Sustaining Democracy in the Age of AI
Sustaining Democracy in the Age of AI
Vicar Sayeedi
September 28, 2022
Is Democracy worth saving? Quite emphatically, yes! It remains the most successful ideology of governance we have ever seen.
However, it must be said that if Authoritarian regimes have a credible vision accompanied by a good strategic and tactical plan, then they can move very quickly to implement their vision. The society will have no say in the matter, be it small or large, but nevertheless, they may be substantial beneficiaries of the Authoritarian’s vision.
But if that vision is flawed, the lack of checks and balances – which is a hallmark of Authoritarian regimes – means no one in other areas of government, in the press, in civil society organizations, or individual citizens will be able to voice concern since doing so is likely to have very severe consequences. Thus, the outcomes can be very bad for an Authoritarian nation and its society and can even pose an existential risk.
There have been several recent examples of the consequences of unchecked governance including China’s One Child policy which is expected to result in a dramatic contraction of the population. The consensus amongst demographers is that the Chinese population will decline from its peak of 1.4B in ~2019 to ~540M by 2100. Or consider the Chinese Communist Party’s decision not to acquire American vaccines and the socioeconomic consequences of that decision. And Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will make that nation a pariah in the West for decades and generations to come. Entrepreneurs and investors are likely to view commercial opportunities as too problematic from a brand reputation, foreign direct investment, insurance risk and trust perspective.
There are many more examples of significant failures of unchecked Authoritarian regimes from recent history and we can address these in greater detail during the discussion if there’s interest from the audience.
Of course, in normal circumstances, Liberal Democracies cannot move nearly as fast as Authoritarian regimes, but the many hurdles imposed by the 4th Estate or Free Press, intragovernmental agencies and branches as well as civil society organizations serve to check and vociferously critique every aspect of proposed plans before much harm can be done. Further, science and technology, once integrated into governance, offer free societies the potential to dramatically improve the quality of governance.
For example, surveillance systems and technology enabled by Artificial Intelligence can monitor the actions and behavior of officials across the public and private sector. Then, all the men and women seated in positions of authority, influence and power and thus charged with the public trust and administration of public finances can be kept in check. This offers society unprecedented transparency – the misdeeds of officials can quickly be exposed, and they can be held accountable based upon irrefutable evidence.
Unfortunately, the very same suite of advanced 4th Industrial Revolution capabilities can further strengthen the hands of Authoritarian regimes. Digital Authoritarianism – or Datocracy – the comprehensive surveillance of a society enabled by gathering their digital and physical data – will, for the very first time in history, facilitate an environment of domestic totalitarianism as well as hegemony over other external polities, both near and far. Just imagine how much control and influence an Authoritarian regime enabled by Datocracy can have over people in power throughout the world just by threatening to expose their adolescent improprieties and indiscretions or other more egregious misbehavior from their more recent professional lives.
But the risks to liberal democracies from these very same technologies are growing at an alarming rate as the sociopolitical and socioeconomic implications of AI continue to proliferate in the public and private sectors. Two years ago, labor economists in Germany forecast that by the end of this decade, 800M jobs around the world would be adversely affected by Artificial Intelligence and many of the impacted workers are residents of the Developed World.
These liberal democracies comprise a constellation of nations situated at the apex of civilization – they are advanced, prosperous and peaceful. They have the world’s best academic, medical, scientific and technological institutions and industrial organizations. They also have the best civil societies, arts & humanities, literary and sporting societies and so much more. Above all, these nations are characterized by their observance of the rule of law for ordinary citizens as well as for their leaders and finally, they’re known for their world-class economies, a commercial culture and environment that have provided the highest standard of living anywhere in the world since the end of World War II.
But as embodied Artificial Intelligence relentlessly permeates highly automated factories with state-of-the-art robotics thus eliminating the jobs these workers have always known, jobs that gave them dignity, ordinary people increasingly find themselves with few options other than to scrape out a living toiling in Amazon distribution warehouses where their bathroom breaks are humiliatingly timed, or other insecure and poorly paid positions in the hospitality sector. The implications for those working in jobs in accounting, finance, healthcare or even software engineering are also facing implacable competition from disembodied AI-enabled software systems that can process data and perform tasks one million times faster than the brightest of our species. This impending future strips too many ordinary people of their honor and dignity and it substantially squelches their motivation to actively participate in the democratic process. Eventually, their belief in the superiority of liberal democracies vis a vis Authoritarianism will wane. In their own experience, the empirical evidence for the superiority of democracy is no longer compelling. And of course, we know all too well that this will dangerously undermine the future of a liberal democratic order everywhere.
As a consequence, many ordinary citizens are likely to fall victim to misinformation, or worse, disinformation and other corrosive, irresponsible rhetoric as it insidiously and unavoidably spreads across social media. These are ideas and notions that have no basis in fact but are nevertheless curated by AI-enabled social media with a goal of maximally stimulating the human Limbic system and the emotions and impulses that reside therein. Consider for example, Cambridge Analytica. This is how social media companies optimize engagement – they shoulder little responsibility for the integrity or veracity of the content they unrelentingly present.
This persistent attack on our Mammalian brain makes us angry, frustrated and in some cases, primes us for retribution against one or more demonized minorities and other fictitious enemies. It is a very dangerous environment that provides a fertile and optimal domain for the genesis and cultivation of demagogues.
