Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

AI, US-China relations, and lessons from the OpenAI board (with Helen Toner)

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Feb 26, 2025
Helen Toner, director at Georgetown's CSET, dives into the fierce US-China AI race and the implications for national security. She discusses the shifting dynamics of warfare with AI and autonomous drones, and the growing ethical concerns about autonomous weapons. Toner also explores the societal impacts of AI, highlighting the disconnect between public sentiment and political agendas. Additionally, she introduces intriguing parallels between horse training and parenting, emphasizing emotional connection as a foundation for communication.
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ANECDOTE

OpenAI Board Experience

  • Helen Toner recounts her experience on the OpenAI board, including witnessing a GPT-4 demo in 2022.
  • She also discusses the events leading up to Sam Altman's firing in November 2023.
INSIGHT

Power Dynamics and Criticism

  • People hesitate to criticize powerful figures due to fear of reprisal, creating a collective action problem.
  • This dynamic suppresses criticism and hinders truth and justice.
INSIGHT

Conformity in Group Decisions

  • Voting against the majority can lead to loss of political or social capital.
  • This incentivizes conformity, hindering productive discussions and potentially leading to suboptimal decisions.
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