Azeem Azhar's Exponential View

A recent trip to China highlights the country’s cutting-edge infrastructure, outperforming the West in transportation efficiency. Remarkable advancements in AI are being utilized in healthcare and education, showcasing profit-driven innovations like robotaxis and adaptive learning platforms. The competition in the electric vehicle market is fierce, driving down costs and pushing Chinese brands ahead of European counterparts. Surprisingly clean air in Beijing reveals the positive impact of widespread EV adoption, paving the way for a future of sustainable urban living.

Discover the latest technology shifts from Paris, including Apple's ambitious AI redesign and challenges at WWDC 2025. Explore the decline of Google's traditional ad model as AI tools rise, and dive into Sam Altman's vision of a 'gentle singularity.' The audience reflects on whether Europe, particularly France, can lead the AI charge. Plus, examine cultural perspectives on AI adoption and discuss the shift from ad-based monetization to innovative API payment models. It's a fascinating look at the future of technology and artificial intelligence!

Kevin Weil, Chief Product Officer at OpenAI, discusses the exciting advancements in AI that OpenAI is spearheading. He shares how ChatGPT is evolving from a basic Q&A tool to a sophisticated assistant capable of managing complex tasks. Weil addresses generational differences in AI usage and the unpredictability of AI's development. He also reveals insights about coding's rapid growth in generative AI, the implications of Jony Ive's collaboration with OpenAI, and the vision for future AI agents and hardware.

In this enlightening discussion, Tyler Cowen, an economist and polymath, critiques Silicon Valley's rosy outlook on AI's economic impact. He addresses the institutional barriers that could slow AI's progress and explores whether GDP remains relevant in a changing landscape. Cowen raises concerns about job displacement and the adequacy of education systems adapting to technological shifts. Additionally, he speculates on AI's potential to redefine spirituality and its implications for human identity, prompting a deeper reflection on societal values in a tech-driven world.

Thomas Dohmke, CEO of GitHub, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing software development. He discusses the evolving role of developers in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the shift from coding to problem-solving. The conversation explores how tools like GitHub Copilot enhance creativity while navigating the complexities of code quality. Dohmke envisions a future where a billion people can create software, democratizing technology. With AI's rise, developers are adapting to new tools, challenging traditional views on coding as either art or assembly.

Aaron Levie, CEO and co-founder of Box, dives into how AI is transforming businesses. He discusses the shift to an AI-first mindset at Box, highlighting its effects on product development and organizational structure. Levie shares insights on the 'lump of labor fallacy' and the importance of collaborative learning as teams adapt to AI integration. He also explores the implications of AI on management roles, the balancing of productivity with project loads, and how AI is becoming a daily tool for personal efficiency.

Lennart Heim, a researcher at RAND Corporation specializing in AI and geopolitics, discusses why China's AI advancements won't eclipse the US's position. He emphasizes the crucial role compute power plays in AI development, detailing the economic impacts of training models. The conversation also covers the geopolitical dynamics of AI compute, debating the balance between centralized and decentralized resources. Finally, he touches on the importance of global collaboration in AI standards to navigate the complexities of technological competition.

Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, dives into the causes and implications of Spain’s recent blackout. He discusses the urgent need for resilient energy grids as renewable sources grow, exploring innovative solutions like demand response programs. The conversation highlights the potential of virtual power plants and electric vehicles in enhancing grid stability. Jackson also examines market reforms and the unique branding journey of Octopus Energy, emphasizing the need for a consumer-centric approach in the renewable transition.

Physicist and entrepreneur Steve Hsu, whose startup Superfocus tackles hallucination problems in large language models, joins Azeem to discuss AI agents, hallucination challenges and what happens when technology meets labor markets. They discuss: (01:31) The deeper shift that Superfocus represents (07:00)  Will models overcome hallucination? (10:15)  AI Agents can replace 80-90% of call center calls(12:27)  What it’s like showing customer support AI to customer support people (22:36)  China's mayors are like mini CEOs (30:05)  What will matter most in the supposed "AI race"? (35:58) DeepSeek was not part of the Chinese Government (38:23)  How open source will change the future of deployment (40:59)  What the public doesn't understand about AI tail risk (48:01) How AI plush toys can teach French to 2-year-olds This was originally recorded for "Friday with Azeem Azhar", a new show that takes place every Friday at 9am PT and 12pm ET. You can tune in through Exponential View on Substack. Produced by supermix.io and EPIIPLUS1 Ltd

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and geopolitical analyst, discusses the evolving U.S.-China relationship and its implications for the global order. He decodes Trump's foreign policy, emphasizing its assertiveness and possible voter backlash due to tariffs. Ferguson analyzes China's tech advancements and the significance of Taiwan in U.S. strategy. He also explores the shift from a liberal order to a multi-polar dynamics, highlighting how historical context shapes current geopolitics.