What does it mean for Europe to be digitally sovereign in a world dominated by tech giants and geopolitical power struggles? In this episode, Oskar Gstrein joins Chris to unpack that question. Against the backdrop of U.S.-China tech competition and shifting global alliances, they explore the boundaries of digital sovereignty and delve into the emerging idea of data autonomy as a guiding principle for Europe’s digital strategy. Links: https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1189676103/EERR20230...
Jun 29, 2025•27 min•Season 11Ep. 5
With the Trump administration reversing previous US AI strategy with a focus on security and US-China competition, Chris sits down with Medlir and Caryn at the Global Governance Institute in Brussels to analyze the new administration's approaches to AI. Links: https://www.justsecurity.org/113944/what-comes-next-after-trumps-ai-deals-in-the-gulf/ https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/679852/trump-ai-safety-institute-name-mission-change Send us a text...
Jun 15, 2025•29 min•Season 11Ep. 4
Links: https://www.volt.ai/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/egoro/ https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/01/10/safer-schools-tech-strategies-for-digital-and-physical-security/ https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/volt-ai-discusses-physical-security-data-privacy-and-future-of-company https://wjla.com/news/local/attempted-assassination-trump-pennsylvania-rally-security-shooting-prevention-threats-ai-artificial-intelligence-technology-system-track-shooter-suspect-weapons-gu...
Jun 01, 2025•30 min•Season 11Ep. 3
Medlir sits down with Jesse Anglen, CEO and Founder of Rapid Innovation, a company that helps entrepreneurs build AI and blockchain-powered products. They discuss the transition into a digital workforce and how best to prepare for a post-work economy. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseanglen/ https://www.rapidinnovation.io/about-us Send us a text...
May 18, 2025•30 min•Season 11Ep. 2
Adalberto Gonzalez, AI Strategic Advisor for Design Thinking Japan, joins Chris for a conversation on his pioneering work on GenAI for Accenture in North America. We discuss his more recent work with Design Thinking Japan and his AI Signal’s comprehensive report that tells us where breakthroughs in AI will have the greatest impact. Plus, what worries him most and what excites him most about these developments. Links: AI Signals 2025 Report Design Thinking Japan, Brittany Arthur, CEO Send us a te...
May 04, 2025•32 min•Season 11Ep. 1
As Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) moves closer to reality, the world faces a crucial question: Who—if anyone—should govern it? In this episode of Age of AI, host Medlir Mema sits down with governance expert Justin Bullock to explore the challenges of regulating AGI at a global scale. Could a Global AGI Agency provide the oversight we need, or is international cooperation on AI doomed to fail? From the risks of unchecked AGI development to the hurdles of enforcing global AI policy, this co...
Apr 20, 2025•41 min•Season 10Ep. 8
In this episode of Age of AI, host Medlir Mema sits down with Caryn Lusinchi—AI auditor, policy advisor, and former AI leader at Meta and Google—to explore the tensions between innovation and regulation. Can international AI governance truly work, or are we heading toward fragmented, sovereign AI ecosystems? Join us as we discuss the EU AI Act, the Paris AI Action Summit, the rise of national AI programs, and the future of AI regulation in an era of accelerating change. Links: https://www.global...
Apr 06, 2025•29 min•Season 10Ep. 7
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 Commons AI & Democracy: Insights from Make.org’s Roundtable Discussion...
Mar 23, 2025•37 min•Season 10Ep. 6
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.2024.01...
Mar 11, 2025•28 min•Season 10Ep. 5
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 Analysis Pause Giant AI Experiments: An Open Letter...
Feb 26, 2025•55 min•Season 10Ep. 4
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/2411.14425 https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-hawley-act-threatens-ai-innovation #DeepSeek #Stargate #Policy Send us a text...
Feb 13, 2025•28 min•Season 10Ep. 3
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-tamanini Anatomy of an AI System: https://...
Jan 26, 2025•36 min•Season 10Ep. 2
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 Generativ...
Jan 12, 2025•51 min•Season 10Ep. 1
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_Cities Send us a text...
Dec 29, 2024•26 min•Season 9Ep. 8
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 #AIforGood Send us a text...
Dec 15, 2024•38 min•Season 9Ep. 7
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 l...
Nov 24, 2024•29 min•Season 9Ep. 6
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...
Nov 10, 2024•31 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Chris talks with Marietje Schaake about her new book The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley and explores the nexus between Big Tech, democracy, and human rights. In particular, Marietje shares with Chris ideas and strategies for recentering the public interest in the relationship between big tech and governments, the geopolitics of technology, and recent developments in the global governance of AI. Links: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691241173/the-tech-coup h...
Oct 27, 2024•29 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Welcome back to our podcast! In this episode Medlir and Dr. Gloria Shkurti Ozdemir discuss her recently released book "Artificial Intelligence Arms Dynamics: The Case of the U.S. and China Rivalry." Their discussion dives into the latest AI-related developments in Turkey, the state of US-China competition in AI, as well as some other delightful tangents. Links: https://www.setav.org/en/experts/gloria-shkurti https://www.setav.org/en/the-future-of-ai-policies-in-the-us-and-implications-for-turkiy...
