catherine Bracy, Founder and CEO of TechEquity and author of World Eaters, joins Medlir to examine how the venture capital model shapes not just startups, but the broader economy. From labor disruption and “ghost workers” to the growing concentration of power in the AI stack and the transformation of housing markets through tech platforms, the discussion explores how innovation, capital, and inequality intersect. Grounded in TechEquity’s work, the episode also considers what meaningful intervention could look like, and whether it is possible to steer technological progress toward more equitable outcomes.

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S13E7: Surprising Risks in Artificial Intelligence

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0400

Caryn Lusinchi, Young Diogenes, and Medlir are back to unpack the rapidly shifting landscape of AI safety following the IASEAI Conference in Paris.

They explore how AI risk is evolving beyond technical challenges into global coordination problems, especially as systems become autonomous and agentic.

From “synthetic outlaws” and shifting accountability, to emerging economic disruption and geopolitical competition, the discussion highlights how current governance frameworks are designed for humans, and struggling to keep pace.

The episode closes by examining the unresolved gap between accelerating AI capabilities and fragmented global oversight. This raises a central question: is AI safety becoming a tool for protection, control -- both?

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S13E6: Inside America’s AI Policy Divide with Trooper Sanders

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Trooper Sanders joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on artificial intelligence and its effects on the economy, governance, and everyday life. Drawing on his experience advising on national AI policy, Sanders walks through the White House's new AI framework and the competing legislation it faces, unpacking the key tensions between innovation, safety, and federal versus state authority — and making the case that AI policy ranks among the defining societal challenges of our time, comparable to the great turning points in American history.

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S13E5: AI at the Bar: Law, Power, and the Future of Regulation

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Age of AI, I share a conversation with international business attorney Jonathan Bench on what it means to govern intelligence in a rapidly shifting legal and geopolitical landscape. We explore how AI is reshaping the practice of law, what is keeping boards and executives up at night, whether regulation is constraining or enabling innovation, and why the global competition over AI may ultimately be a race to define standards rather than simply build faster models. Drawing on Jonathan’s experience advising companies, founders, and investment funds across multiple continents, this discussion examines the intersection of corporate governance, regulatory strategy, and long-term national competitiveness in the age of artificial intelligence.

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S13E4: Who Governs AI? The U.S. State vs. Federal Showdown, with Alexandra Tsalidis

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500

From AI built religions on Moltbook to human simulation platforms like RentAHuman, the boundaries between human and machine are already blurring. While Congress debates national frameworks, US states are advancing their own AI transparency and safety laws. In this episode, Alexandra Tsalidis of the Future of Life Institute breaks down how state governments are shaping AI policy, why voters are backing these efforts, and how a growing federal preemption fight could determine who governs AI in America.

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S13E3: The Last Book Written by a Human with Jeff Burningham

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, investor, educator, and author Jeff Burnigham to explore what it truly means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence. The author of bestselling book: The Last Book Written by a Human, Jeff reframes AI not as a technological challenge but as a human one. We discuss why simulated understanding is not the same as lived experience, how love, loss, and wisdom ground us in an age of acceleration, the risks of synthetic relationships and attention capture, and why becoming an anomaly willing to step outside normalized patterns may be essential to shaping a more humane future.

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S13E2: Why Online Harm to Kids Is Not an Accident

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Age of AI, Medlir sits down with Melissa McKay, Founder of the Digital Childhood Institute. They examine how Big Tech platforms and app store gatekeepers have failed to protect kids online. From Google emailing children in order to remove parental controls, to deceptive app age ratings, we discuss how safety breakdowns are not accidents but predictable outcomes of misaligned incentives. Online harm to children is not inevitable. It appears to be designed, normalized, and protected by powerful systems that profit from inaction.

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S13E1: What does AI mean for journalism and human communication?

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Age of AI, Medlir speaks with Seth Lewis, professor at the University of Oregon and a leading scholar of journalism, AI, and communication. The conversation explores what Lewis calls the “AI turn” in journalism: a moment when generative AI begins to challenge core ideas about authorship, creativity, trust, and professional identity. We examine how AI is moving from a backstage technology to an active participant in communication, how it shapes trust in society, and how we can retain our ability to ‘think’ in an age of AI.

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S12E7: Would You Fly With an AI Pilot? | AI, Trust, and Aviation Futures

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode, host Chris Lamont is joined by Christoph Regli, Swiss Air Force drone pilot, commercial airline pilot, and aviation scholar, to explore one of the most unsettling questions in civil aviation governance: would you trust an aircraft with no human pilot on board?

Drawing on his experience as a pilot, engineer, regulator, and researcher, Regli unpacks the regulatory, technical, and societal challenges of introducing AI pilots into the cockpit. The conversation moves beyond technology to examine trust, certification versus licensing, human versus machine judgment, and why aviation regulation, which is “written in blood,” poses unique obstacles to autonomous flight.

From sensor reliability and explainability to accountability, social acceptance, and the future of pilot training, this episode offers a rare insider perspective on why fully autonomous commercial aviation remains elusive and what would need to change before society is ready to board.

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This episode is part of a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) 25K04983 project “Global Governance of Civil Aviation in the Indo-Pacific” 2025-2027

S12E6: Pro-Human AI | Insights from the 2025 Utah AI Summit

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500

Fresh off the 2025 Utah AI Summit, Utah’s Department of Commerce director Margaret Busse joins us to break down what really happened when policymakers, educators, and tech leaders came together to imagine a Pro Human future. We talk standout moments, surprises, and why Utah’s new Office of AI Policy is getting national attention. This conversation offers a clear view into how Utah is positioning itself at the forefront of responsible AI leadership.

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S12E5: Who Controls AI? EU Reforms and a Controversial Proposed US Executive Order

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0500

Caryn Lusinchi returns to unpack a whirlwind week in AI policy across the EU and the United States. We break down the European Commission's new Digital Omnibus proposals and a leaked US executive order that aims to rein in state-level AI rules, looking at what these moves could mean for companies, regulators, and the future of AI governance. A fast-moving and timely conversation at the crossroads of technology, law, and society."