Secretary of State George Schultz was fond of wearing a tie imprinted with the phrase, ‘democracy is not a spectator sport.’ Historically, workers in the Developed World have been accustomed to living comfortable, hopeful lives and this gave them a strong reason to believe in the superiority of liberal democracy vis a vis other forms of government. The empirical evidence supporting their belief was overwhelming and palpable and so they filled churches and community halls to hear the encouraging rhetoric of elected officials and to present themselves, when summoned, at the polling booth.
So now, if we are to overcome the aforementioned negative trends and protect democracy for the future of our children and grandchildren, a continuous institutional process resulting in a holistic analysis of the numerous complex and nuanced factors impacting democracy must be debated and the various solutions evaluated. We need to approach the problem in an interdisciplinary and near constant manner since there are too many today who seek to undermine democracy, not because they have superior ideas, ideals or methods of governance but rather because they seek wealth and power for themselves and their nascent and oppressive dynasties.
In closing, the unipolar world order of the past several decades has been beneficial for many but also damaging for some. If we seek to resurrect and sustain that order and repair its deficiencies, we will need to act with the highest possible sense of urgency. Perhaps most importantly, this endeavor will require participation and sacrifice from all quarters.
There is no doubt that our system of liberal democracy is worth improving and protecting – no other ideology in the past 12,000 years since the birth of civilization has ever come close from the perspective of positive outcomes. But sustaining this extraordinary system of governance will have a price that we must collectively summon the will to pay.
Vicar Sayeedi is a Computer Scientist and Bell Labs Alumnus, a Lecturer and a Consultant. He is also the author of several books. His most recent book is about Artificial Intelligence and is titled, The Génome Affair.
Vicar has lectured widely about Artificial Intelligence. He has recently lectured in New York at the National Hemophilia Foundation about AI & the Life Sciences. He has also lectured in London in the Royal Boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, in Sunnyvale in Silicon Valley, the National Library of Singapore as well as in Düsseldorf [with invitations extended to Amsterdam, Berlin, Cologne, Rome, Stockholm & Vienna] on AI and its implications for individuals and societies. Vicar has lectured at leading companies, as well.
Vicar is most interested in the big questions facing humankind. He is particularly focused on studying at the confluence of the five great disciplines of Human History, Political Science and Thought, International Affairs, Science and Technology. For geopolitical technologists, the symbiosis at this intersection offers a deep understanding and pedagogically important lessons of how advances in human endeavor have influenced and impacted civilization.
Vicar has been writing books, essays and poetry for many years. For the past 30 years, Vicar has worked in the Technology and Pharmaceutical industries. He is currently a Consultant in the Life Sciences Industry and lives in suburban Chicago with his wife and their three grown children.
You can find Vicar’s recent book on AI, The Génome Affair on Amazon at this link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQ7M9Q7
The most recent episodes of Vicar’s ai & u! Podcast are on YouTube at the following links:
Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/yNYr28jtY_k
What is Artificial Intelligence? What is Human Intelligence?
Episode 2 - https://youtu.be/kAEgDNh1Nwc
How Did We Get Here? Machine Learning, Neural Networks & the AI Lexicon, Exciting AI Agents
Episode 3 - https://youtu.be/3PYCyv1pCgM
Deep Mind - How Powerful is Narrow AI? State Surveillance and Surveillance Capitalism
Episode 4 - https://youtu.be/WvobCMIM_H4
Impact on Societies That Possess Artificial Intelligence Versus Those that Do Not!
Episode 5 - https://youtu.be/4JVpvm4g79g
Surveillance Capitalism, Surveillance State, 4th Industrial Revolution, Bifurcation of Sapiens
Episode 6 - https://youtu.be/e1q2GgcWQok
AI, Blockchain & Quantum Computing - Implications for Global and National Governance
Episode 7 - https://youtu.be/4bDSUvrOdd4
Popular Perceptions of Intelligence, the Seat of Human Intelligence and Implications for AI
Episode 8 - https://youtu.be/3GjHqQZL7Pk
AI - Why Should I care? Plus Exciting Updates from Elon Musk and Neuralink!
Episode 9 - https://youtu.be/enpecqDecC8
AI - Excellence, Innovation & Genius
Episode 10 - https://youtu.be/UsriESlTjdA
Implications for AI as China and the West Decouple
Episode 11 - https://youtu.be/0CpaMb-yw3g
Artificial Intelligence: Ethics, Law & Society
Episode 12 - https://youtu.be/PLzodrLWMq0
AI & Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
Episode 13 - https://youtu.be/Lm_nrNyJRbA
AI & the Future of Work in Industry 4.0 – the 4th Industrial Revolution
Episode 14 - https://youtu.be/_3E1Mhr_Dt8
Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for Authoritarianism and Democracy
Episode 15 - https://youtu.be/IpMUqHOEd7w
Artificial Intelligence, Consciousness & the Future of Homo Sapiens
Episode 16 - https://youtu.be/mIf7_VMzGKo
AI and its Implications for America's Political Environment
Episode 17 - https://youtu.be/gsMRPnovZGI
Special Episode: Reading From The Génome Affair
Episode 18 - https://youtu.be/UxNxtWDCREM
Artificial Intelligence - Digital Tyranny, Datocracy and the Imitation Game
Episode 19 - https://youtu.be/Db8U0QQWWuY
Does Artificial Intelligence Really Replicate Human Intelligence?