Oct 13, 2024•36 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Medlir shares insights with Chris from the UN Summit of the Future. They discuss the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. In addition, Medlir and Chris also discuss California’s recently vetoed AI safety legislation and the proposed US national AI Civil Rights Act. Links: https://www.un.org/techenvoy/global-digital-compact https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-24/openai-pitched-white-house-on-unprecedented-data-center-buildout http...
Sep 29, 2024•24 min•Season 9Ep. 2
In the first episode of Season 9, Medlir and Chris revisit the topic of AI agents, AI and US-China relations, and also China’s recent moves in regulating AI. They then wrap up with a discussion of the Summit of the Future, and AI and Sustainable Development. Links: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future https://www.globalgovernance.eu/education/aigsd https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/09/06/agentic-ai-the-next-big-breakthrough-thats-transforming-business-and-technology/ https://us...
Sep 15, 2024•30 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Maria Santacaterina and Medlir discuss the impact of generative AI on businesses. They ask the question whether the massive financial investment in generative AI will pay off for these businesses. Is the promise of AI, hype or real? Links: https://www.santacaterinaconsulting.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Adaptive-Resilience-Maria-Santacaterina/dp/1119898188 https://www-businessinsider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.businessinsider.com/ai-return-investment-disappointing-goldman-sachs-report-2024-6?...
Jul 21, 2024•34 min•Season 8Ep. 8
In July 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Defense unveiled its first basic policy document on the use of artificial intelligence and a comprehensive strategy to enhance Japan’s cyber defense capabilities. In this episode Dr. Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi of the University of Tokyo, joins us to talk about how AI fits into Japan’s military strategy. Links: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/02/japan/sdf-cybersecurity/#:~:text=In%20the%20new%20policy%2C%20the,and%20in%20unmanned%20military%20assets. https://...
Jul 14, 2024•29 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Medlir sits down with Dr. Paige Arthur, Director of Global Programming at Columbia Global, and co-author of AI for Peace (with Branka Panic), to discuss how recent AI innovations can contribute to conflict prevention and peace. They also explore the opportunities and challenges that technologies pose for human rights and curbing hate speech. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-arthur-6269001b/ https://www.aiforpeace.org/ https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781003359982/ai-peac...
Jul 07, 2024•37 min•Season 8Ep. 6
This week, our annual Diogenes Awards. We take a look at AI in television and film (and sometimes other musings and occasional 'arguments'). We discuss each host's top nominee(s) since 2023, and then narrow it to the consensus pick for all of you. Links below so you can join us in checking these out (in no particular order). Top TV Nominees: Mrs. Davis | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIOnrEujKl8 Black Mirror Season 6 Episode 1: Joan is Awful | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jY1ecibLYo UNKNOW...
Jun 30, 2024•29 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Chris talks with Mihalis Kritikos of the European Commission on Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Trustworthy Governance of AI. Mihalis sheds light on how he got started working on AI governance during the Covid-19 pandemic, the ethics of AI, the EU AI Act, and also AI surveillance in the workplace. Links: https://books.emeraldinsight.com/page/detail/ethical-ai-surveillance-in-the-workplace/?k=9781837537730 https://epthinktank.eu/2020/04/22/ten-technologies-to-fight-covid-19/ https://epthinktan...
Jun 23, 2024•21 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Chris talks to Maya Sobchuk, GGI non-resident fellow and researcher at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo about her work on AI and disinformation. In this episode Maya reflects on the history of Russian disinformation campaigns against Ukraine, disinformation in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and how Ukraine has harnessed its AI know-how and innovation space to counter disinformation. Link: https://www.globalgovernance.eu/pu...
Jun 16, 2024•26 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Medlir is joined by Dr. Hannes Mueller to discuss recent developments in conflict prevention. Specifically, we examine how artificial intelligence can help governments detect risk early, predict the likelihood of new conflicts, and prevent older ones from re-emerging. https://conflictforecast.org/ https://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/303316/1/Mueller%20and%20Rauh_2022.pdf https://bse.eu/research/working-papers/dynamic-early-warning-and-action-model https://www.etcalpoly.org/the-pandemic-chron...
Jun 09, 2024•51 min•Season 8Ep. 2
For our season opener, Young Diogenes has a chat with Chris and Medlir about some cool new things large language models can now do for us. Specifically, why some companies, like Google with Gemini, are choosing to concentrate on increasingly larger context windows (i.e., the size of the text, music, video prompt, etc., that the AI can parse). And why being able to load an entire book, a movie, or your entire life into the prompt and then have a conversation about these things, might be useful. h...
Jun 02, 2024•27 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Medlir asks Lukas Andriukaitis, Board member of Lithuania-based Civic Resilience Initiative (CRI), what it means to work and live at the frontier of the new misinformation / disinformation space. They discuss the current atmosphere in the region and beyond, in terms of threat of misinformation/disinformation. They consider both the benefits and the drawbacks of AI-enabled technologies as billions across the world prepare to cast their votes in 2024. Links: https://cri.lt/ https://cri.lt/wp-conte...
Mar 24, 2024•31 min•Season 7Ep. 8