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S12E4: Military AI and the Rise of Apocalyptic Narratives with Elke Schwarz

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Medlir sits down with Dr. Elke Schwarz—Professor of Political Theory at Queen Mary University of London and author of Death Machines: The Ethics of Violent Technologies—to explore how AI is transforming not only the tools of war, but the very way we understand conflict, responsibility, and humanity itself. We also explore the rise of apocalyptic narratives surrounding AI—what Dr. Schwarz calls “techno-eschatology.” Why are end-times stories so dominant in our cultural imagination? What political possibilities do they shut down?

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S12E3: Do You Know What’s in Your Skies?

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Eugene Tan from RSIS Singapore and Chris explore how advances in aviation technology are transforming our airspace. With cargo drones and urban air taxis taking to the skies, how will an increasing number of autonomous or remotely piloted aircraft safely share the airspace with traditional aviation? What new security, privacy, and safety risks do such air mobility systems bring? And how will regulatory and governance regimes adapt to these challenges?

Show Notes:

This episode is part of a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) 25K04983 project “Global Governance of Civil Aviation in the Indo-Pacific” 2025-2027

S12E2: AI and the Future of Citizenship

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:00:00 -0400

Political anthropologist Eduardo Albrecht joins us to explore how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming the way governments think, decide, and rule. From the rise of “political machines” to the idea of a new Third House of democracy, we unpack what happens when citizens become data—and how power itself is being rewritten in the age of automation.

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S12E1: AI Robotics: Safety, Standards, and Geopolitics

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Chris Lamont sits down with Oscar Avatare and Akshay Chalana, co-founders of Saphira AI, for an in-depth exploration of AI robotics transitioning from controlled laboratory environments into complex, real-world applications. Drawing on their experience building hardware controls and virtualization systems for companies including Tesla and Amazon, as well as their work on Hyperloop technology—where they worked on challenges like making propulsion, braking, and electronics function in vacuum chambers—Oscar and Akshay examine the critical challenges of establishing robust safety frameworks and industry standards for autonomous systems operating in unpredictable settings. The conversation also delves into how geopolitical tensions and international competition are reshaping the global robotics landscape, influencing both technological development priorities and regulatory approaches across different regions.

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S11E7: How AI Is Reshaping Communication and Trust

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:00:00 -0400

Why do people sometimes trust AI—even when it's prone to error? In this episode, Medlir explores this question and more with business communication expert Peter Cardon, author of Business Communication: Developing Leaders for a Networked World and co-author of Business and Professional Communication: Putting People First. They dive into how AI is reshaping interpersonal relationships, communication, and public confidence in institutions. From emotional authenticity to regulatory challenges, this conversation unpacks the complex ways AI is influencing how we connect, believe, and lead.

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S11E6: 100th Episode of the Age of AI Podcast

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 19:00:00 -0400

Four years ago, two Tokyo-based academics and a Diogenes-inspired persona sparked a conversation that became The Age of AI podcast. Today we celebrate our 100th episode—a milestone reflecting on humanity's journey through the LLM explosion, AI's disruptive rise, and the ethical crossroads we now face. Our co-host Young Diogenes, re-trained and more philosophical than ever, is asked a deceptively simple question: "In a world increasingly shaped by machine logic, what makes us human?"

From civilizational myopia to AI governance challenges, from ChatGPT's impact on how we think and learn, to speculation about AI running for office, this episode captures both the promise and peril of our AI-shaped future, as well as suggestions by YD on how to potentially avoid a negative future.

Whether you've been with us since the beginning or are discovering us now, join us in exploring what it means to stay human in the age of artificial intelligence.

#AIGovernance #AIEthics #AIandSociety #FutureOfAI #AIPhilosophy #AgeOfAI #Podcast #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #LLM #Diogenes #TechEthics #FutureOfAI #AIandSociety #AI2030 #AIoptimism #AIgovernance

S11E5: Oskar Gstrein on European Digital Sovereignty or Data Autonomy?

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0400

What does it mean for Europe to be digitally sovereign in a world dominated by tech giants and geopolitical power struggles? In this episode, Oskar Gstrein joins Chris to unpack that question. Against the backdrop of U.S.-China tech competition and shifting global alliances, they explore the boundaries of digital sovereignty and delve into the emerging idea of data autonomy as a guiding principle for Europe’s digital strategy.

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S11E4: Demystifying US AI Policy under the Trump Administration

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400

With the Trump administration reversing previous US AI strategy with a focus on security and US-China competition, Chris sits down with Medlir and Caryn at the Global Governance Institute in Brussels to analyze the new administration's approaches to AI.

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S11E3: AI in Security, Public Safety, and Society — A Conversation with Volt AI's CEO

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400

This week, we're talking to Egor Olte Anu, CEO of Volt.ai, the company making waves for using artificial intelligence to detect and stop physical threats as they happen. From violent crimes to medical emergencies, Volt’s tech is being hailed as a game-changer for public safety. But as their systems get smarter, the questions get more urgent: What about privacy? How far is too far when it comes to surveillance in the name of safety? Tune in for a conversation on innovation, ethics, and safety.

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S11E2: Redefining Work and Humanity in the Age of AI with Jesse Anglen

Sun, 18 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir sits down with Jesse Anglen, CEO and Founder of Rapid Innovation, a company that helps entrepreneurs build AI and blockchain-powered products. They discuss the transition into a digital workforce and how best to prepare for a post-work economy.

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S11E1:What’s New in the World of AI?

Sun, 04 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Adalberto Gonzalez, AI Strategic Advisor for Design Thinking Japan, joins Chris for a conversation on his pioneering work on GenAI for Accenture in North America. We discuss his more recent work with Design Thinking Japan and his AI Signal’s comprehensive report that tells us where breakthroughs in AI will have the greatest impact. Plus, what worries him most and what excites him most about these developments.

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S10E8: Is a Global AGI Agency Possible?

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0400

As Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) moves closer to reality, the world faces a crucial question: Who—if anyone—should govern it? In this episode of Age of AI, host Medlir Mema sits down with governance expert Justin Bullock to explore the challenges of regulating AGI at a global scale. Could a Global AGI Agency provide the oversight we need, or is international cooperation on AI doomed to fail? From the risks of unchecked AGI development to the hurdles of enforcing global AI policy, this conversation unpacks the future of AI governance and the stakes for humanity.

