A NYT article (not paywalled) argues that AI (artificial intelligence) is wearing down democracy worldwide. The article asserts that AI content in now a factor in elections everywhere. Most of the AI content is divisive, misleading to voters and discrediting of the democratic process. Officials and experts find that AI has demeaned or defamed opponents. That has begun to have a detectable impact on election results. The technology amplifies social and partisan political divisions, and it intensifies antigovernment sentiment. That is true especially on the far right, which has surged in recent elections in Germany, Poland and Portugal. The NYT comments:
In Romania, a Russian influence operation using A.I. tainted the first round of last year’s presidential election, according to government officials. A court there nullified that result, forcing a new vote last month and bringing a new wave of fabrications. It was the first major election in which AI played a decisive role in the outcome. It is unlikely to be the last.
We are under authoritarian anti-democracy attack on multiple fronts in all democratic countries. It looks like worldwide democracy is failing. Democracy appears to be incapable of mounting a strong enough defense to protect itself. The cognitive load in defense of democracy is far higher than the load of authoritarian and kleptocrat attacks based on lies, slanders, crackpottery, BS, etc.
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CNN and other sources (this too) are reporting that djt has reached an agreement with China on trade and US access to critically necessary rare earth minerals. China controls ~90% of global rare earth processing. However, the reporting hints at something different than a smiley face agreement. For example, details of the alleged agreement are scarce. Major issues remain unresolved. China can game the deal to its advantage. Given djt's track record of constant mendacity and shockingly poor negotiating ability, this deal felt like it is probably much more a propaganda stunt than something of serious substance.
The deal calls for China to accelerate approvals for rare earth export licenses to the U.S., reviewing applications "in accordance with the law". China's Commerce Ministry confirmed it would approve "eligible applications" for controlled items, citing rare earths. What "in accordance with the law" and "eligible applications" mean is not clear.
Also, past agreements, e.g., May’s Geneva deal, have collapsed quickly. Experts express "tempered expectations" given the opaque terms. Without diversifying its rare earth supply chains by domestic production or alliances the US has only an illusion of security. Collectively, all of this looks like a good deal for China. Beyond a MAGA propaganda point, what this deal is for the US is not clear.
It looks like djt is gaslighting us.
Q: Is djt gaslighting us?
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