Episode 20 - https://youtu.be/Np18AEq-6DM
AI & Rising Geopolitical Tensions Between China & The West
Episode 21 - https://youtu.be/fOMSvNiixA0
AI & In-vitro Fertilization [IVF]
Episode 22 - https://youtu.be/EQPpRhIV6Kw
AI & Human Intelligence: A Complex Relationship
Episode 23 - https://youtu.be/EAbQ7stY7JQ
AI Upends the World of Structural Biology
Episode 24 - https://youtu.be/Bsb1F8uoBpA
AI & COVID-19: An Extraordinary Contribution
Episode 25 - https://youtu.be/PqL5PCRc8tA
AI, Connectomics & Transhumanism: the Future of Humankind
Episode 26 - https://youtu.be/HI8Zjl8VM8U
Dramatic Upheaval Inside Google's Ethical AI Team
Episode 27 - https://youtu.be/TqWwJYc2GxQ
AI & Cyber Espionage | How Will the Sunburst Attack Affect Our Security?
Episode 28 - https://youtu.be/89BcThqgcfQ
AI & the Rapidly Escalating Threat from Deep Fake Videos
Episode 29 - https://youtu.be/zvOHRMmJNB4
AI, Facial Recognition Technology & The Digital Surveillance State
Episode 30 - https://youtu.be/br4ygfEWdk0
AI & Social Media | The Most Destructive AI We've Ever Seen?
Episode 31 - https://youtu.be/sOy12ii8zwM
The Democratization of AI & The 2021 Maiflower Expedition | Plymouth, England to Plymouth, MA
Episode 32 - https://youtu.be/bixdLL74reE
Sino-American Cold War | A Blessing in Disguise for America?
Episode 33 - https://youtu.be/tTRm312DgMc
AI & the Tyranny of Meritocracy
Episode 34 - https://youtu.be/FpPzC5VP6GM
In the Midst of Chaos and Pandemic | A Big AI Announcement From the Trump Administration
Episode 35 - https://youtu.be/bK3xCBwrG8w
Artificial Super Intelligence – Can We Control It?
Episode 36 - https://youtu.be/Rc60DQ0L86Q
A New America | Hope with a Big Dose of Caution
Episode 37 - https://youtu.be/UBenYYHbYqM
Will AI [Science & Tech] Benefit From a New Cold War with China?
Episode 38 - https://youtu.be/JewJnPywnOU
Will AI Eventually Replace All Other Forms of Government?
Episode 39 - https://youtu.be/ibuJ8vozyqg
Will AI Perpetuate Bias in Employment, Health Systems, Law and Society?
Episode 40 - https://youtu.be/IJYbPfGC-08
AI | Will it be the Bain of Cyber Criminals?
Episode 41 - https://youtu.be/ozrO5_XTYKQ
AI | What Will it Mean for the Future of Work?
Episode 42 - https://youtu.be/kDKapDK-Vb0
AI | A Harbinger for the End of Democracy?
Episode 43 - https://youtu.be/7XeNyE8CA9I
AI & the Life Sciences | Developments in Connectomics & Radiology
Episode 44 - https://youtu.be/mWaPW_UolVo
AI & Geopolitics | Critical Strategic Planning in the Age of China
Episode 45 - https://youtu.be/qOSOc3vJRBk
AI & Humankind | What Might the Future Hold?
Episode 46 - https://youtu.be/atMSV1WAFkg
AI Enabled Surveillance | An Important Tool to Contain Dangerous Personality Traits?
Episode 47 - https://youtu.be/kz7-EDmlGXc
Will AI Favor Authoritarianism or Democracy?
Episode 48 - https://youtu.be/uTvKWQgdOaI
AI | A Key Enabler of Universal Basic Income?
Episode 49 - https://youtu.be/sy48Xqo-3qM
AI & The Future of Government, Industry, Markets &Trade
Episode 50 - https://youtu.be/JU1oGzb5TS0
AI & Surveillance | America’s New Strategy in the Middle East
Episode 51 - https://youtu.be/nOCQjUxLWJY
AI-Enabled Global Government | An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
Episode 52 - https://youtu.be/g1VJqiI3HyE
AI & Healthcare | What Will the Future Look Like? Will it be More Equitable?
Episode 53 - https://youtu.be/ie9KAg_kF7Q
AI & Surveillance | The Ethical Dilemma of Facial Recognition Software
Episode 54 - https://youtu.be/ie9KAg_kF7Q
AI & Regulation | Europe is Leading the Way
Episode 55 - https://youtu.be/l-gcYTZMsm8
AI & Consciousness | Will Machines Soon be Sentient?
Episode 56 - https://youtu.be/-8BaouCn9cs
AI & Regulation | Europe Announces New Rules
Episode 57 - https://youtu.be/243zm7aHImQ
AI & Human Emotion Recognition | Is it Inherently Flawed?
Episode 58 - https://youtu.be/rdXllGj8rbo
AI & Autonomous Vehicles | Where are We Now?
