S12E2: AI and the Future of Citizenship

Send us a textPolitical anthropologist Eduardo Albrecht joins us to explore how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming the way governments think, decide, and rule. From the rise of “political machines” to the idea of a new Third House of democracy, we unpack what happens when citizens become data—and how power itself is being rewritten in the age of automation.Links:https://eduardoalbrecht.com/Political Automation: An Introduction to AI in Government and Its Impact on Citizens

Send us a textIn this episode, Chris Lamont sits down with Oscar Avatare and Akshay Chalana, co-founders of Saphira AI, for an in-depth exploration of AI robotics transitioning from controlled laboratory environments into complex, real-world applications. Drawing on their experience building hardware controls and virtualization systems for companies including Tesla and Amazon, as well as their work on Hyperloop technology—where they worked on challenges like making propulsion, braking, and electronics function in vacuum chambers—Oscar and Akshay examine the critical challenges of establishing robust safety frameworks and industry standards for autonomous systems operating in unpredictable settings. The conversation also delves into how geopolitical tensions and international competition are reshaping the global robotics landscape, influencing both technological development priorities and regulatory approaches across different regions.Links: https://blog.saphira.ai/mobile-robot-safety-standards-understanding-iso-3691-4-(driverless-industrial-trucks)-and-r15-08-(industrial-mobile-robots)-implementation/#1-a-shifting-landscape-in-safety-standardshttps://www.reuters.com/sports/robots-race-play-football-crash-collapse-chinas-robot-olympics-2025-08-15/

Send us a textWhy do people sometimes trust AI—even when it's prone to error? In this episode, Medlir explores this question and more with business communication expert Peter Cardon, author of Business Communication: Developing Leaders for a Networked World and co-author of Business and Professional Communication: Putting People First. They dive into how AI is reshaping interpersonal relationships, communication, and public confidence in institutions. From emotional authenticity to regulatory challenges, this conversation unpacks the complex ways AI is influencing how we connect, believe, and lead.Links:Peter W. CardonArticles by Peter Cardon2025 Edelman Trust Barometer

Send us a textFour years ago, two Tokyo-based academics and a Diogenes-inspired persona sparked a conversation that became The Age of AI podcast. Today we celebrate our 100th episode—a milestone reflecting on humanity's journey through the LLM explosion, AI's disruptive rise, and the ethical crossroads we now face. Our co-host Young Diogenes, re-trained and more philosophical than ever, is asked a deceptively simple question: "In a world increasingly shaped by machine logic, what makes us human?"From civilizational myopia to AI governance challenges, from ChatGPT's impact on how we think and learn, to speculation about AI running for office, this episode captures both the promise and peril of our AI-shaped future, as well as suggestions by YD on how to potentially avoid a negative future. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or are discovering us now, join us in exploring what it means to stay human in the age of artificial intelligence.Two Types of AI Existential Risk: Decisive and AccumulativeThe Gentle Singularity - Sam AltmanExistential Threat of Generative AI - ChatGPT and Generative AI Legal Research Guide - LibGuides at University of Arizona Law Library#AIGovernance #AIEthics #AIandSociety #FutureOfAI #AIPhilosophy #AgeOfAI #Podcast #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #LLM #Diogenes #TechEthics #FutureOfAI #AIandSociety #AI2030 #AIoptimism #AIgovernance

Send us a textWhat 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/EERR2023028.pdfhttps://dig.watch/updates/denmark-moves-to-replace-microsoft-software-as-part-of-digital-sovereignty-strategy 

Send us a textWith 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 textThis week, we're talking to Egor Olte Anu, CEO of Volt.ai, the company making waves for using artificial intelligence to detect and stop physical threats as they happen. From violent crimes to medical emergencies, Volt’s tech is being hailed as a game-changer for public safety. But as their systems get smarter, the questions get more urgent: What about privacy? How far is too far when it comes to surveillance in the name of safety? Tune in for a conversation on innovation, ethics, and safety.Links:https://www.volt.ai/abouthttps://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-companyhttps://wjla.com/news/local/attempted-assassination-trump-pennsylvania-rally-security-shooting-prevention-threats-ai-artificial-intelligence-technology-system-track-shooter-suspect-weapons-guns-school-detect-video-data-real-time-maryland

Send us a textMedlir 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 textAdalberto 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 textAs 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 conversation unpacks the future of AI governance and the stakes for humanity.Links:https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/630b0421cd31598bbf8f31e7/67866b3ce4e06de6fadc3c45_2025-GGI-Bullock-Global-AGI-Agency.pdfhttps://www.globalgovernance.eu/ggi-education/aigghttps://www.lesswrong.com/posts/5hApNw5f7uG8RXxGS/the-open-agency-model