Arjun Ramani, a global business and economics correspondent at The Economist, discusses the competitive rise of AI nationalism, spotlighting the U.S.-China race for technological supremacy. Rebecca Jackson, a Southern correspondent, shares insights into the vibrant push to revive Louisiana's suppressed Creole culture amidst a lively music festival. The conversation takes a fun twist with surprising evidence of Taylor Swift fans causing seismic activity during concerts, linking sound and human behavior in captivating ways.
AI nationalism is driving heavy investments in language models and AI technologies by countries like America and China, leading to questions about collaboration and global research benefits.
Efforts are being made to revive and celebrate the suppressed culture of Louisiana, with musicians and activists working to preserve the unique traditions of Cajun music, Creole language, and ethnic pride.
Deep dives
The Rise of AI Nationalism
Countries around the world, led by America and China, are investing heavily in large language models and artificial intelligence technologies, sparking a new era of AI nationalism. Governments are spending billions to develop their own AI industries, with America focusing on semiconductor chips and China investing in chip supply chains. Other countries like France, Germany, and India are also joining the race. The competition raises questions about collaboration and global research benefits, but the influx of cash is expected to accelerate AI progress.
Preserving Louisiana's Cultural Identity
The culture of Louisiana, with its intertwined Creole and Cajun history, has faced suppression and marginalization over the years. Efforts are now being made to reclaim and celebrate the cultural heritage that preceded America. Musicians like Jordan Timino and young activists like Talib Piero Gust are using music, language, and cultural initiatives to revive and preserve Louisiana's unique identity. They are working to keep the traditions of Cajun music, Creole language, and ethnic pride alive for future generations.
Seismic Activity at Taylor Swift Concerts
Research has shown that the enthusiastic response of Taylor Swift's fans during her concerts can cause seismic activity similar to that of an earthquake. The vibrations caused by the crowd's excitement were captured by seismometers, revealing peaks in seismic activity during certain songs like 'Shake It Off' and 'Love Story'. This phenomenon has also been observed during other high-energy events, demonstrating the impact of crowd behavior on seismic readings.
As with many technologies that preceded it, generative artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a means to geopolitical advantage: welcome to the era of AI nationalism. Creole language and culture were long suppressed in Louisiana; we meet the young folk trying to revive it (10:21). And the scientific results that prove Taylor Swift can cause earthquakes (19:45).
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