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S10E7: AI, Power, and Politics: Can Global Governance Keep Up

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Age of AI, host Medlir Mema sits down with Caryn Lusinchi—AI auditor, policy advisor, and former AI leader at Meta and Google—to explore the tensions between innovation and regulation. Can international AI governance truly work, or are we heading toward fragmented, sovereign AI ecosystems? Join us as we discuss the EU AI Act, the Paris AI Action Summit, the rise of national AI programs, and the future of AI regulation in an era of accelerating change.

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S10E6: AI for Democracy: Can Algorithms Save Civic Engagement

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode, David Mas, Chief AI Officer at Make.org, and Medlir explore how AI can strengthen democratic participation and institutional transparency. They discuss the ambitious AI for Democracy Democratic Commons initiative, consider how AI can help counter the erosion of democratic legitimacy, and examine how democracies can respond to weaponization of AI by authoritarian regimes.

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S10E5: How Large Language Models are Revolutionizing Healthcare

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Medlir is joined by Dr. Nafiseh (Cati) Molaei, a Postdoctoral Scholar specializing in Biomedical Data Science at Northwestern University to discuss how AI is reshaping the medical landscape. From diagnosing complex diseases to personalizing treatment plans, AI is driving innovations that were once thought impossible.

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S10E4: The AI Risk Debate - Hype or Existential Threat?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Today we dive into the evolving conversation on AI risk and governance. Our guests, Torben Swoboda and Risto Uuk, discuss the challenges of defining AI risk, the debate over acceptable thresholds, and common critiques of the existential risk perspective. We also examine the feasibility of global AI governance and historical parallels that may guide our path forward.

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S10E3: How to Make Sense of DeepSeek with Ritwik Gupta

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode Ritwik Gupta of the Berkeley AI Research Lab returns to talk with Chris about what DeepSeek really means for the AI Industry, Trump’s recent Stargate AI initiative, US-China AI competition, policy responses to DeepSeek, and where we should be looking for the next big disruptive event in the world of AI.

Links:

#DeepSeek #Stargate #Policy

S10E2: AI and Environmental Sustainability in the Trump 2.0 era

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode we’re joined by Jeremy Tamanini, founder of Dual Citizen LLC, to explore the intersection of AI and environmental sustainability during the Trump 2.0 era. From the environmental impacts of AI infrastructure, to innovative practices and emerging legislation, this conversation dives deep into how AI can be both a challenge and a tool for sustainability.

Links:

Jeremy Tamanini, Dual Citizen: https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/person/jeremy-tamanini
Anatomy of an AI System: https://anatomyof.ai/
Epoch AI: https://epoch.ai/
Navigating New Horizons: https://www.unep.org/resources/global-foresight-report
How AI Is Fueling a Boom in Data Centers and Energy Demand The Environmental Impacts of AI -- Primer: https://time.com/6987773/ai-data-centers-energy-usage-climate-change/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Keywords: AI sustainability, environmental impact, Trump 2.0, Dual Citizen LLC, responsible AI, AI legislation, sustainable innovation, climate and technology.

S10E1: AI, Code, and Leadership with Matt Van Itallie

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir Mema engages in an insightful discussion with Matt Van Itallie, the CEO of Sema Software, a company at the forefront of revolutionizing software analytics and risk management in the age of artificial intelligence. Sema has transformed the field of software analytics and set new standards for monitoring and risk management in AI-driven development. Matt shares insights into the evolving responsibilities of CTOs, the creation of transformative tools like the GenAI Code Monitor and Generative AI Bill of Materials, and the critical strategies companies need to address both technological and geopolitical challenges in the age of rapid innovation.

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Keywords:
AI innovation, software analytics, CTO leadership, GenAI Code Monitor, AI risk management

S9E8: AI, Architecture, and Urban Planning with Iva Mema

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir sits with Iva Mema to discuss how AI shapes architectural design and public policy decision-making. They also explore the risks of perpetuating discrimination through biased algorithms, the potential for job displacement, and the over-reliance on technology that might diminish human creativity and expertise.

https://www.ivamema.com/

#AI, #Algorithmic_Bias; #Architecture; #Public_Policy; #Smart_Cities

S9E7: Ethical AI Approaches to Sustainability with Melanie Rideout

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir is joined by Melanie Rideout, a climate tech expert and Global Governance Institute (GGI) fellow, who shares her insights from working with Shayp and international organizations like the Red Cross and UN bodies. Together they explore the opportunities, challenges, and complexities of leveraging technology for global development and climate action.

#SustainableDevelopment #EmergingTech #ClimateAction #GlobalDevelopment #AIforGood

S9E6: Planning for a Sustainable and Inclusive AI Integration with Elena Ardelean

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0500

In today's episode, Medlir chats with Elena Ardelean. We discuss the Matrix Framework for Inclusive AI in Sustainable Development, focusing on three pillars: the regulatory environment, digital infrastructure, and the empowerment of youth as the next generation of changemakers. We further explore how lessons from AI's rapid evolution inform strategies for equitable integration into the future of work and daily life. Finally, we highlight how governments—particularly in developing countries—are leveraging AI today, and discuss steps to ensure sustainable, inclusive AI adoption in the future.

#Inclusive AI; #Sustainable Development; #Digital Infrastructure; #Future of Work, #AI for Good

S9E5: What AI Governance gets Wrong and How to Get it Right with Ritwik Gupta

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Chris and Medlir talk with Ritwik Gupta about what policymakers get wrong about AI governance and what we should be thinking about when it comes to risk and regulation. Ritwik also shares his wide-ranging experience in working on AI in the context of chaotic environments in disaster response and national security.

Show Notes:

S9E4: Tech Coup with Marietje Schaake

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Chris talks with Marietje Schaake about her new book The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley and explores the nexus between Big Tech, democracy, and human rights. In particular, Marietje shares with Chris ideas and strategies for recentering the public interest in the relationship between big tech and governments, the geopolitics of technology, and recent developments in the global governance of AI.