Episode 59 - https://youtu.be/EMbqpN5mbqw
AI & the 4 Little Trees | More on Emotion Recognition
Episode 60 - https://youtu.be/K5wtkj-VTrk
AI & the Colonial Pipeline Attack | Cyber Threats are Growing Rapidly
Episode 61 - https://youtu.be/03KysO3VJgI
AI & the Coronavirus | A Postmortem
Episode 62 - https://youtu.be/7wmSIWgbuQI
AI on the Battlefield | The Conflict in Gaza
Episode 63 - https://youtu.be/a_1AmLJD3lo
AI and Xenophobia | Will We Finally Break the Cycle?
Episode 64 - https://youtu.be/9s-Go1TYK9c
AI, Cyber Attacks & the Future of War | Where are We Headed?
Episode 65 - https://youtu.be/1nKbTMzfpqM
Artificial Intelligence | Humankind’s Final and Greatest Invention
Episode 66 - https://youtu.be/cplR62KTa88
America & the 4th Industrial Revolution | Where do We Go from Here?
Episode 67 - https://youtu.be/RMrqreI-PRw
Artificial Intelligence | [Digital] Life After Death
Episode 68 - https://youtu.be/KzR8NkVdT0Q
Artificial Intelligence | The Fear Factor
Episode 69 - https://youtu.be/BI0HqACc4Ek
Artificial Intelligence | The Trust Factor
Episode 70 - https://youtu.be/nKhqVtQC_NI
Artificial Intelligence | Implications for the Future of Democracy
Episode 71 - https://youtu.be/GKD5hXmnpTU
Artificial Intelligence | Deep Fakes & Pornography
Episode 72 - https://youtu.be/KJdoBm5Kmw8
Artificial Intelligence | Working in the 21st Century
Episode 73 - https://youtu.be/lLY6gF_eeas
AI & Disinformation | Implications for Democracy & Geopolitics
Episode 74 - https://youtu.be/URsauWURj5A
AI, Climate Change & Pandemics | A Case for Global Governance?
Episode 75 - https://youtu.be/cu7xOHpNiO4
Artificial Intelligence | New Year’s Resolutions & Societal Reformation
Episode 76 - https://youtu.be/1-orEsKg5fM
Artificial Intelligence | Meritocracy and the Gathering Storm
Episode 77 - https://youtu.be/jYzyrxhxCJk
AI, Authoritarianism & Democracy | What Does the Future Hold?
Episode 78 – https://youtu.be/G5dlaB8TZJQ
AI & Speciation | Symbiosis and the 4th Industrial Revolution
Episode 79 – https://youtu.be/8pq2ZAxRdcY
AI and Disinformation | Echo Chambers in an Age of Division
Episode 80 – https://youtu.be/bewLnveVpDI
AI & Human Conflict | Objectivism, Tribalism & the Dunning-Kruger Effect
Episode 81 – https://youtu.be/Z5ZvMYuNhLQ
AI, Climate Change & Migration | Sowing the Seeds of Intraplanetary Discord
Episode 82 – https://youtu.be/mP-r_0pS3P8
Artificial Intelligence in 2022 | Where are We Now and What Does the Future Hold?
Episode 83 – https://youtu.be/vYSW-pceOQE
Artificial Intelligence in 2022 | Is Protein Folding Our Most Important Achievement?
Episode 84 – https://youtu.be/IBgF_oyCvpE
Artificial Intelligence & 21st Century Military Doctrine | Tora! Tora! Tora!
Episode 85 – https://youtu.be/IBgF_oyCvpE https://youtu.be/sxGeIZSlYYo
Artificial Intelligence & Healthcare | A Revolution in the Making
Episode 86 – https://youtu.be/IBgF_oyCvpE https://youtu.be/gARgH5rlCG8
AI & Thermonuclear Fusion | The Ultimate Solution for Climate Change
Episode 87 – https://youtu.be/IBgF_oyCvpE https://youtu.be/baWRuYBKgu4
Putin’s Russia | A State of Humiliation
Episode 88 – https://youtu.be/6TP5AFtg-6g
AI & Genomics | Accelerating Gene Therapies
Episode 89 – https://youtu.be/_vgLJEoQFY4
Unipolar, Bipolar & Multipolar Worlds | Implications for Humankind
Episode 90 – https://youtu.be/8S7SDcqKNZ0
https://youtu.be/_vgLJEoQFY4AI & Neocolonialism | Datocracy & the Surveillance State
Episode 91 – https://youtu.be/RfEIbPNAALo
AI & the Truman Doctrine | The Merits of Preserving the New World Order
Episode 92 – https://youtu.be/q1ybdNC5MiI
The Apollo Moon Landing | Lessons for Civilization in the Age of AI
Episode 93 – https://youtu.be/r1oc9uU8Ct4
Artificial Intelligence & Sapiens 3.0 | Are We Ready?
Episode 94 – https://youtu.be/OqUfXNwqtDU
Artificial Intelligence & Authoritarianism | What’s the Attraction?
Episode 95 – https://youtu.be/-HfFs-XVnKo
Irrationality and Intolerance | Humankind’s Two Greatest Liabilities in the Age of AI
Episode 96 – https://youtu.be/-ITqhjIe4yU
Sustaining Democracy in the Age of AI
Vicar Sayeedi
September 28, 2022
Is Democracy worth saving? Quite emphatically, yes! It remains the most successful ideology of governance we have ever seen.
