by Editor | Oct 30, 2023 | News
Minh Nguyen is the Editor of the Boston Global Forum and a Shinzo Abe Initiative Fellow. She writes the Four Pillars column in the BGF Weekly newsletter.
This week saw the expansion of the ground war in Gaza. The IDF began pushing deeper into Gaza and expanded ground troop involvement. Israeli officials have been hesitant to call it a proper ground invasion though, perhaps in order to avoid an escalation by Hezbollah and Iran.
Germany has also been preparing for a military evac from Israel, stationing soldiers to Cyprus. However, there is danger of the war widening to the whole Middle East region. As Hezbollah and Iran have been saber-rattling over an IDF ground response, the US has responded in kind with deterrence, sending two carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean. The US has also conducted an airstrike in Syria on Iran-linked militant groups, after they (and other Iranian proxies) have fired upon US bases in the region. Furthermore, they have noted that Iran will be held responsible for any attack. The White House is preparing for a broader war too, as tension rises.
Over in the Pacific, there is a storm brewing too. Incidents in the South China Sea by China towards the Philippines have created concerns for safety in the region. The Philippines, traditionally a US ally and one (or rather, many) of the islands in the “Island Chain”, had been drifting out of alignment with the US during the late 2010s, but have been building ties back up again in light of increasing Chinese aggression. These recent provocations by China have not just been accidental, but deliberate actions perhaps. They must be countered and deterred not just by the US, but the Four Pillars.
It is also worth reading US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s piece in Foreign Affairs, which articulated the foreign policy vision of the US and the Biden administration.
by Editor | Oct 29, 2023 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
October 29, 2023
Dear our friends,
The alarm over the “existential threat” of AI is resounding throughout social, popular, and trade media. Calls for the pause, regulation and ethical oversight over AI are ubiquitous. Tech giants like Open AI, Meta, MS, Google and slew of well-funded startups are decrying the perils of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) while developing and promoting their own AI products. Yet there is little discussion of the impending science of what intelligence might be and its origin in the fundamental physics of life, and hence, the natural role of “intelligence” in all aspects of life, human and non-human. The current framing of threats and opportunities are all in the context of machine-based AI, where the formative issues are engineering and commercial viability to be mitigated by historically failed modes of regulation and oversight. The business models and regulatory models remain the same, the a priori extraction of maximum value by private interests with the a posteriori mitigation of negative externalities by public institutions. It is an open question whether such default modes of oversight will suffice for AI.
There are those of us, however, that believe we are the brink of an exciting, foundational, cross disciplinary scientific “breakthrough” in our understanding of what constituted “living things”, and “extended cognition” at all scales and domains. This breakthrough is every bit as consequential as genomics and synthetic biology, and therefore, emphatically should be treated with the same, if not even greater, oversight scientific caution and rigor. If at all possible, “AI” should not become captive to unbridled commercial and political interests as has been the record for the many technological innovations. That may prove to be a naive hope, as already machine learning algorithms to enhance “engagement” (e.g., addiction) continue to spread cognitive opiates of fear, grievance, and conspiracy. Such elementary AI have fundamentally contorted public perceptions of vaccinations, elections, the economy, history, and even science itself. Should this trend continue, and indeed be amplified through “AI”, the need, indeed, the demand for trusted evidence-based, tested, and calibrated content and expertise will become paramount. If, as many analysts predict, “Artificial Intelligence” will be ubiquitous and underpin virtually every application and organizational function imaginable, then intelligence itself must be understood in the most rigorous of scientific protocols and adhere to principles of data provenance. To inoculate ourselves from the future abuses of Artificial Intelligence, much less Artificial Generalized Intelligence (AGI), we will need the through and independent vetting and protocols of science. We will need policy and technology be thoroughly grounded and vetted by the very of best scientific practices. Such an approach might lead to new ways of overseeing and directing AI that are not a posteriori corrective, but a priori principles intrinsic to the forms of intelligence being synthesized.
