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Facts versus F-wits: how to fight the Alt Reich

Jan 16, 2025

Chris Stokel-Walker, a technology journalist and author, dives into the UK government's ambitious AI action plan, weighing its potential against risks like job displacement and environmental impacts. Nafeez Ahmed, an investigative journalist and author, explores the alarming rise of far-right ideologies and their implications for democracy and social cohesion. The conversation also tackles misinformation and the influence of figures like Elon Musk, all while introducing a fun segment to debunk out-of-touch political comments. It’s a critical look at technology and extremism!

51:09

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Episode guests

Nafeez Ahmed

Chris Stokel-Walker

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The UK government is now prioritizing AI for economic growth despite potential job displacement and environmental concerns that need addressing.

Young workers face significant job displacement risks due to AI advancements, necessitating urgent reskilling initiatives and practical skill training.

Rising far-right ideologies and disinformation strategies pose a serious threat to democracy, requiring policymakers to recognize and counteract these movements effectively.

Deep dives

AI's Role in Economic Growth

The discussion revolves around the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to significantly boost the economic landscape in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of the AI Opportunities Action Plan marks a shift from previous warnings about AI risks to embracing its capabilities for economic revitalization. This plan aims to drive innovation and efficiency while addressing public service improvements, highlighting a striking contrast to last year's safety-focused rhetoric. Experts note that while AI can enhance productivity and economic growth, it may lead to job displacements that require careful management.

Intro

2min

Navigating AI Opportunities and Risks

16min

Exploring the Global Spread of Far-Right Ideologies

2min

The Rise of Far-Right Ideologies

22min

Navigating Disinformation with Meta's Shift

4min

Countering Misinformation and Mental Health Insights

6min

The Importance of Evidence and Mental Health Resources

3min

Artificial intelligence will be “mainlined into the veins” of the nation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared, with a multibillion-pound investment and huge public rollout. Amid bond market chaos and a falling pound, the Government is pinning its hopes for growth on the AI revolution - what could possibly go wrong?

To unpick the technogobledigook with Nish and Coco is technology journalist Chris Stokel-Walker. They drill into the Government's AI action plan and the potential pitfalls of this silver bullet for society, jobs and the environment.

With the far right surging across the world - it’s important to know when you can call a fascist a fascist. No one knows this better than Nafeez Ahmed, investigative journalist and author of “Alt Reich: The Network War to Destroy the West from Within”. He breaks down the scale of the threat we are facing and how we can fight it.

And with so much Billionaire BS flying about, we debut “Facts versus Fuckwits”, debunking some prime fuckwittery from a painfully out-of-touch Tony Blair.

Useful Links

“Alt-Reich: The Network War to Destroy the West from Within” by Nafeez Ahmed

https://www.waterstones.com/book/alt-reich/nafeez-ahmed//9781916754140

Mental Health Services:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/

Guests

Chris Stokel-Walker

Nafeez Ahmed