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.
In the Shaping Futures section of this week’s BGF Weekly, we spotlight the influential article “Operationalizing AI Ethics Principles” by Dr. Cansu Canca, published in the Communications of the ACM.
Dr. Canca addresses one of the most pressing challenges in AI governance today: how to translate ethical principles into actionable practices within organizations developing and deploying AI. As ethical declarations proliferate, real-world mechanisms to enforce, monitor, and assess AI ethics remain limited. This article outlines pathways to embed ethics directly into AI development lifecycles, ensuring that principles are not just symbolic but operational and measurable.
At the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and within the AI World Society (AIWS), this work resonates deeply with our efforts — from the AIWS 7-Layer Model of AI Ethics to the Boston Finance Accord for AI Governance 24/7 — to build frameworks where ethics guide innovation systematically and transparently.
Dr. Canca’s approach offers valuable insights for leaders, innovators, and policymakers seeking to ensure that AI technologies are developed with accountability, fairness, and societal benefit at their core.
In 2007, Abe resigned as Prime Minister due to illness. Many viewed him as politically finished.
Yet in 2012, he made a dramatic return. His unprecedented second chance inspired many Japanese who had once lost confidence in themselves.
“Japan is back” – A Message to the World
In January 2013, Abe declared “Japan is back” at CSIS in Washington. For many Japanese abroad,
it was a powerful moment of pride and reassurance, seeing their country speak with strength and clarity.
Japan’s Longest-Serving Postwar Prime Minister
His second term lasted over 7 years—the longest in postwar Japanese history. This brought rare political stability and a consistent voice for Japan on the global stage.
Championing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Abe emphasized cooperation among democratic nations, laying the foundation for the Quad partnership (Japan, U.S., Australia, India) and raising Japan’s strategic presence in the region.
Leading TPP Without the U.S.
After the U.S. withdrew from the TPP, Abe led the remaining countries to form TPP-11. He demonstrated Japan’s capacity to lead in global trade.
A Reformer Who Embraced Difficult Challenges
From education and corporate governance to women’s empowerment, Abe pursued long-term reforms with a clear vision of Japan’s future competitiveness.
Symbol of Reconciliation and Peace
Abe visited Pearl Harbor with President Obama and welcomed him to Hiroshima—moments that drew global attention and embodied a commitment to peace.
Transforming Japan’s Security Policy
By allowing limited collective self-defense through new legislation, Abe redefined Japan’s postwar defense posture and international responsibility.
Diplomatic Balance with Trump and Xi
Even during global instability, Abe skillfully maintained relations with both President Trump and President Xi, showcasing his diplomatic acumen.
A Source of Pride for Young Japanese Abroad
To many Japanese living overseas, Abe symbolized a more confident and proactive Japan. His leadership helped them reclaim a sense of national pride.
Personal Reflection from a Japanese Abroad:
“When I was studying in Washington, I watched Abe deliver his ‘Japan is back’ speech. For the first time, I felt that Japan was speaking to the world—with confidence. It made me proud of my country.”
Akiko Kawai
Boston Global Forum
Abe was the first Japanese prime minister to visit the USS Arizona Memorial
In the World Leader Award Section of this week’s BGF Weekly, we proudly introduce insights and reflections from distinguished members of the BGF Board of Thinkers on prominent global leaders who have shaped peace, security, and democracy.
This section serves as a space where BGF leaders comment, evaluate, and analyze the legacies of world leaders, offering perspectives that enrich our understanding of their contributions to global affairs. Their reflections complement the values of the World Leader for Peace and Security Award and the World Leader in AIWS Award, which honor individuals whose leadership transforms the world for the better.
This week, we feature an illuminating reflection by Honorable Mark Kennedy, Member of the BGF Board of Thinkers and Director of the Wilson Center’s Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition, on the enduring legacy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In his article for The Hill, Mark Kennedy underscores why Abe’s vision, leadership, and commitment to democratic alliances in the Indo-Pacific are worthy of the highest recognition.
On July 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law a historic bill regulating stablecoins, a pivotal step for the mainstream adoption of digital assets in the United States. As reported by Reuters, this legislation creates the first clear federal framework for stablecoins — cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional currencies like the US dollar — positioning the US at the forefront of crypto innovation and financial regulation.
This development echoes through the Four Pillars of the Boston Global Forum (BGF) — Peace, Democracy, Innovation, and Leadership — shaping how technology, governance, and global finance intersect in the AI and digital age.
1️. Peace: Financial Stability in the Digital Age
Stablecoins, when properly regulated, can reduce volatility in digital transactions and promote safer, more transparent financial ecosystems. By establishing a federal regulatory regime, the US aims to prevent risks of fraud, instability, and misuse that could threaten economic security — contributing to global financial peace.
2️. Democracy: Regulatory Clarity and Consumer Protection
The new law empowers federal agencies to oversee stablecoin issuers, ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of consumers’ rights. This aligns with democratic principles of fair markets, informed choice, and equal access to financial tools, essential for digital democracy.
With legal clarity, the law is expected to catalyze innovation in digital finance, fintech, and decentralized finance (DeFi). Entrepreneurs and financial institutions now have a defined path to develop new solutions, reinforcing the Boston Finance Accord for AI Governance 24/7 and BGF’s advocacy for ethical fintech and digital asset ecosystems.
4️. Leadership: US as a Standard-Setter
By enacting this law, the United States reclaims leadership in setting global standards for digital assets and blockchain technologies. This positions the US to influence international norms, ensuring that digital assets develop within ethical, transparent, and democratically governed frameworks — an objective deeply embedded in BGF’s Esteemed Digital Assets initiative.
BGF Perspective
At the Boston Global Forum, we recognize this milestone as a critical juncture for shaping the future of digital assets, governance, and financial inclusion. It reflects the need for continuous dialogue between policymakers, innovators, and global leaders to ensure that the evolution of finance supports peace, democracy, innovation, and ethical leadership.
We invite our global community to discuss:
✅ How should stablecoin governance evolve globally following the US model?
✅ What ethical safeguards must accompany financial innovations like stablecoins?
✅ How can digital assets advance peace and democratic values worldwide?
The Boston Global Forum and the AI World Society (AIWS) are pleased to highlight “An Ethics Model for Innovation: The PiE Model” developed by Dr. Cansu Canca, founder of AI Ethics Lab. Presented through her lecture at the AI Ethics Course, the PiE Model provides a practical and structured framework for integrating ethics into the innovation process — from ideation to implementation.
This model aligns closely with the AIWS Standards and Model, particularly in promoting:
✅ Ethical by Design innovation
✅ Inclusive decision-making that balances innovation with societal impact
✅ Responsible AI development guided by human-centered values
The PiE Model emphasizes the importance of embedding ethics at every stage of innovation, ensuring that new technologies, especially in AI and digital assets, advance peace, democracy, transparency, and social good — core principles of the AIWS 7-Layer Model of AI Ethics.
We encourage policymakers, innovators, and scholars in the AIWS ecosystem to explore the PiE Model as a complementary tool in developing ethical, sustainable, and governance-aligned innovations.
