New Episode: Stuck@Om Podcast: The GeoPolitical Implications of A.I. a discussion w/scientist Sean Gourley

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Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) and its wide-ranging impact is inescapable. But beyond industry disruption, what significant effects does this groundbreaking technology hold for geopolitical dynamics and conflicts? 

Joining me in this episode is Sean Gourley, a renowned scientist and founder of data and machine learning-focused startups Quid and Primer. Sean will share his profound insights on AI, exploring its potential to both benefit and harm humanity. He draws parallels between the rapid ‘automation’ at the turn of the last century, which was weaponized, leading to wars, and the current situation. He highlights how the stakes are now even higher, with countries like the US, China, and others vying for dominant positions in this field.

Although Sean’s perspectives may not always be comforting, they offer valuable insights. A regular guest on our podcast, he joins me annually for a review of significant technology trends and developments. Sean and I have been collaborating since the late 2000s, and his ability to accurately forecast trends has been impressively precise. In other words, his insights are something I pay close attention to.

Grab a cup of coffee and tune in as we explore the dualities we’ve experienced during the COVID lockdowns, the apparent deficit in societal imagination posing future challenges, and the critical role of AI in shaping various aspects of our world, including the potential for either global peace or conflict.

If you’re interested in the following topics, you won’t want to miss this episode:

  • What we’ve lost and gained over the past three years.
  • The dangers that a lack of imagination poses to our future.
  • Sean’s perspective on why AI might lead to a challenging 20 to 30 years ahead.
  • The global balance of power and its dependence on control over AI technologies.
  • Sean’s views on how China is positioning itself to gain an AI advantage.
  • The influence of AI on real-world medical sciences.
  • Reflecting on the kind of world we desire and the extent of our commitment to achieving it.

How Pandemic Changed Us.

Reflecting on the COVID lockdowns, we recognize numerous losses: tens of thousands of lives, escalating mental health issues due to loneliness and isolation, and enduring economic impacts worldwide. However, positively, we were compelled to rapidly develop technologies essential for sustaining economies and societies, though not all these advancements have proved beneficial in the long term.

Sean emphasizes the need for imaginative thinking in addressing future challenges. He warns that without a shift in our approach, we’ll be ill-equipped to effectively handle upcoming problems, particularly those influenced by AI.

Sean predicts a rough 20 to 30 years ahead because of the impacts of A.I.

Sean anticipates a turbulent 20 to 30 years ahead, largely due to AI’s impact. A common belief is that within the next decade, 20% to 30% of the workforce might be replaced by AI-related technologies. Sean compares this to the workforce reduction during the industrial revolution, a period that was far from prosperous. He stresses the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the negative effects of this technological shift on the global population.

Whoever has the A.I. advantage is going to dominate nations and economies

The control of AI technology is poised to be a dominant force in shaping nations and economies. Sean’s outlook on AI’s role in military advantage is rather grim. He fears that those who harness AI effectively will overpower other nations. A particular concern is preventing China from gaining technological leverage, especially through indirect means like influencing American opinions via platforms like TikTok. 

This influence could extend to significant geopolitical moves, such as taking over Taiwan, a key producer of AI-capable technology, potentially leaving the US indecisive in its response. Furthermore, Sean is apprehensive about Western nations making financially motivated but short-sighted decisions, such as selling advanced technologies to countries like China, without considering the long-term military and economic consequences.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Sean Gourley

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Om Malik is a San Francisco based writer, photographer and investor. Read More