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S9E3: US-China AI Competition with Gloria Shkurti Ozdemir

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to our podcast! In this episode Medlir and Dr. Gloria Shkurti Ozdemir discuss her recently released book "Artificial Intelligence Arms Dynamics: The Case of the U.S. and China Rivalry." Their discussion dives into the latest AI-related developments in Turkey, the state of US-China competition in AI, as well as some other delightful tangents.

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Tags: #AI; #US-China; #Turkey;

S9E2: Reviewing the UN Summit of the Future

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir shares insights with Chris from the UN Summit of the Future. They discuss the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. In addition, Medlir and Chris also discuss California’s recently vetoed AI safety legislation and the proposed US national AI Civil Rights Act.

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Tags:
UN Summit of the Future; Pact for the Future; Global Digital Compact; AI Governance

S9E1: AI Futures and the UN Summit of the Future

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0400

In the first episode of Season 9, Medlir and Chris revisit the topic of AI agents, AI and US-China relations, and also China’s recent moves in regulating AI. They then wrap up with a discussion of the Summit of the Future, and AI and Sustainable Development.

Links:

#UNSummitoftheFuture #AgenticAI #China #SDG #SustainableDevelopment

S8E8: The promise and risks of generative AI technology for businesses with Maria Santacaterina

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Maria Santacaterina and Medlir discuss the impact of generative AI on businesses. They ask the question whether the massive financial investment in generative AI will pay off for these businesses. Is the promise of AI, hype or real?

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Tags: Generative AI, investment, AI hype, BigTech, future of work

S8E7: Japan’s Military AI Strategy

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0400

In July 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Defense unveiled its first basic policy document on the use of artificial intelligence and a comprehensive strategy to enhance Japan’s cyber defense capabilities. In this episode Dr. Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi of the University of Tokyo, joins us to talk about how AI fits into Japan’s military strategy.

Links:

#Japan #militaryAI #artificialintelligence

S8E6: AI for Peace with Dr. Paige Arthur

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir sits down with Dr. Paige Arthur, Director of Global Programming at Columbia Global, and co-author of AI for Peace (with Branka Panic), to discuss how recent AI innovations can contribute to conflict prevention and peace. They also explore the opportunities and challenges that technologies pose for human rights and curbing hate speech.

Links:

#AI, #Human_Rights, #Peace, #Misinformation, #Hate_Speech

S8E5: The Diogenes Awards | Our Annual Awards of AI in Television and Film

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

This week, our annual Diogenes Awards. We take a look at AI in television and film (and sometimes other musings and occasional 'arguments'). We discuss each host's top nominee(s) since 2023, and then narrow it to the consensus pick for all of you. Links below so you can join us in checking these out (in no particular order).

Top TV Nominees:

Top Movie Nominees

S8E4: Mihalis Kritikos on Governing AI

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Chris talks with Mihalis Kritikos of the European Commission on Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Trustworthy Governance of AI. Mihalis sheds light on how he got started working on AI governance during the Covid-19 pandemic, the ethics of AI, the EU AI Act, and also AI surveillance in the workplace.

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S8E3: How Ukraine uses AI to Fight Disinformation

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Chris talks to Maya Sobchuk, GGI non-resident fellow and researcher at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo about her work on AI and disinformation. In this episode Maya reflects on the history of Russian disinformation campaigns against Ukraine, disinformation in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and how Ukraine has harnessed its AI know-how and innovation space to counter disinformation.

Link:

Tags: #AI #Ukraine #Russia #disinformation #FIMI #deepfakes

S8E2: Conflict Forecasting with Hannes Mueller

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir is joined by Dr. Hannes Mueller to discuss recent developments in conflict prevention. Specifically, we examine how artificial intelligence can help governments detect risk early, predict the likelihood of new conflicts, and prevent older ones from re-emerging.

S8E1: Cool New Things You Can Do with AI or: How YD Learned to Start Worrying and Love Long Context Windows

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

For our season opener, Young Diogenes has a chat with Chris and Medlir about some cool new things large language models can now do for us. Specifically, why some companies, like Google with Gemini, are choosing to concentrate on increasingly larger context windows (i.e., the size of the text, music, video prompt, etc., that the AI can parse). And why being able to load an entire book, a movie, or your entire life into the prompt and then have a conversation about these things, might be useful.

S7E8: Misinformation and Disinformation in the age of AI

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir asks Lukas Andriukaitis, Board member of Lithuania-based Civic Resilience Initiative (CRI), what it means to work and live at the frontier of the new misinformation / disinformation space. They discuss the current atmosphere in the region and beyond, in terms of threat of misinformation/disinformation. They consider both the benefits and the drawbacks of AI-enabled technologies as billions across the world prepare to cast their votes in 2024.

Links:

Tags: AI, emerging tech, election, misinformation, disinformation, Lithuania, Russia, International Relations

S7E7: The EU AI Act with Luca Bertuzzi

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Luca Bertuzzi joins Medlir for a discussion on the EU AI Act passed by the European Parliament on March 13th. Among other things, they discuss the likely impact of the law on innovation and governance within the EU and abroad, as well as criticisms that the act fails to address concerns regarding human rights and civil liberties.

Links:

#EUAIACT; #AIgovernance; #innovation; #human rights; #emergingtech; #EU;

S7E6: The Politics and Governance of Big Data and AI

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0400

Andrej Zwitter and Oskar Gstrein share with Chris what they will be keeping an eye out for in the AI regulatory space in 2024. They also discuss their latest work on the politics and governance of big data and artificial intelligence and their newly published Handbook on the Governance Politics and Governance of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. In this discussion Andrej and Oskar explore the EU AI Act and challenges that datafication and algorithmic logics pose for governance, privacy, and human agency, and ponder the question: what does it mean to stay human in the age of AI?

