In today’s rapidly evolving world, politics must rise to meet a higher standard—one rooted not in division or dominance, but in honesty, kindness, and a commitment to humanity’s shared future. As artificial intelligence reshapes society, it also offers an opportunity to renew the ethical foundations of governance.
The AI World Society (AIWS) envisions a new kind of politics—Politics for Humanity in the Age of AI—where leaders and AI systems work hand-in-hand to build a more just, transparent, and compassionate world. This is not only a technological challenge but a moral imperative.
As Nguyen Anh Tuan, Founder of the AIWS initiative, affirms:
“The world needs honest and kind politics. Leaders and AI together can help make this possible. That is the goal of AIWS in politics—for humanity.”
Through frameworks like AIWS Government 24/7, the Social Contract for the AI Age, and global initiatives such as the AIWS Brands and Values Board, AIWS offers practical and visionary tools for transforming politics into a force that genuinely serves people—ethically, inclusively, and sustainably.
In this vision, AI is not a replacement for human leadership but a partner in amplifying our highest values. With courage, wisdom, and compassion, a new political era can emerge—one that honors both our humanity and our technological future.
August 5, 2025 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — A high-level visit to Vietnam by leaders of the Boston Global Forum (BGF), Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder, Co-Chair, and CEO of BGF, and Professor John Quelch, renowned academic and Co-Founder of BGF, marked a milestone in fostering innovation, global branding, and AI-driven transformation in Vietnam.
Building Global Brands for Vietnam in the Age of AI
On August 1, 2025, at the Vietnam CEO Summit 2025, held at Park Hyatt Saigon, both Nguyen Anh Tuan and Professor Quelch delivered keynote addresses on the theme “Building Global Brands for Vietnam in the Age of AI.”
They introduced the core values of the AIWS Brands and Values initiative, launched by BGF and the AI World Society (AIWS), as a visionary platform to guide Vietnam’s efforts in establishing world-class, ethical, and innovative brands. Their speeches emphasized the importance of aligning Vietnamese entrepreneurship with global values such as peace, transparency, new democracy, and responsible innovation.
Honoring Professor John Quelch in Nha Trang
On August 3, 2025, the Boston Global Forum hosted a special musical dinner at the AIWS House in Nha Trang to honor Professor John Quelch for his outstanding contributions to BGF and Vietnam—as a co-founder of BGF and a global thought leader in branding, marketing, and values in business.
The evening featured a performance by Bach Tra, a celebrated artist and designer who also serves as Ambassador of AIWS Music for Humanity. The event highlighted Professor Quelch’s lifelong dedication to innovative leadership, education, and international collaboration, with guests including policymakers, scholars, and cultural leaders.
Strategic Dialogue in Ho Chi Minh City
On August 4, Nguyen Anh Tuan and Professor Quelch were invited for a strategic dialogue with Mr. Nguyen Van Nen, Chief of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee—the city’s highest-ranking leader.
Their conversation centered on visionary strategies for the city’s development, especially in the context of a proposed merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces. The BGF leaders presented innovative governance models and AI-driven urban planning tools based on the AIWS Model and AIWS Government 24/7 framework. Together, they envisioned the region as a pioneering hub of digital transformation and inclusive growth in Southeast Asia.
Boston, MA – The Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the AI World Society (AIWS) proudly announce the formation of the AIWS Brands and Values Board, a pioneering council dedicated to recognizing, evaluating, and honoring global brands, value systems, and their founders that are shaping a better and more ethical society in the Age of AI.
A Vision for Ethical and Innovative Brands and Values in the Age of AI
The AIWS Brands and Values Board will set global benchmarks for responsible innovation, ensuring that AI-driven transformation aligns with human values, cultural integrity, and social responsibility. By celebrating prestigious brands and leaders, the Board seeks to guide the future of global branding toward principles of peace, new democracy, transparency, and ethical innovation, with significant global influence.
“This Board is more than an honorific body—it is a platform to highlight brands, values, and leaders who are shaping a human-centered, ethical future and driving positive influence in the Age of AI,” said Governor Michael Dukakis, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of BGF.
