Hidden Forces

Former FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler, discusses the challenges of regulating Big Tech in the digital era and the potential consequences of not getting it right. They explore policy proposals for addressing social media and artificial intelligence, focusing on incentivizing platforms to produce better quality information. Wheeler also discusses President Joe Biden's executive order on AI and the challenges of regulating this disruptive technology.

Zach Abraham discusses his approach to investing and the disconnect between economic fundamentals and asset prices. They reflect on the impact of economic, political, and cultural changes on their lives and how they inform their economic outlook. They explore the pros and cons of remote and in-person podcast recordings. The speakers discuss their background in finance, starting a firm, risk management, market narratives, and the relationship between geopolitical events and market movements.

Nathaniel Whittemore, host of the AI Breakdown, discusses the firing of OpenAI's CEO and co-founder, Sam Altman, exploring the factions involved and the implications for AI safety. The conversation also covers Microsoft's increased influence on OpenAI and the intense debate surrounding AI development. Whittemore provides insights on the future of language barriers and the integration of transformative technology, along with recommended books and sources in the AI field.

Edward Luttwak, an expert in grand strategy and international relations, discusses the logic of war, American grand strategy in the 21st century, and the potential risks of China attempting to take Taiwan by force. He explains why such an action would lead to war with the United States and its allies, and why it would ultimately end in China's defeat. The conversation also touches on Edward Luttwak's diverse background, his involvement in US foreign policy, and the different levels of military strategy.

Jerry Colonna, the co-founder and CEO of Reboot, discusses his book 'Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong'. Topics covered include leadership as lessons in humanity, the importance of inclusion and belonging in today's world, personal issues leading to toxic behavior in positions of power, the Israeli Palestinian conflict and global suffering, steps towards reuniting and overcoming division, the power of storytelling and listening, and the confusion surrounding masculinity and manhood.

Google DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman discusses the containment problem and the AI dilemma presented in his book. They explore AI systems, their learning process, and the need to contain them to prevent catastrophic outcomes. They also discuss success and failure scenarios and how society can shape a desirable future amidst this rapid technological change.

In this episode, Demetri Kofinas speaks with Marshall Kosloff, host of The Realignment and Arsenal of Democracy podcasts. They discuss the realignment framework applied to US foreign policy, AI and social media regulation, the 2024 election, and the risk of a new global conflict.

Famed historian of American Foreign Policy, Walter Russell Mead, discusses the evolving war in the Middle East and why we are living through the most dangerous period in international affairs since the 1930s. They explore historical parallels and differences, the apocalyptic strain in American politics, ideological influences on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potential collusion among America's adversaries, and the possibility of direct U.S. involvement in Israel's war against Hamas.

Demetri Kofinas speaks with Michael Brenes, director of the Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy at Yale University. They discuss the state of the U.S. defense industrial base, military readiness, and the impacts of U.S. military involvement in active conflicts and great-power competition on political stability. They also explore the challenges of supplying Ukraine, the evolution of the defense industrial base, strategic planning, the dangers of narrow focus in strategic thinking, and the consequences of pursuing great power rivalry.

Geopolitical analyst Kamran Bokhari discusses the recent attacks by Hamas in Israel, their potential involvement of Iran, and the possibility of a regional conflict. He also explores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, analyzes Hamas's intentions and strategic thinking behind the attacks, and delves into the intricate leadership structure within Iran. The podcast examines the risks posed by Iran and Hamas, and discusses potential deescalation strategies in Gaza and with Hezbollah in the north.