

Age of AI
Medlir Mema, Chris Lamont, and Young Diogenes. Art by Aubrie Mema.
A podcast on the impact of emerging technologies in transforming politics, law, and society. Hosted by Medlir Mema, Chris Lamont, and Young Diogenes in association with the Global Governance Institute in Brussels.Website: http://www.ageofaipodcast.com/X.com: @MedlirM and @ck_lamont.#IR #AI #International Relations #Artificial Intelligence #Law #Podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 23, 2025 • 37min
S10E6: AI for Democracy: Can Algorithms Save Civic Engagement
In this episode, David Mas, Chief AI Officer at Make.org, and Medlir explore how AI can strengthen democratic participation and institutional transparency. They discuss the ambitious AI for Democracy Democratic Commons initiative, consider how AI can help counter the erosion of democratic legitimacy, and examine how democracies can respond to weaponization of AI by authoritarian regimes.Links:AI For Democracy Democratic CommonsAI & Democracy: Insights from Make.org’s Roundtable DiscussionSend us a text

Mar 11, 2025 • 28min
S10E5: How Large Language Models are Revolutionizing Healthcare
Medlir is joined by Dr. Nafiseh (Cati) Molaei, a Postdoctoral Scholar specializing in Biomedical Data Science at Northwestern University to discuss how AI is reshaping the medical landscape. From diagnosing complex diseases to personalizing treatment plans, AI is driving innovations that were once thought impossible.Links:https://datascience.uchicago.edu/events/nafiseh-cati-mollaei-uchicago-aiscience-schmidt-fellows-speaker-series/https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/epdf/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.01003https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03097-1 Send us a text

Feb 26, 2025 • 55min
S10E4: The AI Risk Debate - Hype or Existential Threat?
Today we dive into the evolving conversation on AI risk and governance. Our guests, Torben Swoboda and Risto Uuk, discuss the challenges of defining AI risk, the debate over acceptable thresholds, and common critiques of the existential risk perspective. We also examine the feasibility of global AI governance and historical parallels that may guide our path forward.Links:Examining Popular Arguments Against AI Existential Risk: A Philosophical AnalysisPause Giant AI Experiments: An Open LetterSend us a text

Feb 13, 2025 • 28min
S10E3: How to Make Sense of DeepSeek with Ritwik Gupta
In this episode Ritwik Gupta of the Berkeley AI Research Lab returns to talk with Chris about what DeepSeek really means for the AI Industry, Trump’s recent Stargate AI initiative, US-China AI competition, policy responses to DeepSeek, and where we should be looking for the next big disruptive event in the world of AI.Links:https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.14425https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-hawley-act-threatens-ai-innovation#DeepSeek #Stargate #PolicySend us a text

Jan 26, 2025 • 36min
S10E2: AI and Environmental Sustainability in the Trump 2.0 era
In this episode we’re joined by Jeremy Tamanini, founder of Dual Citizen LLC, to explore the intersection of AI and environmental sustainability during the Trump 2.0 era. From the environmental impacts of AI infrastructure, to innovative practices and emerging legislation, this conversation dives deep into how AI can be both a challenge and a tool for sustainability.Links:Jeremy Tamanini, Dual Citizen: https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/person/jeremy-tamaniniAnatomy of an AI System: https://anatomyof.ai/Epoch AI: https://epoch.ai/Navigating New Horizons: https://www.unep.org/resources/global-foresight-reportHow AI Is Fueling a Boom in Data Centers and Energy Demand The Environmental Impacts of AI -- Primer: https://time.com/6987773/ai-data-centers-energy-usage-climate-change/?utm_source=chatgpt.comKeywords: AI sustainability, environmental impact, Trump 2.0, Dual Citizen LLC, responsible AI, AI legislation, sustainable innovation, climate and technology.Send us a text

Jan 12, 2025 • 51min
S10E1: AI, Code, and Leadership with Matt Van Itallie
Medlir Mema engages in an insightful discussion with Matt Van Itallie, the CEO of Sema Software, a company at the forefront of revolutionizing software analytics and risk management in the age of artificial intelligence. Sema has transformed the field of software analytics and set new standards for monitoring and risk management in AI-driven development. Matt shares insights into the evolving responsibilities of CTOs, the creation of transformative tools like the GenAI Code Monitor and Generative AI Bill of Materials, and the critical strategies companies need to address both technological and geopolitical challenges in the age of rapid innovation.Links:Matt Van Itallie Sema SoftwareKeywords:AI innovation, software analytics, CTO leadership, GenAI Code Monitor, AI risk managementSend us a text

Dec 29, 2024 • 26min
S9E8: AI, Architecture, and Urban Planning with Iva Mema
Medlir sits with Iva Mema to discuss how AI shapes architectural design and public policy decision-making. They also explore the risks of perpetuating discrimination through biased algorithms, the potential for job displacement, and the over-reliance on technology that might diminish human creativity and expertise. https://www.ivamema.com/#AI, #Algorithmic_Bias; #Architecture; #Public_Policy; #Smart_CitiesSend us a text

Dec 15, 2024 • 38min
S9E7: Ethical AI Approaches to Sustainability with Melanie Rideout
Medlir is joined by Melanie Rideout, a climate tech expert and Global Governance Institute (GGI) fellow, who shares her insights from working with Shayp and international organizations like the Red Cross and UN bodies. Together they explore the opportunities, challenges, and complexities of leveraging technology for global development and climate action.#SustainableDevelopment #EmergingTech #ClimateAction #GlobalDevelopment #AIforGoodSend us a text

Nov 24, 2024 • 29min
S9E6: Planning for a Sustainable and Inclusive AI Integration with Elena Ardelean
In today's episode, Medlir chats with Elena Ardelean. We discuss the Matrix Framework for Inclusive AI in Sustainable Development, focusing on three pillars: the regulatory environment, digital infrastructure, and the empowerment of youth as the next generation of changemakers. We further explore how lessons from AI's rapid evolution inform strategies for equitable integration into the future of work and daily life. Finally, we highlight how governments—particularly in developing countries—are leveraging AI today, and discuss steps to ensure sustainable, inclusive AI adoption in the future.#Inclusive AI; #Sustainable Development; #Digital Infrastructure; #Future of Work, #AI for GoodSend us a text

Nov 10, 2024 • 31min
S9E5: What AI Governance gets Wrong and How to Get it Right with Ritwik Gupta
Chris and Medlir talk with Ritwik Gupta about what policymakers get wrong about AI governance and what we should be thinking about when it comes to risk and regulation. Ritwik also shares his wide-ranging experience in working on AI in the context of chaotic environments in disaster response and national security. Show Notes:https://ritwikgupta.me/ https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.17216 Send us a text