Securing Our Future: Addressing AGI Governance and Security Threats on a Planetary Scale

Jerome Glenn's letter to the editor of the Washington Post highlights the need for comprehensive security talks on artificial general intelligence (AGI) at the United Nations Security Council. He rightly expresses concern that focusing only on current forms of artificial narrow intelligence (ANI) such as ChatGPT and GPT-4 might neglect the potential risks posed by AGI, which could emerge in the next five to ten years. This analysis will explore the provided examples of AGI governance models and propose a hybrid solution for the UN to effectively address AGI governance and security threats.

Examples of AGI Governance Models:

Glenn, a global professional futurist and foresight scholar, on July 14th, 2023, provided a list of examples of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) Governance Models during his presentation at the Association of Professional Futurists (APF), Washington, D.C. gathering. The examples highlight the diverse approaches that can be taken to govern AGI effectively.

They present various governance models, each with its advantages and disadvantages. These models include:

1. IAEA-like or WTO-like model with enforcement powers,
2. IPCC-like model in conjunction with international treaties, 
3. International S&T Organization (ISTO) as a real-time global collective intelligence system,
4. Global Governance Coordinating Committees (GGCC) enforced by national sanctions and ad hoc legal rulings,
5. UN, ISO, and/or IEEE standards for auditing and licensing,
6. Putting AGI governance under different bodies like ITU, WTO, and WIPO, and
7. Establishing a Decentralized Semi-Autonomous TransInstitution.

The Hybrid Solution Model:
Considering the limited capacity of the UN to govern different domains of threats, a hybrid solution combining the IAEA operation and mission (#1) with the Decentralized Semi-Autonomous TransInstitution (#7) can be proposed. This strategic plan aims to leverage the strengths of both models to address AGI governance and security threats effectively.

Under this hybrid solution, the UN can replace human inspectors with ANI-enabled visual and camera inspections for monitoring nuclear facilities worldwide. By automating this process, countries attempting to build weapons-grade material can be swiftly identified, and appropriate actions can be taken. Violators would be automatically locked out of the world economy and banking system, while their officials would face sanctions and travel restrictions. Blockchain technology, biometrics, and smart contracts can be utilized to enforce these measures.

Expanding IAEA's Capacity for AGI Governance:
With the resources and institutional capacity of the IAEA freed up through the implementation of the hybrid solution, it can focus primarily on managing AGI. The organization can undergo transformation and expansion to effectively address the emerging challenges and risks associated with AGI. This includes developing policies, regulations, and oversight mechanisms to ensure the safe and responsible development of AGI technologies.

Establishing the Hundred Ninety Five Eyes (HNFE):
To reinforce the new institutional capacity of the IAEA and enhance its mission success, a UN summit can be called to establish the Hundred Ninety Five Eyes (HNFE). This collective worldwide real-time intelligence alliance, building on the model of the Five Eyes (FVEY), would involve all countries joining an international treaty to commit to sharing intelligence. The HNFE would govern the evolution of AGI, ensuring transparency, cooperation, and accountability among nations.

Policy Recommendation:

Based on the analysis above, the following policy recommendations can be made:

• The United Nations Security Council should prioritize discussions and formulate policies on AGI governance, acknowledging the potential existential risks posed by AGI in the near future.
• The hybrid solution model, combining the IAEA operation and mission with the Decentralized Semi-Autonomous TransInstitution, should be implemented to address nuclear technology governance and security threats effectively.
• The IAEA should focus dynamically and primarily on managing AGI, with its institutional capacity expanded and transformed to accommodate the new challenges.
• A UN summit should be organized to establish the Hundred Ninety Five Eyes (HNFE), a worldwide real-time intelligence alliance, to govern the evolution of AGI. This would ensure global cooperation, transparency, and accountability in AGI development and deployment.
• Continuous international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and periodic assessments should be conducted to adapt AGI governance policies and regulations to evolving technological advancements.

