The hosts dive into the chaotic world of cryptocurrency, highlighting regulatory challenges and its unpredictable future amidst political influences. They discuss the evolving investment landscape, particularly the risks posed to pension funds by major firms' interests in crypto. The conversation also covers the complexities of generative AI, its intersection with military technology, and the crucial infrastructure concerns it raises. As they explore the year of polycrisis, they emphasize the importance of critical engagement with these escalating issues.
The podcast emphasizes a shift toward analyzing emerging trends rather than making specific predictions about the future's trajectory.
Concerns about the cryptocurrency industry's future revolve around potential regulatory changes and the dynamics of a pro-crypto administration's impact.
The intersection of AI with military needs reflects a troubling trend of prioritizing defense contracts, highlighting broader societal implications and infrastructure demands.
Deep dives
New Structure and Book Launch
The podcast has transitioned to a new weekly structure, shifting from a twice-weekly format to one free episode and one premium episode each week for Patreon subscribers. This marks a significant change in their programming as they aim to enhance the content experience for their audience. Additionally, the host celebrated the official launch of his new book, announcing the details of a book launch event in San Francisco, where attendees can enjoy readings and socialize with the team behind the podcast. This gathering is seen as an excellent opportunity for fans to connect with the hosts and community members, fostering a sense of camaraderie among supporters.
Analyzing Future Trends
The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding emerging trends rather than making concrete predictions about the future. The hosts aim to focus on significant themes and trajectories in various sectors as they prepare for what 2025 may bring. This approach advocates for a material analysis of these trends, exploring the conditions and relationships that drive them, rather than falling into the trap of sensational predictions often propagated by futurists. By highlighting the importance of analyzing trends, the podcast encourages listeners to develop a grounding in the shifting landscape ahead.
The Crypto Landscape and Regulatory Hopes
Discussions centered on the current state of the cryptocurrency industry reveal concerns regarding regulation and the future under a potentially pro-crypto administration. The hosts highlight the contrasting predictions about the future of crypto based on current behaviors and policy directions, particularly how innovative financial environments are anticipated under new leadership. Despite prior volatility illustrated by the collapse of major exchanges, a resurgence characterized by heavier investments and regulatory friendliness is being speculated. The expectation is that a new regulatory framework will empower the crypto sector, even amidst skepticism about its impact on actual development and investment integrity.
AI's Intersection with Military and Infrastructure
The podcast addresses the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with military needs and infrastructure developments, suggesting a dangerous trend toward capitalizing on defense needs. AI companies are increasingly positioned to target military contracts as a lucrative market, with venture capital flowing into these sectors. The discussions underline a shift in the narrative surrounding AI, moving from consumer-oriented concepts to emphasizing its role as critical infrastructure. This perspective is essential as it reflects ongoing energy demands and environmental concerns linked to AI and data infrastructure expansion, indicating broader implications for society.
The Broader Polycrisis Context
The hosts conclude that the ongoing crises intersecting issues like finance, insurance, and climate change are all part of a broader polycrisis. This framing suggests that the various crises should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as interconnected challenges that exacerbate one another. The discussions anticipate an intensifying environment where designated futures vis-a-vis economic stability and environmental factors lead to unpredictable outcomes. With the anticipated policies of the new Trump administration, there is concern that trends detrimental to all aspects of socio-economic stability will continue, laying the groundwork for significant societal challenges.
We round up and run down many of the big themes that we think will be important in the coming year and demand our sustained critical attention. Our analysis spans from the new golden age of crypto to further consolidation in the (corporate) venture capital industry, from the ramping up of investment and partnerships in the market for military technology to the ways in which AI will keep growing as a story about the collisions between multiple massive interconnected infrastructures.
Standing Plugs:
••• Register for Jathan’s book launch in San Francisco on January 30th: citylights.com/events/jathan-sadowski-the-mechanic-and-the-luddite/
••• Order Jathan’s new book: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520398078/the-mechanic-and-the-luddite
••• Subscribe to Ed’s substack: https://substack.com/@thetechbubble
••• Subscribe to TMK on patreon for more analysis in our premium episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills
Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (bsky.app/profile/jathansadowski.com) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.x.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (bsky.app/profile/jebr.bsky.social)
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