However, it must be said that if Authoritarian regimes have a credible vision accompanied by a good strategic and tactical plan, then they can move very quickly to implement their vision. The society will have no say in the matter, be it small or large, but nevertheless, they may be substantial beneficiaries of the Authoritarian’s vision.
But if that vision is flawed, the lack of checks and balances – which is a hallmark of Authoritarian regimes – means no one in other areas of government, in the press, in civil society organizations, or individual citizens will be able to voice concern since doing so is likely to have very severe consequences. Thus, the outcomes can be very bad for an Authoritarian nation and its society and can even pose an existential risk.
There have been several recent examples of the consequences of unchecked governance including China’s One Child policy which is expected to result in a dramatic contraction of the population. The consensus amongst demographers is that the Chinese population will decline from its peak of 1.4B in ~2019 to ~540M by 2100. Or consider the Chinese Communist Party’s decision not to acquire American vaccines and the socioeconomic consequences of that decision. And Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will make that nation a pariah in the West for decades and generations to come. Entrepreneurs and investors are likely to view commercial opportunities as too problematic from a brand reputation, foreign direct investment, insurance risk and trust perspective.
There are many more examples of significant failures of unchecked Authoritarian regimes from recent history and we can address these in greater detail during the discussion if there’s interest from the audience.
Of course, in normal circumstances, Liberal Democracies cannot move nearly as fast as Authoritarian regimes, but the many hurdles imposed by the 4th Estate or Free Press, intragovernmental agencies and branches as well as civil society organizations serve to check and vociferously critique every aspect of proposed plans before much harm can be done. Further, science and technology, once integrated into governance, offer free societies the potential to dramatically improve the quality of governance.
For example, surveillance systems and technology enabled by Artificial Intelligence can monitor the actions and behavior of officials across the public and private sector. Then, all the men and women seated in positions of authority, influence and power and thus charged with the public trust and administration of public finances can be kept in check. This offers society unprecedented transparency – the misdeeds of officials can quickly be exposed, and they can be held accountable based upon irrefutable evidence.
Unfortunately, the very same suite of advanced 4th Industrial Revolution capabilities can further strengthen the hands of Authoritarian regimes. Digital Authoritarianism – or Datocracy – the comprehensive surveillance of a society enabled by gathering their digital and physical data – will, for the very first time in history, facilitate an environment of domestic totalitarianism as well as hegemony over other external polities, both near and far. Just imagine how much control and influence an Authoritarian regime enabled by Datocracy can have over people in power throughout the world just by threatening to expose their adolescent improprieties and indiscretions or other more egregious misbehavior from their more recent professional lives.
But the risks to liberal democracies from these very same technologies are growing at an alarming rate as the sociopolitical and socioeconomic implications of AI continue to proliferate in the public and private sectors. Two years ago, labor economists in Germany forecast that by the end of this decade, 800M jobs around the world would be adversely affected by Artificial Intelligence and many of the impacted workers are residents of the Developed World.
These liberal democracies comprise a constellation of nations situated at the apex of civilization – they are advanced, prosperous and peaceful. They have the world’s best academic, medical, scientific and technological institutions and industrial organizations. They also have the best civil societies, arts & humanities, literary and sporting societies and so much more. Above all, these nations are characterized by their observance of the rule of law for ordinary citizens as well as for their leaders and finally, they’re known for their world-class economies, a commercial culture and environment that have provided the highest standard of living anywhere in the world since the end of World War II.
But as embodied Artificial Intelligence relentlessly permeates highly automated factories with state-of-the-art robotics thus eliminating the jobs these workers have always known, jobs that gave them dignity, ordinary people increasingly find themselves with few options other than to scrape out a living toiling in Amazon distribution warehouses where their bathroom breaks are humiliatingly timed, or other insecure and poorly paid positions in the hospitality sector. The implications for those working in jobs in accounting, finance, healthcare or even software engineering are also facing implacable competition from disembodied AI-enabled software systems that can process data and perform tasks one million times faster than the brightest of our species. This impending future strips too many ordinary people of their honor and dignity and it substantially squelches their motivation to actively participate in the democratic process. Eventually, their belief in the superiority of liberal democracies vis a vis Authoritarianism will wane. In their own experience, the empirical evidence for the superiority of democracy is no longer compelling. And of course, we know all too well that this will dangerously undermine the future of a liberal democratic order everywhere.
As a consequence, many ordinary citizens are likely to fall victim to misinformation, or worse, disinformation and other corrosive, irresponsible rhetoric as it insidiously and unavoidably spreads across social media. These are ideas and notions that have no basis in fact but are nevertheless curated by AI-enabled social media with a goal of maximally stimulating the human Limbic system and the emotions and impulses that reside therein. Consider for example, Cambridge Analytica. This is how social media companies optimize engagement – they shoulder little responsibility for the integrity or veracity of the content they unrelentingly present.
This persistent attack on our Mammalian brain makes us angry, frustrated and in some cases, primes us for retribution against one or more demonized minorities and other fictitious enemies. It is a very dangerous environment that provides a fertile and optimal domain for the genesis and cultivation of demagogues.
