Donald Trump’s refusal to engage with the potential dangers of artificial intelligence has been criticised as evidence that the US president is no longer equipped to lead on major global challenges.
The criticism came in response to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s warning that the post-1945 international order was “no longer fit for purpose”. One correspondent argued that Mr Trump’s opposition to regulation of AI, despite concerns raised by leaders of companies developing the technology, reinforced that assessment.
Trump has also condemned Australia’s plans to overhaul social media algorithms and regulate harmful content, according to the correspondence.
Another letter argued that Mr Albanese had recognised the changing international landscape but should use the moment to pursue a more independent Australian foreign policy, rather than continuing to describe the US alliance as its “anchor”.
The writer said Australia should instead strengthen ties with Canada and liberal democracies in Europe, warning that an anchor could also drag down whatever remained attached to it.
Concerns over artificial intelligence regulation
A separate correspondent said one of the most troubling features of AI was that its workings and means of control were not fully understood, including by those who created it.
That uncertainty, the writer argued, made it possible for governments and industry figures to blame the technology for failures or negligence without their claims being reliably challenged.
The letters also questioned the broader direction of the Trump administration, with hopes expressed that American voters would use the midterm elections to limit the damage caused by the president’s policies.
One writer said signs of strong early voting, in a country where voting is not compulsory, could indicate a shift in support away from the Trump administration. Another expressed hope that a loss of control of Congress would allow the damage of the presidency to be repaired, while warning that the president had already shown contempt for established processes.
