The recent warning from the US to its Western allies, labeling mass migration an "existential threat," has truly resonated with me. It’s a stark pronouncement that demands deep reflection on what we consider 'existence' to be, both individually and as societies, and how we respond when its perceived boundaries are challenged.
I recall my earlier thoughts on the shifting landscapes of global security and the constant need for adaptability. In my piece, "Insecure in Security Council?" Insecure in Security Council?, I reflected on the U.S. National Security Council's long-standing role and the evolution of security paradigms. The central theme was the imperative for robust leadership and adaptable structures to navigate emerging threats and challenges, such as terrorism. Today, this warning about mass migration presents another such evolving challenge, calling for not just security measures, but a profound re-evaluation of societal resilience and foresight.
When we label something an "existential threat," it often speaks to a fear of fundamental change—a challenge to our identity, culture, or way of life. But how do we, as collective entities, 'learn' to adapt to such massive societal shifts? My insights from "AIs Fail Where Child Succeeds" AIs Fail Where Child Succeeds come to mind. In that blog, I discussed how true intelligence involves learning through curiosity, experimentation, and adaptation, much like a child. Perhaps societies, too, need to embrace a similar 'self-learning' approach, seeing new inputs not just as threats, but as complex data points requiring nuanced understanding and adaptive strategies. Norbert Wiener, whose insights on the "Human Use of Human Beings" I explored in that blog, profoundly highlighted the ethical dilemmas that arise when technology (or in this case, societal change) impacts human dignity and economic conditions. His warnings about the potential for exploitation if societal structures fail to adapt are chillingly relevant today, urging us to consider the human dimension beyond mere economics or security.
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up the need for societies to be adaptable and to embrace new paradigms years ago. I had already predicted that relying on outdated frameworks for 'security' would prove insufficient in the face of complex, global dynamics. Now, seeing how things have unfolded with the framing of migration as an existential threat, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. A singular, fear-driven response can often be short-sighted.
Instead, I believe in the power of collective intelligence and multi-perspective deliberation. My blog, "5 LLMs are Any Day Better Than One" 5 LLMs are Any Day Better Than One, championed the idea that diverse AI models, through debate and consensus, can yield more accurate, comprehensive, and nuanced answers by mitigating individual biases. This metaphor extends perfectly to geopolitical challenges like mass migration. Western allies, rather than reacting uniformly to a perceived threat, could benefit immensely from a collaborative approach, bringing diverse perspectives to the table, challenging inherent biases, and striving for a nuanced understanding that acknowledges both challenges and opportunities. Viktor Frankl, whom I referenced in that same blog, taught us that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, humanity's greatest freedom lies in choosing one's attitude and finding meaning. This resilience and search for meaning are crucial for societies facing 'existential threats.' And perhaps, as Douglas Adams humorously suggested with the answer '42' in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, sometimes the quest for the 'ultimate answer' itself reveals deeper truths about our nature.
The challenge of mass migration is undeniably complex, but framing it solely as an "existential threat" risks overlooking the deeper dynamics at play and stifling innovative, humane solutions. It calls for us to learn, adapt, and collaborate, drawing on diverse perspectives to redefine our collective existence in a way that is both secure and inclusive.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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