By adopting these recommendations, the UN can take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with AGI and establish a comprehensive international regulatory system that safeguards against the emergence of artificial superintelligence. This planetary approach ensures responsible development, fosters global cooperation, and promotes the beneficial use of AGI for the betterment of humanity.

The Complexities of Civilizational Identity

This essay explores the multifaceted nature of civilizational identity in the context of the United States and Europe. It examines the contrasting perspectives of different generations and immigrant populations, considering their historical experiences and contemporary challenges. By delving into the narratives of seeking refuge, leaving behind oppressive regimes, and grappling with the legacy of enslavement, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape identities within these societies. Furthermore, this essay draws parallels to the ancient biblical story of Exodus, shedding light on the enduring themes of liberation and the quest for freedom across time and space.

Introduction:
Civilizational identity encompasses a range of historical, cultural, and social elements that shape the collective consciousness of a society. The United States and Europe serve as intriguing case studies due to their rich histories of immigration and diverse population compositions. This essay aims to explore the interplay of civilizational identity within these contexts, with a particular focus on the experiences of different generations and immigrant communities. By examining the narratives of seeking refuge, confronting historical injustices, and the paradoxes inherent in these societies, we can gain valuable insights into the complex dynamics that influence identity formation.

The American Experience:
The United States has long been seen as a safe haven for individuals seeking refuge from oppressive regimes and societal constraints. The narrative of immigrants escaping kingdoms in Europe and Asia, leaving behind histories of enslavement, is deeply ingrained in the American ethos. While many Americans may overlook these experiences, the new generation of immigrant Americans resonates strongly with this narrative. Independence Day celebrations provide a poignant display of this diversity, where individuals from different nations unite under the U.S. flag, celebrating their newfound freedoms and leaving behind the atrocities of their homelands. However, the irony of American history is not lost; early European settlers themselves perpetuated slavery, contradicting the principles upon which the nation was founded.

Generational Divides and Shifting Priorities:
Amidst the backdrop of civilizational identity, generational differences emerge as a crucial factor. Some Americans, particularly those disgruntled with recent Supreme Court decisions, may prioritize their individual identities, such as LGBTQ, abortion, and racial equity rights, over a shared national identity symbolized by the U.S. flag. In contrast, newer waves of immigrants display a greater sense of allegiance to the U.S. flag, celebrating their escape from oppressive regimes and cherishing the opportunity for a fresh start in the promised land. This contrast highlights the evolving nature of civilizational identity within the American context.

Europe's Identity Quandary:
Similar dynamics can be observed in Europe, particularly in France, where tensions between native Europeans and new immigrants/refugees from Africa and West Asia have arisen. These newcomers aim to preserve their own distinct identities and values, often at odds with European norms. Paradoxically, some African and Asian immigrants align themselves with the political right, positioning themselves as more European than Europeans themselves. Their support for European values stems from fresh memories of the atrocities they fled from, as they strive to assist their European hosts in preserving their unique identities against the influx of immigrants who are reluctant to abandon their own cultural markers.

The Ancient Narrative of Exodus:
Remarkably, the narrative of escaping from oppressive regimes, crossing treacherous waters, and finding a promised land resonates not only in contemporary society but also in ancient stories such as the Old Testament's Book of Exodus. This biblical account of liberation from the Egyptian kingdom draws parallels with the experiences of immigrants and refugees today, highlighting the timeless yearning for freedom and the quest to leave behind enslavement. The endurance of these themes underscores the universal human desire for self-determination and the formation of identities grounded in independence and liberation.

Conclusion:
The complexities of civilizational identity within the United States and Europe reveal a multifaceted tapestry woven by the interplay of historical experiences, generational differences, and the challenges faced by immigrant populations. The narratives of seeking refuge, leaving behind oppressive regimes, and confronting historical injustices all contribute to the shaping of identities within these societies. By exploring these dynamics, we gain a deeper understanding of the nuances inherent in civilizational identity formation. Furthermore, the ancient biblical story of Exodus serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human quest for freedom and the timeless struggles faced by individuals seeking to forge their identities in new lands.