In the past few weeks, some of the world’s leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts have spoken up about the risks of letting AI models loose. Whether that is hijacking our heavily connected communications and infrastructure systems or triggering further geopolitical conflict, handing over decision-making to a tool that lacks human reasoning poses risks that are hard for us to even contemplate.
A group of experts has started pushing for a treaty to limit such risks with their AI 2040 Plan.
Here’s a recent NYT podcast on the topic, and another informative interview is here.
I asked Jonathan about the infamous “Hugging Face” attack by a group of AI agents and how that signals the unpredictability of AI choice when not constrained by the unwritten and internal rules of human cooperation.
One thing I didn’t get to discuss more with Jonathan was the type of basic economic sense check I usually make. For example, the AI 2040 Plan lists as its fourth risk that AI takes everyone’s jobs. But economists know that technology that replaces work will itself create new work opportunities. And we weren’t able to discuss the upside either—what if the most powerful AI agents realise that if humans stop fighting wars amongst their tribes and learn to cooperate better, we will build them more data centres?
I’m always the optimist!
The Future of Affordable Housing - online webinar
Housing affordability and construction productivity are two of the most debated topics in our industry today. But are we missing some fundamentals?
I will be speaking at this event about fundamental economic issues in our understanding of construction productivity and its apparent decline.
Book here. Use code LAW15 for a 15% FET supporter discount.
Dates: Friday, October 2, 2026 & Friday, October 9, 2026
Times: 4.00PM - 6.30PM
CPD hours: 5 (5 formal points)
Speakers: Cameron Murray, Fresh Economic Thinking; Noura Thaha, Associate Principal, Group GSA; Stephen White, Director Planning Urbis; Lindsay Clare, Clare Design; Kim Houghton, Economic Solutions (Regional Housing Issues in Australia); Geoff Hanmer, Architect & Lecturer at UTS; John Baker, Founding Director, BKA Architecture
As always, please like, share, comment, and subscribe. Thanks for your support. You can find Fresh Economic Thinking on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
