This chapter examines the complexities of a gold mine conflict in Japan, rooted in historical wartime labor tensions, alongside a fascinating trend linking American marketing strategies to nicotine products and political dynamics. Additionally, it highlights the ongoing discourse surrounding artificial intelligence, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these significant contemporary issues.
Corporate investment in artificial-intelligence infrastructure reaches $1.4trn by some estimates. We ask what might threaten the expected windfalls that justify the spending. A Japanese mine’s bid to be listed by UNESCO was made harder because it ignores South Korean wartime forced labour (10:49). And why a nicotine pouch has so many fans on America’s right (18:03).
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