GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

The podcast explores the top risks of 2024 including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, emerging AI technologies, and the upcoming US elections. It discusses the crisis of democracy in the United States, specific conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, and the impact of politics on global risks. The top risks of 2024 include high inflation, China's slowing economy, alliance between North Korea, Iran, and Russia, governance of artificial intelligence, partitioning of Ukraine, Middle East conflict, and conflict within the United States. The podcast also discusses the risks and regulations of AI, the implications of the US election, and the importance of taking action in the crisis environment.

Sociologist Zeynep Tufekci discusses concerns about AI's implications on manipulation, control, and decision-making. The impact of biases in widespread AI deployment is explored. Privacy infringement, accessibility, and translation capabilities are highlighted as risks and benefits of AI. Regulation of technology, particularly facial recognition software, is discussed, including positive steps taken in the United States. The challenges in regulating AI models and the role of governments are examined, ending on a hopeful note.

Beirut-based journalist and analyst Kim Ghattas provides insights on the potential spread of Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East. The podcast explores the tension between Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah, Lebanon's anxiety about the consequences of war, and the need for diplomacy to lower tensions in the region.

Ian Bremmer is in Tokyo, Japan, to check in on America’s “pivot to Asia.” How’s that going? Given that neither Ukraine nor Israel is located in the Asia Pacific, it is not so great! In 2011, then-President Obama announced on a trip to Australia that US foreign policy would be shifting its focus away from costly wars in the Middle East and towards strengthening partnerships in the Asia-Pacific to curb a rising China. Twelve years later, we’re still pivoting. But if we ever do get there, we will have to take Japan, one of our closest regional allies, along with us. To talk about US-Japan relations, as well as a whole host of sticky policy issues, foreign and domestic, Ian is joined by US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel. Ian will also get his take on the Israel-Hamas war and the fighting in Ukraine. Subscribe to the GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, to receive new episodes as soon as they're published.

Ian Bremmer explores the transformative potential of human-enhancing biotech with Siddhartha Mukherjee, discussing gene editing, AI prosthetics, and growing organs in labs. They delve into ethical questions, risks, and benefits, including the concept of the 'new human' reshaping our definition of humanity. This conversation touches on brain implants, CRISPR gene editing, synthetic genomes, bionics with AI, and the changing idea of the soul. They also address ethical concerns surrounding unauthorized use of CRISPR, AI bots spreading misinformation, and privacy issues.

The podcast explores the need for software security and the role of governments. Topics covered include software vulnerabilities and exploitation, best practices for reporting vulnerabilities, bug bounty programs, and government involvement in vulnerability disclosure.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak discusses the ongoing war with Hamas, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the potential for a two-state solution with Palestine. Barak criticizes Benjamin Netanyahu's policies, emphasizes the goal of destroying Hamas, reflects on the failed peace summit in 2000, and explores strategies for Israel to overcome anti-Semitism and revive the peace process.

In this podcast, the proposed UN cybercrime treaty is discussed, raising concerns about its effectiveness and potential harm. The lack of transparency and its impact on civil liberties and international cooperation are highlighted. Recommendations include specific offenses, transparency, and clear rules on dual criminality. There is a need to incorporate human rights safeguards and oversight mechanisms while limiting cooperation to genuine cyber crimes.

Exploring the dangers of AI-generated deep fake videos and the growing threat of foreign influence operations aimed at spreading misinformation online and influencing elections. Detection and investigation of information operations, preserving free speech while combating disinformation, the influence of AI on elections, and addressing societal changes for combating disinformation and influence operations.

Iran's role in the Gaza war and the potential for escalation are the most interesting topics discussed in this episode. The podcast explores Iran's involvement in the conflict, including their support for militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. It also examines Israel's proximity to war with Iran and the implications of their ongoing invasion of Gaza. Additionally, the podcast analyzes the future of the US-Iran relationship, the impact of the conflict on oil flow and the interests of the United States and China.