Collision Course

From the corridors of power to the frontiers of research, artificial intelligence has escaped the lab and become the defining force of our era. 'Collision Course' is a gripping, globe-spanning narrative that shows how the contest for AI dominance is not just a technological rivalry but a fundamental struggle over the future of human authority. Drawing on the latest developments—from AI kill switches and open-weight models to AI-driven science and voice assistants that manage our lives—the book reveals the hidden battles shaping our world.

Through vivid storytelling and incisive analysis, the book traces the arc of AI from a scientific curiosity to a matter of national security. It follows the engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who are building the future, and the dissidents, researchers, and regulators who are trying to build guardrails. From the U.S. government's 'Genesis Mission' to China's open-source challenge, from the boardrooms of OpenAI and Anthropic to the frontlines of cybersecurity, each chapter uncovers a new layer of the collision between ambition and accountability.

The heart of the book is the argument that we are witnessing the birth of a new world order—one where algorithms exert power in ways that states and citizens are only beginning to comprehend. As AI systems become more capable, the question is no longer whether they will surpass us in narrow tasks, but whether the frameworks we've built for governance, science, and human rights can withstand the pressure. With the stakes higher than ever, 'Collision Course' offers a clear-eyed look at the forces that will determine whether AI becomes a tool for liberation or a weapon of control.

A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the forces transforming our world, 'Collision Course' is a work of serious, accessible journalism that illuminates the most consequential story of our time.