I write about AI and Geopolitics
I grew up with the phrase “changing tack.” It’s an old sailing term. You change tack when you need to turn the boat, catch the wind differently, or avoid something in the water. In everyday life, it means you shift your strategy while keeping the same destination. You accept what you can’t control, stay flexible, … Read more
Here’s what I’m wrestling with—and why it matters beyond AI policy circles: In early July 2026, I asked thirteen frontier AI models two structured questions. The first was simple: is the world prepared for artificial general intelligence (systems that could match or surpass humans across many tasks) across six dimensions—technical infrastructure, regulation, safety and alignment … Read more
The AGI Poll Conjunction In early July 2026, I asked thirteen frontier models two blunt questions about AGI. On July 6, I asked whether the world is prepared for AGI across six areas: technical infrastructure, regulation, safety and alignment, economic readiness, public awareness, and international cooperation. Every model said no. On July 7, I asked … Read more
Naming and Defeating the Brain of the Beast We’ve been on a journey in this series. We’ve looked at big historical changes, like the printing press and the internal combustion engine. We’ve seen how they led to today’s knowledge economy. And we’ve explored the tough math of algorithmic control. We’ve also mapped out the future’s … Read more
Weaponizing Friction and the Blueprint of the Durable Person If you just read the last essay and felt a cold, deep dread, you’re not wrong. That feeling of being stuck isn’t a failure on your part. It’s exactly what the system wants. When we face a huge, automated system, we can feel small. It’s too … Read more