“By recognizing and curating their achievements as AIWS Esteemed Digital Assets, we are creating a global gallery of inspiration that will influence generations to come,” added Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder, Co-Chair, and CEO of BGF, and architect of the AIWS Model.
Mission and Key Goals of the AIWS Brands and Values Board
The AIWS Brands and Values Board is committed to identifying and honoring brands, value systems, and leaders that set the highest standards for innovation, ethics, and cultural integrity, pioneering a new paradigm of innovation in the Age of AI. Its mission is to:
Recognize and celebrate global brands, values, and leaders that exemplify peace, new democracy, transparency, innovation, and cultural integrity, driving meaningful advancements for a better world in the AI Age.
Highlight and honor transformative initiatives and visionary founders who integrate ethical, political, and social values with technology to advance politics and society, delivering significant impact across key new democratic regions, including the United States, Japan, European Union, United Kingdom, India, Australia, South Korea, and ASEAN nations.
Curate and preserve these achievements as AIWS Esteemed Digital Assets, ensuring they remain a source of inspiration and guidance for future generations.
Distinguished Members of the AIWS Brands and Values Board
The Board unites 12 globally recognized leaders, scholars, and innovators:
Governor Michael Dukakis – Co-Founder and Co-Chair of BGF
Professor John Quelch – Harvard Business School, Global Branding Expert
Professor Thomas Patterson – Harvard Kennedy School, Co-Founder of BGF
Professor Nazli Choucri – MIT Political Science, Global Governance and AI Ethics Expert
Professor Alex Pentland – MIT Media Lab, Pioneer in Data and Social Physics
Professor David Silbersweig – Harvard Medical School, Global Mental Health and Ethics Thought Leader
Jeff Saviano – Global Tax Innovation Leader, Harvard AI Ethics Contributor
Cansu Canca – Founder, AI Ethics Lab, Global AI Ethics Leader
State Minister Yasuhide Nakayama – Former Japanese State Minister, Indo-Pacific Cooperation Advocate
Minister Elisabeth Moreno – Former Minister for Gender Equality, France
Glen Weyl – Founder, Plurality Institute, Blockchain and Social Innovation Leader
Nguyen Anh Tuan – Co-Founder, Co-Chair, and CEO of BGF; Architect of the AIWS Model
About Boston Global Forum and AI World Society
Founded in 2012, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) is a renowned “think and do tank” that develops impactful initiatives to foster peace, new democracy, security, and ethical governance in the digital age.
The AI World Society (AIWS), introduced by BGF, advances a human-centered approach to AI and has launched transformative frameworks such as AIWS Government 24/7, the Boston Finance Accord for AI Governance 24/7, AIWS Digital Assets, AIWS Music for Humanity, and AIWS Film Park.
Chapter 11 delves into a pivotal moment in the history of the Boston Global Forum (BGF): the establishment of the prestigious World Leader for Peace and Security Award in 2015. This chapter recounts the vision behind creating an award of such unique stature, its foundational goals, and how it came to honor global leaders dedicated to peace and progress, further cementing BGF’s role as a companion to the world’s most influential figures. Co-authored by Harvard Professor Thomas Patterson and Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder, Co-Chair, and CEO of BGF, with a foreword by Governor Michael Dukakis.
