Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University, discusses the challenges of achieving prosperity in a world impacted by climate change and artificial intelligence. He explores the unequal distribution of wealth, the difficulties of implementing climate change policies, the impact of carbon taxes and the challenges of regulating AI. Ansell emphasizes the inseparable nature of prosperity and democracy, addresses the risks of AI in political debates, and discusses electoral systems in the UK and US.
Achieving shared prosperity requires sustainable and equitable growth that benefits all individuals.
Artificial intelligence (AI) should be developed in a way that complements human skills, avoids bias, and ensures democratic control.
Reforming electoral systems and promoting longer-term policy thinking can help overcome short-termism and improve democratic decision-making.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Shared Prosperity and Climate Change
In this podcast episode, Professor Ben Ansel explores the challenges of achieving shared prosperity in a world of increased climate change and risks from artificial intelligence. He discusses the need for a sustainable and shared prosperity that benefits all individuals, and highlights the dangers of short-term thinking and inequality. Professor Ansel examines the role of democratic political institutions in securing a sustainable future, but also acknowledges the attacks facing democracy. He addresses the importance of addressing biases and ensuring equitable ballot access in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. Furthermore, Professor Ansel emphasizes the need for a just transition and government intervention in facilitating a shift to cleaner energy while providing support for those impacted by the transition.
The Power and Risks of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and risks for the future. Professor Ben Ansel discusses the importance of developing AI algorithms that complement human skills and serve useful goals, rather than replacing humans or accentuating inequalities. He raises concerns about the potential biases and misinformation that can be propagated by AI algorithms, as well as the challenges of regulating and governing AI. Professor Ansel emphasizes the need for democratic control over AI and the role of government in ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared by all. He highlights the risks of AI becoming a tool for concentration of power and calls for the involvement of citizens in shaping AI regulations.
Electoral Systems and the Future of Democracy
The podcast delves into the topic of electoral systems and their impact on the future of democracy. Professor Ben Ansel discusses the strengths and weaknesses of different electoral systems and their potential to address short-termism in decision-making. While acknowledging the imperfect nature of electoral systems, he suggests that reforms such as non-partisan redistricting and uniform electoral voting procedures across states could promote fair representation and reduce short-term thinking. The need for equitable ballot access and the importance of unbiased regulations in electoral processes are also highlighted. Professor Ansel suggests that coalition governments and longer-term policy thinking can contribute to overcoming short-termism in politics.
Transitioning to Clean Energy for Shared Prosperity
The concept of a just transition is explored in the podcast, focusing on the shift to cleaner energy sources. Professor Ben Ansel discusses the need for government intervention in facilitating a transition that is equitable and supports the workforce affected by the move away from fossil fuels. He highlights examples of government-led investments and policy changes aimed at promoting renewable energy and retraining workers. The challenge lies in balancing the short-term costs of the transition with the long-term benefits and ensuring that the shared prosperity resulting from the transition is distributed fairly. Professor Ansel emphasizes the importance of moving away from fossil fuels to address climate change while also considering the economic well-being of affected communities.
Addressing Biases and Misinformation in Artificial Intelligence
The potential biases and misinformation generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are a cause for concern. Professor Ben Ansel discusses the risk of AI algorithms lacking context and perpetuating misinformation. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive algorithms that consider a broader range of factors and human skills, rather than just mimicking human language without full understanding. Professor Ansel highlights the complexity of regulating AI, given the information it produces and its potential impact on democratic processes. He calls for the development of AI algorithms that understand the truth and can serve goals that are useful to humans, while ensuring democratic control over AI development and utilization.
This year's BBC Reith Lecturer is Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University and author of “Why Politics Fails.”
In four lectures called “Our Democratic Future,” he asks how we can build a politics that works for all of us with political systems which are robust to the challenges of the twenty first century, from climate change to artificial intelligence.
In this fourth and final lecture, recorded in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, he interrogates a crucial question: can we continue to grow our economies without despoiling the earth? Focusing on the existential threats created by our own innovation - from climate change to out-of-control artificial intelligence – Ansell asks whether our politics is up to the task of supporting sustainable growth.
The Reith Lectures are chaired by Anita Anand and produced by Jim Frank.
The Editors are China Collins and Clare Fordham, and the co-ordinator is Brenda Brown.
The series is mixed by Rod Farquhar and Neil Churchill.
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