This Machine Kills

We discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk and its potential role as a catalyst of further violence and blowback by right-wing forces who want to avenge a martyr, by left-wing groups who want to kick off years of lead, or perhaps as simply another immense yet ephemeral moment in a strange world where “our whole life is surrounded by an immense accumulation of spectacles.” Then we segue expertly to talking about a new essay on “the weaponized world economy,” which adds great detail and depth to our analysis of the geoeconomic dynamics and conflicts that drive global politics, markets, finance and technology. ••• What We Know About the Hyundai-LG Plant Immigration Raid in Georgia https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/us/politics/hyundai-plant-immigration-raid-georgia.html ••• The Weaponized World Economy https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/weaponized-world-economy-farrell-newman ••• BRICS in 2025 https://www.phenomenalworld.org/analysis/brics-in-2025/ Standing Plugs: ••• 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 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)

Dive into the intriguing world of a tech billionaire turned 'demon hunter' who criticizes Burning Man. Explore a humorous take on upcoming films like Avatar 3, blending pop culture with social commentary. The hosts reflect on the bizarre perceptions sparked during cultural festivals, mixing satire with insights on morality. They navigate through the psycho-political landscape of Silicon Valley, unraveling themes of deception and identity that resonate deeply in today's tech-driven society.

Silicon Valley's tech push takes a controversial turn with a new $100 million PAC supporting unregulated AI. The hosts dissect diverse factions within the AI debate, from AGI zealots to those advocating for practical applications. They also delve into the ethical implications of tech-driven politics and the U.S.-China race in AI development. Corporate surveillance issues arise as companies seek government assistance against dissent, alongside a lighter discussion on simplifying technology in our lives. It's a captivating blend of innovation, ideology, and social commentary.

Dive into the bizarre world of fringe futurists and biohackers chasing immortality. The discussion highlights the extravagant tactics of the wealthy trying to extend life, featuring a notable profile of Peter Diamandis. Questions about the ethics and feasibility of these pursuits emerge, leaving listeners to ponder the implications of such grand dreams. It's a wild ride into the realm where money meets the quest for eternal life!

Disappointment looms over the release of GPT-5, sparking discussions about the gap between expectations and reality in AI advancements. The hosts delve into the productivity paradox, questioning whether AI truly enhances work efficiency. They tackle the hypocrisy in corporate advocacy, revealing inconsistencies in how modern tech is defended. Humorous anecdotes about robot terminology add levity, as they reflect on societal reactions and the need for creative naming conventions. Skepticism about AI's revolutionary potential highlights the profit-driven motives overshadowing its ethical implications.

Dive into the intriguing intersection of Trump's administration and the cryptocurrency world. Discover how drone regulations might pave the way for amazing delivery innovations. Learn about the Trump family's financially intertwined relationship with crypto, revealing surprising dependencies. Explore how financial turmoil and political ventures are reshaping alliances and influencing decisions in a volatile landscape. Uncover the mysteries behind Trump's key crypto supporters and the implications for his ongoing legal battles.

Paris Marx, the host of Tech Won't Save Us, and Brian Merchant, writer of Blood in the Machine, dive into the complex political landscape of artificial intelligence. They discuss how different countries, especially the U.S., Europe, and China, envision their future AI frameworks. The duo critiques the intertwining of tech and right-wing politics in the U.S., the urgency for mindful AI development, and the challenges posed by overinvestment in tech. Their insights reveal the need for global movements to rethink tech dependency and prioritize genuine social benefits over corporate interests.

We chat for a bit about Trump’s AI Action Plan – more to come on this next week – before getting into broader questions about Silicon Valley imperialism, American force projection and soft power through AI, the endlessly convenient competition against China, the impossibility of winning an AI arms race with no defined finish line, among other things. Plus a new addition to our tech freak watch. ••• Come to Jathan’s book launch in Melbourne on August 14th at 6:00pm! There will be fun conversation, an open bar, and books for sale! Register for free here: https://events.humanitix.com/sadowkski-the-mechanic-and-the-luddite-launch ••• Trump's AI Action Plan is a blueprint for dystopia https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/trumps-ai-action-plan-is-a-blueprint ••• Trump Plans to Give A.I. Developers a Free Hand https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/technology/trump-ai-executive-orders.html ••• Why Big Tech is threatened by a global push for data sovereignty https://restofworld.org/2025/big-tech-data-sovereignty/ ••• OpenAI signs deal with UK to find government uses for its models https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/21/openai-signs-deal-with-uk-to-find-government-uses-for-its-models ••• The metamorphosis of Shaun Maguire https://www.businessinsider.com/shaun-maguire-silicon-valleys-most-maga-firebrand-sequoia-mamdani-2025-7 Standing Plugs: ••• 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 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)

We are joined by Amba Kak and Sarah Myers West — co-directors of the AI Now Institute — to discuss their excellent new Landscape Report on Artificial Power. We discuss Trump’s AI Action Day and his administration’s use of AI as an alibi to justify further consolidating wealth and power into a few hands, while making vague promises about economic growth and technological progress, without actually delivering any material benefits to everyday people. We then get into the AI Now Institute’s Roadmap for Action which lays out a bold, urgent, and practical policy agenda for creating and enforcing regulations on AI. ••• Artificial Power: 2025 Landscape Report | AI Now Institute https://ainowinstitute.org/publications/research/ai-now-2025-landscape-report ••• People's AI Action Plan https://peoplesaiaction.com/ ••• Come to Jathan’s book launch in Melbourne on August 14th at 6:00pm! There will be fun conversation, an open bar, and books for sale! Register for free here: https://events.humanitix.com/sadowkski-the-mechanic-and-the-luddite-launch Standing Plugs: ••• 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 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)

The discussion kicks off with Ed’s adventures in Greece before diving into Mark Zuckerberg's audacious quest to build a superintelligence lab at Meta. The hosts explore his extravagant recruitment of top AI talent, likening it to a blockbuster crossover event. They critically examine the motivations behind such massive investments and question the sustainability of this tech funding frenzy. Additionally, the potential impact of Meta's AI ambitions on local communities and its recent legal wins in AI copyright are also unpacked.