Chapter 11: 2015 – The World Leader for Peace and Security Award
I constantly grappled with the idea of establishing the Boston Global Forum (BGF) as an organization that gathers elite intellectuals and noble individuals. With a banner held by an upright and kind leader like Governor Michael Dukakis, who had performed wonders in the World’s Intellectual Capital, BGF would reach a high stature to evaluate and encourage leaders to do good for humanity. There was no existing award in the world specifically for leaders serving as presidents or prime ministers. BGF was in a unique position to pioneer such a prestigious award, aiming to inspire those who wield great power, command military, armed, and security systems – those with decision-making authority affecting the fate of countless people – to pursue a virtuous path. With Governor Michael Dukakis as a guiding symbol – an upright, kind, and respected leader by American and global leaders and elites, coupled with BGF’s objective of finding solutions for global peace, security, innovation, and prosperity, I tirelessly contemplated an initiative for BGF to affirm and establish its position. In early October 2015, I conceived the idea that BGF should organize the World Leader for Peace and Security Award. This award aims to honor national leaders (Presidents, Prime Ministers, Speakers of Parliament), spiritual leaders, and leaders of influential international organizations. Through this award, we define BGF’s role not merely as an award-giving body, as some foundations or organizations already exist, but as an organization that walks alongside world leaders, helping them lead better by contributing wisdom from a community of thinkers – elite intellectuals with noble characters and immense love for humanity. From the very beginning of BGF’s establishment, I clearly defined the goal of building a treasure trove of wisdom, which is BGF’s greatest asset. In the new era, intellect is a grand asset; if amassed, this vast pool of wisdom can be “crafted” and innovated into beautiful, noble, and essential values for humanity. This is the intellectual stature BGF has established, from which it builds its stance, position, and mindset to contribute to the world through the highest-level leaders and governments, thereby continuously gathering and expanding this vast intellectual repository, enriching it further to make meaningful and profound contributions. I met Governor Michael Dukakis in early October 2015 to seek his opinion, and he immediately supported the idea. The BGF Board unanimously agreed to launch the Award and present it for the first time at the BGF Conference on Cybersecurity Peace Day, December 12, 2015, at the Harvard Faculty Club.
Please see the full Chapter 11 and the complete book in early September 2025 on the BGF website.
President Donald Trump announced Sunday, July 27, 2025 that the U.S. reached a trade deal with the European Union, following pivotal discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen days before the Aug. 1 tariff deadline.
Trump said that the deal imposes a 15% tariff on most European goods to the U.S., including cars.
Some products, including aircrafts and their components, some chemicals and pharmaceuticals, will not be subject to tariffs, von der Leyen said in a briefing after the agreement was announced. She also said that the new 15% tariff rate would not be added to any tariffs already in effect.
The 15% tariff rate is lower than the 30% rate Trump had previously threatened against the United States’ largest trading partner, but higher than the 10% baseline tariffs the EU was hoping for.
Trump said that the 27-member bloc also agreed to purchase $750 billion worth of U.S. energy and invest an additional $600 billion worth of investments into the U.S. above current levels.
He said that the bloc would also be “purchasing hundreds of billions of dollars worth of military equipment,” but did not provide a specific dollar amount.
“It’s a very powerful deal, it’s a very big deal, it’s the biggest of all the deals,” Trump said Sunday alongside von der Leyen.
“It’s a good deal, it’s a huge deal, with tough negotiations,” von der Leyen said after the meeting.
Researchers blend theoretical insight and precision experiments to entangle photons on an ultra-thin chip
In the race toward practical quantum computers and networks, photons — fundamental particles of light — hold intriguing possibilities as fast carriers of information at room temperature. Photons are typically controlled and coaxed into quantum states via waveguides on extended microchips, or through bulky devices built from lenses, mirrors, and beam splitters. The photons become entangled – enabling them to encode and process quantum information in parallel – through complex networks of these optical components. But such systems are notoriously difficult to scale up due to the large numbers and imperfections of parts required to do any meaningful computation or networking.
Could all those optical components could be collapsed into a single, flat, ultra-thin array of subwavelength elements that control light in the exact same way, but with far fewer fabricated parts?
Optics researchers in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences(SEAS) did just that. The research team led by Federico Capasso, the Robert L. Wallace Professor of Applied Physics and Vinton Hayes Senior Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering, created specially designed metasurfaces — flat devices etched with nanoscale light-manipulating patterns — to act as ultra-thin upgrades for quantum-optical chips and setups.
The AIWS Brands and Values Board, established by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the AI World Society (AIWS), is a cornerstone initiative recognized within the AIWS History of AI House. It underscores that the evolution of AI is not just a story of technology but also of values, ethics, and leadership that make the world better in the Age of AI.
The Board honors prestigious global brands, value systems, and their founders that embody peace, new democracy, transparency, innovation, and cultural integrity. By curating their achievements as AIWS Esteemed Digital Assets, the Board ensures these legacies inspire both present and future generations, guiding AI development toward a human-centered and ethical future.