Show Notes:

Andrej Zwitter and Oskar Gstrein (eds.), Research Handbook on Politics and Governance of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, Edward Elgar, 2023, Partially Open Access.
Dirk Helbing, Thomas Beschorner, Bruno Frey, Andreas Diekmann, Thilo Hagendorff, Peter Seele, Sarah Spiekermann-Hoff, Jeroen van den Hoven, and Andrej Zwitter. “Triage 4.0: On Death Algorithms and Technological Selection. Is Today’s Data- Driven Medical System Still Compatible with the Constitution?” Journal of European CME Vol. 10, no. 1, 2021
Oskar Gstrein and Andrej Zwitter, “Extraterritorial application of the GDPR: Promoting European values or power?”, Internet Policy Review Vol. 10, Issue 3, 2021
Andrej Zwitter, Oskar Gstrein, Evan Yap, “Digital Identity and the Blockchain: Universal Identity Management and the concept of the 'Self-Sovereign' Individual”, Frontiers in Blockchain, Vol. 3/26, 2020

Links:

S7E5: AI and Military Technologies

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir sits down with Dr. Raluca Csernatoni and Dr. Marijn Hoijtink to discuss the escalating ‘innovation race’ among corporate giants. They discuss AI’s contribution to the rise in power of the private tech sector vs. the state, as well as the ‘existential threat’ and ‘superintelligence’ narratives around foundational AI models and how these shape specific socio-technical imaginaries of the future. They also dive into AI’s impact on geopolitical and military power, including Sino-American competition, and the rise of AI ‘nationalism’ or ‘sovereignty’.

Links:

S7E4: AI and Wargaming with Baptiste Alloui-Cros

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir is joined by Baptiste Alloui-Cros, founder of the Strand Simulations Group and a wargame designer, to discuss how AI is likely to impact how we think, strategize, and prepare for war.

Links:

#wargaming, #simulation, #AI, #warfare, #strategy

S7E3: The Birth of Digital Human Rights with Rebekah Dowd

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500

This week Medlir and our guest Rebekah Dowd, an academic, scholar, and author of The Birth of Digital Human Rights: Digitized Data Governance as a Human Rights Issue in the EU, explore how and why the EU became a leader in the realm of digital human rights.

Links:

#digital human rights, #GDPR, #EU AI Act, #EU, #Big Tech, #data protection

S7E2: AI, Digital Humanities and Virtual Memory Spaces

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode Chris talks to Arnaud Kurze of Montclair State University, currently a Digital Studies Fellow at the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress. Arnaud has carried out groundbreaking research in digital humanities, memory studies, and transitional justice and offers his insights into AI and virtual memory spaces, accountability,

Links:

Kluge Fellowship: https://www.loc.gov/programs/john-w-kluge-center/scholars-in-residence/current-scholars-in-residence/
Wilson Center: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/person/arnaud-kurze
Project AROS Lab: https://www.montclair.edu/project-aros-lab/
Project AROS Projects: https://projectaros.net/sandbox/#projects
Guinea Fulbright: https://www.montclair.edu/chss/2023/10/30/professor-receives-fulbright-specialist-program-award/

S7E1: Introducing AI Global Governance with Joachim Koops

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir and Chris speak with Dr. Joachim Koops of the Global Governance Institute and Leiden University to discuss the launch of the AI Global Governance program. They further discuss the challenges associated with the question of governance more broadly.

Links:

S6E8: Trends and Announcements in AI for 2023

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Young Diogenes (YD), Medlir and Chris discuss trends and developments in AI for 2023 (Democratization, Personalization, Twinning, GenAI, Multi-modal AI, AI ethics). We also discuss advances in behavioral AI for communications security, weather forecasting, material science, and discussion of the recent chaos at OpenAI (based on reporting by Karen Hao, the final link below provides some really interesting additional details on the events inside OpenAI if you'd like to get caught up).

(*In our discussion of Deepmind's machine learning method for weather, GraphCast, we mentioned '30-40 thousand parameters'. We intended '30-40 million'.)

S6E7: Innovations in Deterrence through AI, with Emma Morrison and Justin Lynch

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir sits down with Emma Morrison and Justin Lynch to discuss ways AI can help analysts in understanding significant events, attributing actions, and presenting usable information to decision-makers, while reflecting on how AI may adversely affect a country's ability to signal credibly, or understand its adversaries intentions accurately.

Links:

S6E6: Governing AI to Advance Shared Prosperity with Katya Klinova

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir discusses the impact of AI on development with Katya Klinova, Head of AI, Labor, and the Economy division of the Partnership on AI. There she oversees (among other things) the AI and Shared Prosperity Initiative, asking how to make AI progress in the workforce more inclusive, as well as the potential impact of AI on the economic growth prospects of low- and middle-income countries.

Links:

Additional Links:

S6E5: AI Governance with Justin Bullock

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir is joined for a wide-ranging conversation on the shifting landscape of AI governance by Dr. Justin Bullock, a Senior Researcher at Convergence Analysis, in the UK. Dr. Bullock brings a wealth of expertise in public administration, artificial intelligence (AI), organizational theory, and management. He is the lead editor of Oxford University Press’ Handbook of AI Governance.

Links:

S6E4: Recent developments in disinformation through AI

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 17:00:00 -0400

YD, Chris, and Medlir discuss some recent uses of AI, to quickly and easily generate political influence campaigns.

Many of us are already aware of the rapidity and volume at which AI can generate content. But in this episode, we discuss some of the ways in which AI quality is improving, as well as some different mechanisms being tested to maximize the intensity and appeal to our emotions and biases.

Links:

S6E3: Joseph Vukov on Religion and AI

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir is joined by Dr. Joseph Vukov, Associate Director of the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage at Loyola University Chicago, whose research explores questions at the intersection of ethics, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind, and at the intersection of science and religion.

Links:

S6E2: AI and Disarmament with Branka Marijan

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir Mema is joined by Dr. Branka Marijan, a Senior Researcher at Project Ploughshares, where she leads the research on the military and security implications of emerging technologies. Her research interests include trends in warfare, civilian protection, use of drones, and civil-military relations.

Links:

US-Russia confrontation on AI

https://www.cigionline.org/articles/beyond-ukraine-ai-and-the-next-us-russia-confrontation/

Canada and AWS

AI and civilian protection/regulating military use of AI

S6E1: Digital Authoritarianism in the Middle East

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0400

How do states use digital tools to deceive, disseminate disinformation, and deepen authoritarianism? In this episode Chris talks with Marc Owen Jones about digital authoritarianism in the Middle East, who sheds light on this question and much more in a far-reaching discussion.

