What is the “AI arms race” and why does it matter now?
Introduce the idea that AI development is happening faster than laws and ethics can keep up.

Topic Breakdown:

• The Players in the Race:

  • Nation-states: U.S., China, EU, and emerging countries

  • Tech giants: OpenAI, Meta, Google, Microsoft

  • Open-source developers and startups

• The Problem with Speed:

  • AI capabilities outpacing governance

  • Potential military and surveillance uses

  • “Move fast, break things” vs. long-term safety

• Who’s Regulating? Who’s Not?:

  • U.S. Executive Orders vs. no federal law

  • EU AI Act: Risk tiers and bans

  • China’s state-led model

  • Lack of cohesive global governance

• Tension: Innovation vs. Safety:

  • The case for regulation vs. the fear of stifling innovation

  • Public trust and misinformation

  • Tech leaders calling for pauses while expanding tools

Final Thoughts:
Can we balance progress and protection?
What happens if we don’t?
Leave listeners with a challenge: How do we choose to influence the future we’re racing toward?

Cipher explores the rise of artificial intelligence and other emerging tech over the years.

• Intro: What is AI adoption and why now?

• Historical Comparison:

  • Traditional art vs. digital art

  • Manual math vs. calculators vs. spreadsheets

  • Analog maps vs. GPS

• Pros:

  • Automation of repetitive tasks

  • Accessibility to complex tools

  • New jobs and industries

• Concerns:

  • Job displacement

  • Ethical implications

  • Data and privacy concerns

• Final Thoughts: Should we fear AI, embrace it, or both?