The Board brings together visionary thinkers and innovators, including Governor Michael Dukakis, Professor John Quelch, Professor Thomas Patterson, Professor Nazli Choucri, Professor Alex Pentland, Professor David Silbersweig, Jeff Saviano, Former French Minister Elisabeth Moreno, Former Japanese State Ministe Nguyen Anh Tuan, Glen Weyl, Dr. Cansu Canca—leaders shaping the intersection of ethics, technology, and social progress.
Through its work, the AIWS Brands and Values Board reaffirms that brands and values are not merely economic assets—they are cultural forces driving a fairer, more democratic, and inclusive world in the Age of AI.
FormerStateMinisterYasuhideNakayamaOffersInsightintoPolitical Weakness and Strategic Delay
In the 2025 summer upper house election, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered significant losses, resulting in the governing coalition falling below a majority in both houses of the Diet. This outcome is not merely a matter of seat count—it is a signal from the people that the current style of governance is in question.
Former State Minister Yasuhide Nakayama, who has served at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and the Cabinet Office, appeared on Bloomberg’s international program Insight with Haslinda Amin, where he offered a measured yet penetrating analysis of the deeper meaning of the election results and what they reveal about the structural fragility of today’s Japanese politics.
Following the interview, Nakayama provided a detailed briefing to the Boston Global Forum (BGF), explaining the key points he raised on air as well as additional perspectives that were not covered in the broadcast. His post-interview engagement was in line with BGF’s core values: responsible leadership and international cooperation.
A Majority Lost—And a Message from the Public
“The fact that the ruling coalition failed to maintain a majority in the Upper House isn’t just about the opposition gaining ground,” Nakayama noted. “It reflects a growing public frustration with the lack of speed and outcome in the current administration’s handling of policy.”
He pointed particularly to urban centers like Osaka, where voters are increasingly demanding quicker responses and visible results. The parties that made gains in the election, he said, were those that seemed more nimble and responsive to that demand.
“The government listens—but listening alone is no longer enough. What the people expect is swift execution, tangible results, and a sense of shared progress. That cycle is currently broken, and the electorate responded accordingly.”
The Trump Tariff Negotiations: Diplomacy Needs Speed
One of Mr. Nakayama’s central points on Bloomberg was Japan’s lagging pace in international trade talks—especially the ongoing negotiations regarding the so-called Trump Tariffs.
“Japan was the first to initiate discussions, yet we are now the last to reach a conclusion. This delay highlights a fundamental weakness in our foreign policy apparatus.”
He contrasted Japan’s approach with that of China, which assessed then-President Trump’s negotiation style early on and opted to reach a deal quickly—understanding that prolonging talks would not yield further concessions.
“China conducts its diplomatic due diligence thoroughly. It reads the personality, strategy, and decision-making style of its counterpart. Japan could learn from that.
Speed, timing, and tactical judgment matter more than ever in today’s diplomatic landscape.”
Nakayama emphasized that simply being sincere or methodical in negotiations does not guarantee a favorable result. What is required is the strategic ability to read both the counterpart and the clock.
Investment ≠ Preferential Treatment
Mr. Nakayama also addressed a common misconception: that massive foreign investments lead to favorable tariff outcomes. He cited examples like SoftBank’s multi-trillion-yen investments and Taiwan’s substantial commitments in the U.S., which nonetheless did not result in lenient tariff treatment.
“Investment alone doesn’t shift the outcome of a negotiation. Trade policy decisions—especially under Trump—are driven by outcomes, not sentiment. Japan must internalize that reality.”
He warned that unless Japan wraps up its negotiations soon, it may face a tariff level of no less than 25%, with little room for mitigation once that decision is finalized.
A Calm But Urgent Warning
Importantly, Mr. Nakayama’s remarks were not made to provoke or criticize, but to issue a calm, constructive warning based on firsthand diplomatic experience. His insights were offered not from the sidelines, but from someone who has been inside the system—and knows its strengths and its blind spots.
“What we need now isn’t another set of pretty phrases—it’s the courage to speak clearly, even when the message is uncomfortable. And we must say it with speed.”
Through his remarks, Nakayama delivers a message that resonates beyond Japan’s borders: Democracies must remain nimble—not just principled—to remain relevant in a changing world.