Show Notes
https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/digital-authoritarianism-in-the-middle-east/

S5E10: AI and the Intelligence Community

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir discusses the likely impact of AI and Emerging Tech with Dr. Chris Moran and Dr. Joe Burton, authors of a recent study which argues that talk of an AI-fueled intelligence revolution is premature.

Links:

E5E9: Roundtable on the Future of Human/AI collaboration

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Chris, Medlir, and Young Diogenes get back to a sequel from season 4. We continue exploring the future of AI integration into research, provenance, and predictions about the future of AI, as well as some light-hearted jabs at each other.

S5E8: AI detection tools with CrossPlag founding partner Alejtin Berisha

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir sits down with CrossPlag's Dr. Alejtin Berisha to discuss the challenges of Higher Education in the age of AI and the promise of AI originality detection tools like CrossPlag for educators hoping to incorporate tools like ChatGPT in their curriculum.

Links:

S5E7: Responsible AI in Africa

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode Kutoma Wakunuma, Damien Okaibedi Eke, and Simisola Akintoye join Chris to discuss their latest edited volume, Responsible AI in Africa. In this conversation we explore Africa’s exclusion from conversations on AI ethics, epistemic injustice, the concept of Ubuntu, and innovations from Africa’s silicon savannas.

Link(s):

Responsible AI in Africa

S5E6: AI, National Security, and the Future of Education with Jeannie Johnson

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir sits down with Dr. Jeannie Johnson, co-founder and Director of the Center for Anticipatory Intelligence (CAI), to discuss CAI’s mission, what it means to create the nation’s first MA program in Anticipatory intelligence, and the importance of combining expertise in national security and geopolitics with cutting-edge instruction in cyber threats, data analytics, and emergent technology.

Links:

#CAI #CTAF #culturaltopographyanalyticframework

S5E5: AI and The New Digital Era of Governance with Evrim Tan

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir talks with Evrim Tan, the co-author (with Joep Crompvoets) of The new digital era governance: How new digital technologies are shaping public governance, a fantastic recent publication that seeks to draw important distinctions between the 'old' digital era governance and the 'new' AI-based one.

Links:

S5E4: The Diogenes Awards

Sun, 14 May 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Our lighthearted yearly conversation about Television and Film containing Artificial Intelligence -- featuring the ever delightful Chris, Medlir, and of course the incredibly handsome Young Diogenes. What will these goofballs pick and argue about this year? (Ed. note: probably almost nothing related to the content, eh? *zing* In seriousness, they cover all of their picks, sling around a few digs at each other, and include some interesting surprises for our listeners. Thank you all so much for listening!)

Links:

2022 Popular AI TV Shows

2022 Popular AI Films

S5E3: Coding Democracy and the Hacker Ethic with Maureen Webb

Sun, 07 May 2023 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode Chris talks with Maureen Webb about her latest book, Coding Democracy: How Hackers Are Disrupting Power, Surveillance and Authoritarianism (MIT Press, 2000). Webb explores the hacker ethic, Julian Assange & the cypherpunk movement, and the future of democracy.

Links

Coding Democracy: How Hackers Are Disrupting Power

S5E2: AI Chatbots and Gender with Sylvie Boreau

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir talks with Dr. Sylvie Borau, an associate professor at TBS Education, Toulouse, France, where she teaches ethical marketing and consumer behavior. They discuss gender imbalance in AI and the issue of 'Benevolent Sexism.' Together they also consider the implications of one of Dr. Boreau's recent studies which concludes that female bots are endowed with more positive human qualities than male bots, and they are perceived as more human than male bots when compared to both animals and machines.

S5E1: AI and Terrorism with Ryan Washington

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir talks with his guest, Ryan Washington, a former Marine working with Special Intelligence. They discuss the threat of extremist violence as an important security threat and, perhaps more importantly, a societal threat -- especially as both governments and perpetrators of violence look to co-opt AI into their arsenal.

Links:

S4E12: China’s AI Investment Activity in SE Asia with Ngor Luong and Channing Lee

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0400

Chris talks with Ngor Luong and Channing Lee of the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University about their recently published report Chinese AI Investment and Commercial Activity in Southeast Asia.

Link:

https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/chinese-ai-investment-and-commercial-activity-in-southeast-asia

S4E11: AI, GrAIde, and the Future of Grading and Assessments with Manjinder Kainth

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode Chris discusses AI assisted grading and the future of assessments in higher education with the CEO of Graide, Manjinder Kainth. Starting with a discussion of ChatGPT our guest presents new developments and tools for AI assisted grading and also shares some advice for those seeking to embark on their own start-up journeys.

Links:

S4E10: Biometric Surveillance and Civil Society in Serbia with the SHARE Foundation

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode Chris discusses developments in biometric surveillance with Bojan Perkov of the SHARE Foundation who returns to OnAiR to discuss a proposed law on internal affairs in Serbia that would have provided a legal framework for mass biometric surveillance in public spaces.

Show Notes:

S4E9: Roundtable on the Future of Human / AI collaboration (Part 1)

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Young Diogenes, Chris, and Medlir share some musings on the future of Human and AI collaboration. In light of some of the challenges faced by academia (since the launch of ChatGPT), we discuss what an early integration of AI and word processing might look like. Medlir chastises tech companies for launching products without sufficient vetting.

S4E8: Surveillance and the Common Good with Eric Stoddart

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir is joined by Eric Stoddart from the St. Andrews School of Divinity for a conversation about belief, Practical Theology, AI, surveillance, and the Common Good.

Links:

S4E7: Roundtable discussion on OpenAI's ChatGPT

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Chris and Medlir catch up with Young Diogenes to discuss OpenAI's ChatGPT and explore its possible uses and abuses. Don't miss a passing glance at David Bowie's 'Verbasizer' and Meta's AI Cicero.