Secretary of State George Schultz was fond of wearing a tie imprinted with the phrase, ‘democracy is not a spectator sport.’ Historically, workers in the Developed World have been accustomed to living comfortable, hopeful lives and this gave them a strong reason to believe in the superiority of liberal democracy vis a vis other forms of government. The empirical evidence supporting their belief was overwhelming and palpable and so they filled churches and community halls to hear the encouraging rhetoric of elected officials and to present themselves, when summoned, at the polling booth.
So now, if we are to overcome the aforementioned negative trends and protect democracy for the future of our children and grandchildren, a continuous institutional process resulting in a holistic analysis of the numerous complex and nuanced factors impacting democracy must be debated and the various solutions evaluated. We need to approach the problem in an interdisciplinary and near constant manner since there are too many today who seek to undermine democracy, not because they have superior ideas, ideals or methods of governance but rather because they seek wealth and power for themselves and their nascent and oppressive dynasties.
In closing, the unipolar world order of the past several decades has been beneficial for many but also damaging for some. If we seek to resurrect and sustain that order and repair its deficiencies, we will need to act with the highest possible sense of urgency. Perhaps most importantly, this endeavor will require participation and sacrifice from all quarters.
There is no doubt that our system of liberal democracy is worth improving and protecting – no other ideology in the past 12,000 years since the birth of civilization has ever come close from the perspective of positive outcomes. But sustaining this extraordinary system of governance will have a price that we must collectively summon the will to pay.
Vicar Sayeedi is a Computer Scientist and Bell Labs Alumnus, a Lecturer and a Consultant. He is also the author of several books. His most recent book is about Artificial Intelligence and is titled, The Génome Affair.
Vicar has lectured widely about Artificial Intelligence. He has recently lectured in New York at the National Hemophilia Foundation about AI & the Life Sciences. He has also lectured in London in the Royal Boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, in Sunnyvale in Silicon Valley, the National Library of Singapore as well as in Düsseldorf [with invitations extended to Amsterdam, Berlin, Cologne, Rome, Stockholm & Vienna] on AI and its implications for individuals and societies. Vicar has lectured at leading companies, as well.
Vicar is most interested in the big questions facing humankind. He is particularly focused on studying at the confluence of the five great disciplines of Human History, Political Science and Thought, International Affairs, Science and Technology. For geopolitical technologists, the symbiosis at this intersection offers a deep understanding and pedagogically important lessons of how advances in human endeavor have influenced and impacted civilization.
Vicar has been writing books, essays and poetry for many years. For the past 30 years, Vicar has worked in the Technology and Pharmaceutical industries. He is currently a Consultant in the Life Sciences Industry and lives in suburban Chicago with his wife and their three grown children.
You can find Vicar’s recent book on AI, The Génome Affair on Amazon at this link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQ7M9Q7
The most recent episodes of Vicar’s ai & u! Podcast are on YouTube at the following links:
Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/yNYr28jtY_k
What is Artificial Intelligence? What is Human Intelligence?
Episode 2 - https://youtu.be/kAEgDNh1Nwc
How Did We Get Here? Machine Learning, Neural Networks & the AI Lexicon, Exciting AI Agents
Episode 3 - https://youtu.be/3PYCyv1pCgM
Deep Mind - How Powerful is Narrow AI? State Surveillance and Surveillance Capitalism
Episode 4 - https://youtu.be/WvobCMIM_H4
Impact on Societies That Possess Artificial Intelligence Versus Those that Do Not!
Episode 5 - https://youtu.be/4JVpvm4g79g
Surveillance Capitalism, Surveillance State, 4th Industrial Revolution, Bifurcation of Sapiens
Episode 6 - https://youtu.be/e1q2GgcWQok
AI, Blockchain & Quantum Computing - Implications for Global and National Governance
Episode 7 - https://youtu.be/4bDSUvrOdd4
Popular Perceptions of Intelligence, the Seat of Human Intelligence and Implications for AI
Episode 8 - https://youtu.be/3GjHqQZL7Pk
AI - Why Should I care? Plus Exciting Updates from Elon Musk and Neuralink!
Episode 9 - https://youtu.be/enpecqDecC8
AI - Excellence, Innovation & Genius
Episode 10 - https://youtu.be/UsriESlTjdA
Implications for AI as China and the West Decouple
Episode 11 - https://youtu.be/0CpaMb-yw3g
Artificial Intelligence: Ethics, Law & Society
Episode 12 - https://youtu.be/PLzodrLWMq0
AI & Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
Episode 13 - https://youtu.be/Lm_nrNyJRbA
AI & the Future of Work in Industry 4.0 – the 4th Industrial Revolution
Episode 14 - https://youtu.be/_3E1Mhr_Dt8
Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for Authoritarianism and Democracy
Episode 15 - https://youtu.be/IpMUqHOEd7w
Artificial Intelligence, Consciousness & the Future of Homo Sapiens
Episode 16 - https://youtu.be/mIf7_VMzGKo
AI and its Implications for America's Political Environment
Episode 17 - https://youtu.be/gsMRPnovZGI
Special Episode: Reading From The Génome Affair
Episode 18 - https://youtu.be/UxNxtWDCREM
Artificial Intelligence - Digital Tyranny, Datocracy and the Imitation Game
Episode 19 - https://youtu.be/Db8U0QQWWuY
Does Artificial Intelligence Really Replicate Human Intelligence?
