The AI era is a data-driven era. Yes, there are abstractions around models, and theoretical research. But there’s also a move toward common findings, and fact, especially in terms of open source models and community research.
I had these thoughts on my mind as I sat in the central hall, preparing to see Volodymyr Zelensky address an audience for the WEF at Davos, while I was there putting on the Imagination in Action event that brought so many people together to think about AI. The sense of expectation, of world-destiny, was palpable, and although Zelensky’s talk was squarely rooted in geopolitics, I thought there was some crossover with what we did at IIA – not just in solving complex problems, but in bringing a common eye to what we face in these times.
Zelensky started with a surprising reference to 1980s American film culture. “Everyone remembers the great American film ‘Groundhog Day,’” he said, even naming the actors Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. “But no one would want to live like that. Repeating the same thing for weeks, months, and of course for years.”
He explained.
“Just last year here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words, ‘Europe needs to know how to defend itself,’” Zelensky said. “A year has passed, and nothing has changed.”
Fortress Europa
Much of Zelensky’s talk, in fact, centered around that principle – that an embattled Europe needs a sense of self-reliance, in a world where international partnerships are becoming strained. He mentioned Greenland, and protests in Iran, and the fact that, with all that is happening, Putin evades consequence for the ongoing war with Ukraine. Calling for more sanctions, and a “special tribunal for Russian aggression,” Zelensky did note prospects for planning in the cessation of hostilities at his borders.
“Once the ceasefire begins, there will be … joint patrols and partner flags on Ukrainian soil. And that is a very good step, and the right signal that the U.K. and France are ready to actually commit their forces on the ground, and there is already a first agreement on that.”
But again and again, Zelensky came back to a broader assessment of Europe’s general situation and outlook, and how there’s a need to recalibrate for the end of the rules-based order that existed through the end of the tumultuous twentieth century.
“Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today,” Zelensky said. “Action that defines what kind of future we will have.”
A concrete example:
“Today, Europe relies only on the belief that if danger comes, NATO will act,” he continued. “But no one has really seen the alliance in action. If Putin decides to take Lithuania or strike Poland, who will respond? Who will respond? Right now, NATO (holds) to a belief that the United States will act, that it will not stand aside, and will help. But what if it doesn’t?”
This, I thought, represents part of Zelensky’s thesis here:
“If Europe is not seen as a global force, if its actions don’t scare bad actors, then Europe will always be reacting, catching up with new dangers and attacks,” he said. “We all see that the forces trying to destroy Europe do not waste a single day. They operate freely, even operate inside Europe.”
And Zelensky, in some ways, modeled that sense of assertion.
“Every victor (sic) who lives off of European money while trying to sell out European interest deserves a smack upside the head,” Zelensky said, in a sort of Batman-esque visualization of the conflict. “And if (Putin) feels comfortable in Moscow, it doesn’t mean we should let European capitals become little Moscows. We must remember what separates Russia from all of us. The most fundamental line of conflict between Russia and Ukraine and all of Europe is this: Russia fights to devalue people to make sure that when dictators want to destroy someone, they can.”
Fragmented and Fractured
Another theme in Zelensky’s talk was the lack of a unifying power on the European continent.
“Instead of becoming a truly global power, Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers,” he said. “Instead of taking the lead in defending freedom worldwide, especially when America’s focus shifts elsewhere, Europe looks lost trying to convince the U.S. president to change … some Europeans are really strong. It’s true. But many say we must stand strong, and they always want someone else to tell them how long they need to stand strong, preferably until the next election … leaders say we must defend European interests, but they hope someone else will do it for them.”
Working with the Americans
Later, in an on-stage interview, Zelensky spoke positively about meetings with the Americans on a possible solution.
“We need very much to have the United States, for the future, for security guarantees,” he said. “We understand that Europe has to be stronger, but Europe will need time, and today, America is very strong, and I think that our teams worked well.”
An AI War
Another thing that came up during the interview was infrastructure, with Zelensky explaining the need to rebuild hospitals, schools, etc. and I was thinking about the applications of AI to this process. The two also mentioned drones, and this war is the first in history to feature these specific types of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) that increasingly rely on AI engines for navigation and operational integrity.
So that’s a little about my experience at this notable keynote address by a world leader who is, as he says, always acting in the interests of a country beset by obstacles, in the chaotic landscape of the twenty-first century. Stay tuned.