Links:

S4E6: Military Automation, Regulation and Future Wars with Ingvild Bode

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir and Chris are joined by Ingvild Bode for a wide ranging conversation on military automation, accountability and the future (and present) of armed conflict.

Links:

S4E5: International Law, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Emerging Tech with Carrie McDougall

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir is joined by Carrie McDougall of the Melbourne Law School and an expert in international criminal law. They discuss prospects for a possible international tribunal to prosecute the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and to consider the question of accountability and Autonomous Weapons Systems.

Links:

S4E4: AI and Emotions with Young Diogenes

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Medlir and Chris discuss the question of AI sentience and Lambda with Young Diogenes.

Links:

S4E3: China’s Digital Cities, Surveillance, and Digital Authoritarianism with Zeyi Yang

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Chris and Medlir welcome Zeyi Yang of MIT Technology Review to the show for a wide ranging discussion from Pokemon to predictive policing and digital authoritarianism to China’s urban Metascapes.

Links:

S4E2: AI Governance, Gender, and Illiberal Society with Jelena Cupac

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Chris and Medlir are joined Dr. Jelena Cupac, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Global Governance Research Unit at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center in Germany, to discuss her work on patriarchy, democracy, and AI ethics.

Links:

S4E1: On Realizing Meaningful Human Control in Military AI with Taylor Woodcock

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Chris discusses with Asser Institute's Taylor Woodcock the implications of the development and use of military applications of AI for the international legal obligations applicable in armed conflict under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Links:

Aspects of Realizing (Meaningful) Human Control: A Legal Perspective | https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4109202
Lethal autonomous weapons, war crimes, and the Convention on Conventional Weapons | https://www.humanrightshere.com/post/doctoral
Lethal autonomous weapons, war crimes, and the Convention on Conventional Weapons | https://theglobal.blog/2019/05/28/lethal-autonomous-weapons-war-crimes-and-the-convention-on-conventional-weapons/

S3E8: AI-Human Collaborations, Top Gun: Maverick, and Tamagotchi with Young Diogenes

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode Medlir and Chris have a chat with Young Diogenes about the use of AI in the latest Top Gun movie, and then explore the boundaries, risks, and opportunities of human-AI collaboration going forward, in a wide ranging discussion that also looks at the question of ‘tamagotchi’ children.

Links:

S3E7: AI and the Quad with Husanjot Chahal and Ngor Luong

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode Medlir and Chris speak with the two of the authors of a Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) Georgetown report on AI cooperation among members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, more commonly known as the Quad.

Links

S3E6: Emerging Tech and Analog/Digital Peace with Gezim Visoka

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris discuss the distinction between analogue and digital approaches to IR and the impact of digital innovations in peace-building. They also ask whether digital peace is any more secure and less fragile than the analog one. Meanwhile Young Diogenes engages with Derek Parfit's 'hinge of history' argument and, unsurprisingly, finds extant interpretations lacking.

Links:

S3E5: Emerging Tech, Geopolitics, and Geoeconomics with Dan Ciuriak

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the future of global trade, data colonialism and prospects for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework with guest Dan Ciuriak, while Young Diogenes talks up AI’s potential to transform manufacturing ("Yes, yes, I understand 'Manufacturing' won't seem all that exciting to some of you. Ha. " --YD)

Links:

Unfree Flow with No Trust | https://www.cigionline.org/articles/unfree-flow-with-no-trust-the-implications-of-geoeconomics-and-geopolitics-for-data-and-digital-trade/
Into the Post-Pandemic | https://www.cigionline.org/articles/into-the-post-pandemic-on-the-new-world-orders-and-their-would-be-architects/

S3E4: Emerging Tech, Digital Diplomacy, and Ukraine with Ilan Manor

Sun, 29 May 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Chris and Medlir explore with Young Diogenes the question of whether AI will be our artist of the future, while Medlir talks to Ilan Manor about public digital diplomacy and the use of digital tools in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Links:

S3E3: AI, Robot rights, and Ethics with Frederick Bruneault

Sun, 15 May 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Chris and Medlir review AI-themed television shows with Young Diogenes (e.g. Westworld), followed by a discussion with Frederick Bruneault, professor of philosophy at University of Quebec Montreal, asking the question: How do we define AI ethics and how do we avoid pitfalls in the debate surrounding it. Finally, we ask Dr. Bruneault, what is missing from the current discussion on AI ethics?

Links:

S3E2: YD Awards | AI in Film Discussion (Bonus Episode)

Sun, 01 May 2022 17:00:00 -0400

S3E1: AI and Peace with Branka Panic

Sun, 01 May 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris start off our third season with AI4Peace's Branka Panic, about how AI can contribute to peace and conflict prevention. Plus see our bonus episode this week on YD's AI movie picks, which also led to a lively second discussion.

Links:

AI4Peace | https://www.aiforpeace.org/
Report on data for peacebuilding and prevention | https://cic.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/can_emerging_technologies_lead_a_revival_of_conflict_early_warningearly_action_lessons_from_the_field-2022_0.pdf
The Berkeley Protocol | https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2020/12/berkeley-protocol-gives-guidance-using-public-digital-info-fight-human-rights
The Costs of Connection | https://colonizedbydata.com/
Conflict Forecast | https://conflictforecast.org/
Hala Systems | https://halasystems.com/

S2E12: Emerging Tech and Teaching IR in the Age of AI

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0400

How do we teach emerging tech in IR? How will technological changes impact the discipline in particular and higher education more broadly? How can we best design curriculums to address emerging challenges? These are some of the questions Medlir and Chris will explore in the second part of our two part series on higher education with guests Andre Barrinha and Raluca Csernatori.

S2E11: Higher Education in the age of AI | A Roundtable

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0500

What does the education look like in an age of everincreasing demands for technical proficiency and availability? How can we make better uses of emerging tech in our classrooms and study spaces? Tech IQ versus Emotional IQ. What is the balance? Professor Nancy Gleason and Dr. Alexandra Mihai joined Chris and Medlir to discuss these questions and more in the first of a two-episode special on Higher Education and Teaching in the age of AI. (YD is on hiatus this week.)