Episode 20 - https://youtu.be/Np18AEq-6DM
AI & Rising Geopolitical Tensions Between China & The West
Episode 21 - https://youtu.be/fOMSvNiixA0
AI & In-vitro Fertilization [IVF]
Episode 22 - https://youtu.be/EQPpRhIV6Kw
AI & Human Intelligence: A Complex Relationship
Episode 23 - https://youtu.be/EAbQ7stY7JQ
AI Upends the World of Structural Biology
Episode 24 - https://youtu.be/Bsb1F8uoBpA
AI & COVID-19: An Extraordinary Contribution
Episode 25 - https://youtu.be/PqL5PCRc8tA
AI, Connectomics & Transhumanism: the Future of Humankind
Episode 26 - https://youtu.be/HI8Zjl8VM8U
Dramatic Upheaval Inside Google's Ethical AI Team
Episode 27 - https://youtu.be/TqWwJYc2GxQ
AI & Cyber Espionage | How Will the Sunburst Attack Affect Our Security?
Episode 28 - https://youtu.be/89BcThqgcfQ
AI & the Rapidly Escalating Threat from Deep Fake Videos
Episode 29 - https://youtu.be/zvOHRMmJNB4
AI, Facial Recognition Technology & The Digital Surveillance State
Episode 30 - https://youtu.be/br4ygfEWdk0
AI & Social Media | The Most Destructive AI We've Ever Seen?
Episode 31 - https://youtu.be/sOy12ii8zwM
The Democratization of AI & The 2021 Maiflower Expedition | Plymouth, England to Plymouth, MA
Episode 32 - https://youtu.be/bixdLL74reE
Sino-American Cold War | A Blessing in Disguise for America?
Episode 33 - https://youtu.be/tTRm312DgMc
AI & the Tyranny of Meritocracy
Episode 34 - https://youtu.be/FpPzC5VP6GM
In the Midst of Chaos and Pandemic | A Big AI Announcement From the Trump Administration
Episode 35 - https://youtu.be/bK3xCBwrG8w
Artificial Super Intelligence – Can We Control It?
Episode 36 - https://youtu.be/Rc60DQ0L86Q
A New America | Hope with a Big Dose of Caution
Episode 37 - https://youtu.be/UBenYYHbYqM
Will AI [Science & Tech] Benefit From a New Cold War with China?
Episode 38 - https://youtu.be/JewJnPywnOU
Will AI Eventually Replace All Other Forms of Government?
Episode 39 - https://youtu.be/ibuJ8vozyqg
Will AI Perpetuate Bias in Employment, Health Systems, Law and Society?
Episode 40 - https://youtu.be/IJYbPfGC-08
AI | Will it be the Bain of Cyber Criminals?
Episode 41 - https://youtu.be/ozrO5_XTYKQ
AI | What Will it Mean for the Future of Work?
Episode 42 - https://youtu.be/kDKapDK-Vb0
AI | A Harbinger for the End of Democracy?
Episode 43 - https://youtu.be/7XeNyE8CA9I
AI & the Life Sciences | Developments in Connectomics & Radiology
Episode 44 - https://youtu.be/mWaPW_UolVo
AI & Geopolitics | Critical Strategic Planning in the Age of China
Episode 45 - https://youtu.be/qOSOc3vJRBk
AI & Humankind | What Might the Future Hold?
Episode 46 - https://youtu.be/atMSV1WAFkg
AI Enabled Surveillance | An Important Tool to Contain Dangerous Personality Traits?
Episode 47 - https://youtu.be/kz7-EDmlGXc
Will AI Favor Authoritarianism or Democracy?
Episode 48 - https://youtu.be/uTvKWQgdOaI
AI | A Key Enabler of Universal Basic Income?
Episode 49 - https://youtu.be/sy48Xqo-3qM
AI & The Future of Government, Industry, Markets &Trade
Episode 50 - https://youtu.be/JU1oGzb5TS0
AI & Surveillance | America’s New Strategy in the Middle East
Episode 51 - https://youtu.be/nOCQjUxLWJY
AI-Enabled Global Government | An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
Episode 52 - https://youtu.be/g1VJqiI3HyE
AI & Healthcare | What Will the Future Look Like? Will it be More Equitable?
Episode 53 - https://youtu.be/ie9KAg_kF7Q
AI & Surveillance | The Ethical Dilemma of Facial Recognition Software
Episode 54 - https://youtu.be/ie9KAg_kF7Q
AI & Regulation | Europe is Leading the Way
Episode 55 - https://youtu.be/l-gcYTZMsm8
AI & Consciousness | Will Machines Soon be Sentient?
Episode 56 - https://youtu.be/-8BaouCn9cs
AI & Regulation | Europe Announces New Rules
Episode 57 - https://youtu.be/243zm7aHImQ
AI & Human Emotion Recognition | Is it Inherently Flawed?
Episode 58 - https://youtu.be/rdXllGj8rbo
AI & Autonomous Vehicles | Where are We Now?