Through the combined efforts of the Active Inference Institute, whose founding principles are grounded in science and the computational physics and biology of living intelligences and open technologies, and the Boston Global Forum, whose mandate is the formation of global policies and AI World Society model for the inclusive and beneficial application of AI, there can be real opportunities to not only influence the public narrative around AI, but undertake collaborations to further the scientific understanding of living intelligences and provide scientifically informed policies and guidance. The signatories to the attached letter embrace these views and those expressed in the signatory letter.
by Editor | Oct 29, 2023 | News
Dear Governor Michael Stanley Dukakis,
As you celebrate your 90th birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone. Your contributions as Governor of Massachusetts, your leadership at the Boston Global Forum, and your pivotal role in the AI World Society, a significant initiative for a better world with AI, have left an indelible mark on our world. I hold deep appreciation for the valuable insights you shared with me, especially your experiences from the Korean War, during our time together at your home. In a world where the struggle between democracy and autocracy continues to intensify, marked by events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the terrorist attacks on Israel, your profound knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment to peace are more crucial than ever.
As we face these global challenges, I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to steer the world toward a more peaceful future, side by side. Your wisdom and dedication remain indispensable on this journey. I offer my sincerest prayers for your ongoing health and well-being and wish for your continued significant contributions in the years ahead.
With the utmost respect.
by Editor | Oct 29, 2023 | News
“From Massachusetts Miracle to AIWS – the Age of Global Enlightenment” is a compelling exploration of the remarkable journey and enduring legacy of Governor Michael Dukakis, a leader whose visionary contributions have transcended regional boundaries and political eras. This book comprises a collection of insightful chapters, each delving into distinct aspects of Governor Dukakis’s life and career, shedding light on his pivotal role in the emergence of the Massachusetts Miracle, his relentless dedication to the AI World Society (AIWS) and the United Nations Centennial Initiative, and his leadership in fostering the Boston Global Forum’s impactful initiatives. Furthermore, it offers a glimpse into the transformative vision of AIWS City and Global Enlightenment Mountain, two initiatives that epitomize Governor Dukakis’s commitment to creating a brighter, more enlightened future. As a unique addition, the book features reflections from distinguished leaders and thinkers who have been touched by Governor Dukakis’s enduring influence, providing a comprehensive perspective on the depth of his contributions to global progress and enlightenment. This book stands as a testament to Governor Dukakis’s enduring commitment to shaping a better world and the far-reaching impact of his remarkable journey.
The book will be unveiled at the Celebration Governor Michael Dukakis’s 90th Birthday at Harvard University Loeb House, November 2, 8:30 am – 11:30 am.
by Editor | Oct 23, 2023 | News
Minh Nguyen is the Editor of the Boston Global Forum and a Shinzo Abe Initiative Fellow. She writes the Four Pillars column in the BGF Weekly newsletter.
It has been a long week, but President Biden visited Israel this week, affirming US support for Israel and humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also noted that Israel should not make the same mistakes the US did after 9/11. However, his visit to the Middle East was cut short due to Egypt and Jordan pulling out after a now-debunked report about an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza hospital. After returning to the US, Biden addressed the country during prime time to urge support and funding for Ukraine and Israel. He invoked the “arsenal of democracy”, saying that these conflicts represent an inflection point in history, rallying support for the countries in the fight for democracy and against terrorism and authoritarianism.
Other pillar leaders, such as PM Rishi Sunak, also visited Israel in the past week. He also visited Saudi Arabia and Egypt in a peacemaking effort as well.
More recently in the week, there have been efforts by the US and the EU, two of the four pillars, to moderate the Israeli response and secure humanitarian aid into Gaza. Two Israeli-American hostages, a mother and daughter, were released on grounds of health, and the first humanitarian convoys entered Gaza over the weekend.
As Israel continues its airstrikes campaign on Hamas in Gaza and border skirmishes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, it is unclear which direction the conflict will head. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, an IDF spokesperson, stated that Israel will halt the Gaza ground invasion if all hostages are released, but this is seen more as a bluff than a credible demand.
President Biden, PM Trudeau, President Macron, Chancellor Schulz, PM Sunak, and PM Meloni released a joint statement on October 22. In it, they affirmed support for Israel and humanitarian aid to Gaza, and stated they remain committed to being involved in the situation for peace.
It is now official that the US is supplying Ukraine with ATACMS for the first time, which are long-range missiles that allow Ukraine to target Russian systems that were previously unreachable. The first strikes saw helicopters and air defense systems hit. The US had previously denied requests for such weaponry, but has silently sent them to Ukraine, in order to get some element of surprise on Russia.
In the Asia-Pacific, the US, Japan, and South Korea held their first-ever joint aerial exercise. This is another step in closer relations between the three countries and two pillars, as they try to mitigate the rising Chinese threat in the region. Closer cooperation between Japan and South Korea is to be even more emphasized, given the historical grievances between the two.
