INTLPOL257

The arc of innovative progress has reached an inflection point. Technological innovation has brought immeasurable benefits to billions through improved health, productivity, and convenience. Yet as recent events have shown, unless we actively manage their risks to society, ranging from privacy concerns, to rogue AI and gene editing, to massive potential job losses, to keeping up with China and others -- new technologies may also bring unforeseen destructive consequences. We will begin with a brief history of successful and unsuccessful governance of far reaching technological changes in the past. We then turn to key technologies and the dilemmas each create, in particular: digital/social media (privacy, truth, and election interference); AI/big data (algorithmic bias, etc); the coming biotech revolution (gene editing, bio weapons); driverless cars and car-less drivers: the future of work; and the role of China and other competitors. This class is designed for advanced students in international and public policy, or any technical discipline. The goal is to have a thoughtful exchange of ideas and you do not need prior expertise in any of these topics. We will have some fantastic guest speakers, and each class will be divided into understanding the problem, and thinking about some solutions. Enrollment will be limited to 20. You will learn to think and write like a policymaker tackling these novel concerns.