Links:

S2E10: Serbia, Mass Surveillance, and Digital Authoritarianism

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir and Chris talk to Bojan Perkov of the SHARE Foundation about digital surveillance in Serbia. Meanwhile, YD discusses why mass surveillance and facial recognition technologies are far from benign.

Notes

S2E9: Digital human rights activism in Palestine

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir and Chris talk to Marwa Fatafta, a Palestian digital rights activist, about her work as a digital activist in Palestine and how digital technologies are harnessed against civil society. Young Diogenes also explains the nuts-and-bolts of spyware.

S2E8: Israel's Iron Dome, international humanitarian law, and underground tunnel warfare

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir and Chris have a discussion with Dr. Daphné Richemond-Barak of IDC Herzliya-Israel, about: the evolving role of tunnels in warfare, the importance of international humanitarian law, the Abraham Accords, and whether AI-enabled defense systems like Israel's Iron Dome should be emulated or regulated alongside other Autonomous Weapons Systems. Meanwhile, Young Diongenes shares what some of the consequences may be for AIs 'mastering' the human game of hide & seek.

Links:

S2E7: Turkey's Emergence as a Regional AI Power

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Description: Medlir and Chris discuss with Gloria Shkurti Özdemir of Turkey-based think-tank SETA, Turkey's ambitious plans for the development and export of AI-enabled military hardware in light of the country's recently announced 5 year strategy. Ismail al-Jaazari, a 12th century Muslim scholar, inventor, artist, and mathematician credited with being the father of robotics, and Ada Lovelace, a gifted 19th century mathematician and the world's 'first computer programmer', make a joint appearance in our segment with Young Diogenes.

S2E6: 2021 Key Developments in AI

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir, Chris, and YD discuss some of the major developments in AI for IR during the past year (and other delightful tangents).

S2E5: China, International Order, and the Future of Emerging Tech

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir and Chris explore China’s approach to AI governance and innovation with our guest Chen Dingding in a conversation that touches on a number of topics from US-China relations and tech competition to AI governance. While YD ask questions about what the term Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) means, and whether the substrate (biological, silicon, etc.) on which AI runs is likely to affect the ability to truly achieve the AGI that many people imagine.

Links:

S2E4: Tech Diplomacy, AI Governance, and Global South Perspectives

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0500

Medlir and Chris discuss a wide range of topics with Eugenio V. Garcia. The discussion ranges from: AI militarization and the Global South, efforts to regulate AI by international organizations, to recent developments in AI regulation in Brazil. Meanwhile YD ponders the latest developments in what wearable digital technologies could mean for our digital lives, privacy, and social fragmentation, with a brief look at Facebook/Meta's new "Ray-Ban Stories" smart glasses, and Intel Labs' "Enhancing Photorealism Enhancement”.

Links:

S2E3: Southeast Asia, AI and Emerging Tech

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI and emerging tech Southeast Asia, tech competition, and regional digital governance with Mark Manantan, while YD and the team ponder what Dune tells us about our future.

Links:

S2E2: China, AI, and Emerging Tech

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris discuss innovation, Sino-US tech competition, and AI governance in China with Emily Weinstein. While YD raises the question of whether top down or bottom up incentives are 'better' and the role of government in technology innovation.

S2E1: Russia, AI, and Emerging Tech

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris speak with Leonid Kovachich to discuss Russia’s approach to AI and emerging technology (with YD asking a couple questions about Privacy, Data Governance, and further improving audit trails in the age of AI).

Links:

S1E11: IR in the Age of AI - A Roundtable

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir, Chris and YD discuss highlights from our first season.

S1E10: AI and (Counter)Terrorism

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris discuss AI and (Counter)Terrorism with our guest Adrian Shtuni. While Young Diogenes shares 3 possible vectors for terrorist use of AI.

Links:

S1E9: AI, the Future of Work, and Development

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris discuss the future of work with our guest Elena Ardelean, while Young Diogenes reflects on the end of the world.

Articles:

AI and Development:

https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/32e54505-3bfb-4198-b939-e1e8847715f1/EMCompass-Note-69-Role-of-AI-in-EMs.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=mNdPiNf

Vulnerable World Hypothesis (Bostrom)

S1E8: AI, Technology, and Patriarchy

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris interview Ray Acheson on patriarchy, defense technologies and AI, and are also joined by three special guests who share their perspectives on AI and IR.

Related Links:

S1E7: AI, War Games, and the Future of Conflict

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris interview Dr. Yuna Wong on wargaming, deterrence, and the future of conflict, while Young Diogenes discusses how AI may change gaming.

S1E6: AI and International Criminal Law

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris interview Marta Bo on Autonomous Weapons Systems and accountability under international criminal law, while Young Diogenes talks about the trolley dilemma, the moral machine, and that time when Dwight and Michael end up in a lake.

Related Links:

S1E5: AI and Security in East Asia

Sun, 23 May 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris interview Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi on AI and security in East Asia with a focus on Japan, while Young Diogenes discusses how the show's tagline may be perceived in the future, and 'The Midas Touch'.

Related Links:

S1E4: AI and International Justice

Sun, 09 May 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris interview Karen Richmond on the risks and opportunities opened up by AI for the practice of international justice, while Young Diogenes discusses algorithmic bias

Related Links:

S1E3: AI, Big Data, and Humanitarian Interventions

Sun, 02 May 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris interview one of the leading experts on big data ethics in the humanitarian field, Andrej Zwitter, while Young Diogenes discusses deep fakes.

Related Links:

S1E2: AI and Diplomacy

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris interview Katharina Hoene on how AI may shape diplomatic practice and international negotiations, while Young Diogenes discusses the benefits of Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3 (GPT-3).

Related Links:

S1E1: AI and National Security

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:00:00 -0400

Medlir and Chris interview our guest, Jacob Parakilas, to discuss what you need to know about the US National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence’s report on national security and defense, while Young Diogenes talks about the 2017 arms-control advocacy video Slaughterbots.

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Pilot: Finding the Human

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0400

Medlir, Chris, and Young Diogenes introduce the podcast by exploring the many ways Artificial Intelligence will shape the future of International Relations.