Episode 59 - https://youtu.be/EMbqpN5mbqw
AI & the 4 Little Trees | More on Emotion Recognition
Episode 60 - https://youtu.be/K5wtkj-VTrk
AI & the Colonial Pipeline Attack | Cyber Threats are Growing Rapidly
Episode 61 - https://youtu.be/03KysO3VJgI
AI & the Coronavirus | A Postmortem
Episode 62 - https://youtu.be/7wmSIWgbuQI
AI on the Battlefield | The Conflict in Gaza
Episode 63 - https://youtu.be/a_1AmLJD3lo
AI and Xenophobia | Will We Finally Break the Cycle?
Episode 64 - https://youtu.be/9s-Go1TYK9c
AI, Cyber Attacks & the Future of War | Where are We Headed?
Episode 65 - https://youtu.be/1nKbTMzfpqM
Artificial Intelligence | Humankind’s Final and Greatest Invention
Episode 66 - https://youtu.be/cplR62KTa88
America & the 4th Industrial Revolution | Where do We Go from Here?
Episode 67 - https://youtu.be/RMrqreI-PRw
Artificial Intelligence | [Digital] Life After Death
Episode 68 - https://youtu.be/KzR8NkVdT0Q
Artificial Intelligence | The Fear Factor
Episode 69 - https://youtu.be/BI0HqACc4Ek
Artificial Intelligence | The Trust Factor
Episode 70 - https://youtu.be/nKhqVtQC_NI
Artificial Intelligence | Implications for the Future of Democracy
Episode 71 - https://youtu.be/GKD5hXmnpTU
Artificial Intelligence | Deep Fakes & Pornography
Episode 72 - https://youtu.be/KJdoBm5Kmw8
Artificial Intelligence | Working in the 21st Century
Episode 73 - https://youtu.be/lLY6gF_eeas
AI & Disinformation | Implications for Democracy & Geopolitics
Episode 74 - https://youtu.be/URsauWURj5A
AI, Climate Change & Pandemics | A Case for Global Governance?
Episode 75 - https://youtu.be/cu7xOHpNiO4
Artificial Intelligence | New Year’s Resolutions & Societal Reformation
Episode 76 - https://youtu.be/1-orEsKg5fM
Artificial Intelligence | Meritocracy and the Gathering Storm
Episode 77 - https://youtu.be/jYzyrxhxCJk
AI, Authoritarianism & Democracy | What Does the Future Hold?
Episode 78 – https://youtu.be/G5dlaB8TZJQ
AI & Speciation | Symbiosis and the 4th Industrial Revolution
Episode 79 – https://youtu.be/8pq2ZAxRdcY
AI and Disinformation | Echo Chambers in an Age of Division
Episode 80 – https://youtu.be/bewLnveVpDI
AI & Human Conflict | Objectivism, Tribalism & the Dunning-Kruger Effect
Episode 81 – https://youtu.be/Z5ZvMYuNhLQ
AI, Climate Change & Migration | Sowing the Seeds of Intraplanetary Discord
Episode 82 – https://youtu.be/mP-r_0pS3P8
Artificial Intelligence in 2022 | Where are We Now and What Does the Future Hold?
Episode 83 – https://youtu.be/vYSW-pceOQE
Artificial Intelligence in 2022 | Is Protein Folding Our Most Important Achievement?
Episode 84 – https://youtu.be/IBgF_oyCvpE
Artificial Intelligence & 21st Century Military Doctrine | Tora! Tora! Tora!
Episode 85 – https://youtu.be/IBgF_oyCvpE https://youtu.be/sxGeIZSlYYo
Artificial Intelligence & Healthcare | A Revolution in the Making
Episode 86 – https://youtu.be/IBgF_oyCvpE https://youtu.be/gARgH5rlCG8
AI & Thermonuclear Fusion | The Ultimate Solution for Climate Change
Episode 87 – https://youtu.be/IBgF_oyCvpE https://youtu.be/baWRuYBKgu4
Putin’s Russia | A State of Humiliation
Episode 88 – https://youtu.be/6TP5AFtg-6g
AI & Genomics | Accelerating Gene Therapies
Episode 89 – https://youtu.be/_vgLJEoQFY4
Unipolar, Bipolar & Multipolar Worlds | Implications for Humankind
Episode 90 – https://youtu.be/8S7SDcqKNZ0
https://youtu.be/_vgLJEoQFY4AI & Neocolonialism | Datocracy & the Surveillance State
Episode 91 – https://youtu.be/RfEIbPNAALo
AI & the Truman Doctrine | The Merits of Preserving the New World Order
Episode 92 – https://youtu.be/q1ybdNC5MiI
The Apollo Moon Landing | Lessons for Civilization in the Age of AI
Episode 93 – https://youtu.be/r1oc9uU8Ct4
Artificial Intelligence & Sapiens 3.0 | Are We Ready?
Episode 94 – https://youtu.be/OqUfXNwqtDU
Artificial Intelligence & Authoritarianism | What’s the Attraction?
Episode 95 – https://youtu.be/-HfFs-XVnKo
Irrationality and Intolerance | Humankind’s Two Greatest Liabilities in the Age of AI
Episode 96 – https://youtu.be/-ITqhjIe4yU
Sustaining Democracy in the Age of AI
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