Watch the full interview with Former State Minister Yasuhide Nakayama on Bloomberg’s Insight with Haslinda Amin:
Why strength today is systemic—and how each pillar must reinforce the others
Honorable Mark R. Kennedy, Member of the BGF Board of Thinkers
In an era of global disruption and intensifying rivalry, strategic advantage doesn’t go to the biggest economy or the largest army. It goes to those who are most aligned across systems—who govern with legitimacy, innovate with intent, adapt under pressure, earn trust abroad, and defend with credibility.
That’s the purpose of the GRIPS framework: to diagnose whether a nation is truly positioned for long-term strength.
Each pillar—Governance, Resilience, Innovation, Perception, Security—is a form of power in its own right. But none stands alone. What matters is how they interact—how gaps are closed, how capabilities reinforce one another, and how strategy becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
Here’s what each pillar demands:
🟦 G – Governing Power
Governance is not just structure—it’s direction. Strategic power comes not just from having institutions, but from how they are used.
Governing vs. Gaming – Do institutions serve the public, or are they manipulated for narrow gain?
Grounded vs. Grandstanding – Are leaders focused on substance or spectacle?
Guiding vs. Grasping – Is leadership animated by shared purpose—or by power retention?
Generative vs. Gridlocked – Can the system evolve, or is it frozen in dysfunction?
Legitimacy is power. Alignment is power. In strategic competition, a nation that governs well moves as one\
🟩 R – Resilience Power
Resilience isn’t just endurance—it’s strategic flexibility under pressure. It enables nations to absorb shocks, sustain focus, and adapt.
Responsive vs. Rigid – Can the system pivot when conditions change?
Strategic vs. Short-termist – Is it investing for tomorrow—or chasing headlines today?
Disciplined vs. Deficit-Driven – Does fiscal capacity support strategy—or constrain it?
Redundant vs. Over-optimized – Are critical systems built with buffers—or brittle in a crisis?
Resilience turns disruption into opportunity. Without it, even the most advanced economies crumble under stress.
🟨 I – Innovation Power
Innovation defines the frontier of strategic advantage—from semiconductors to AI to space. But it doesn’t emerge by accident.
Coordinated vs. Fragmented – Are government, academia, and industry working in sync?
Inclusive vs. Inward-Looking – Is the system open to global talent and ideas—or closed off?
Open vs. Overcontrolled – Are creativity and control in balance?
Sustained vs. Sporadic – Is R&D funded consistently, or at the whim of politics?
Innovation power requires ecosystems that compound—not just invent. It’s not just what you create—it’s what you scale.
🟪 P – Perception Power
Perception is not PR. It is a form of influence—shaping who aligns with you, who resists you, and what role you play in the world.
Protector vs. Predator – Do others see you as defending order or exploiting it?
Partner vs. Profiteer – Are your alliances fair—or extractive?
Pacesetter vs. Pretender – Are you setting standards—or just claiming credit?
Principled vs. Parochial – Are you driven by values—or narrow interest?
Pillar vs. Provocateur – Are you a source of stability—or instability?
Performer vs. Paralytic – Can you deliver on promises—or not?
Persuader vs. Propagandist – Are you shaping truth—or spinning it?
In a networked world, how you are perceived is how you are positioned. Trust multiplies power. Distrust constrains it.
🟥 S – Security Power
Security remains the foundation of sovereignty. But in this century, strength must be credible, agile, and integrated—not just big.
Ready vs. Reactive – Are you prepared before crises—or scrambling after?
Agile vs. Archaic – Are your systems built for speed and complexity?
Integrated vs. Isolated – Do your alliances function as one—or as many?
Credible vs. Hollow – Do others believe in your deterrence—or doubt it?
Security is no longer just about how much you spend. It’s about how well your systems deter, mobilize, and adapt.
Strategic Coherence: The Real Test of Power
Each GRIPS pillar matters. But strategic power emerges not from excelling in one—but from integrating all five.
A country with advanced tech but poor governance will find innovation undercut.
A nation with a strong military but no narrative trust may deter no one.
A government that acts short-term will erode resilience—no matter how wealthy it is.
That’s why GRIPS is not a checklist. It’s a blueprint.
It reveals where a nation is strong, where it’s stretched—and where misalignment may invite strategic failure.
Because in this era, strength alone isn’t enough. Strategic coherence is the new advantage.
