Landmark Legislation: California Facing the World of Artificial Intelligence

Oct 1, 2024 Said El Mansour Cherkaoui 0 Comment

Hiring Artificial Intelligence or Smart People

by Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Oct 2, 2024 – TRI CONSULTING KYOTO TRI CK USA – Landmark Legislation: California Facing the World of Artificial Intelligence TRI CONSULTING KYOTO TRI CK USA – A California lawmaker will file a bill seeking to make generative AI models more transparent and start a discussion in the state on how to regulate the technology. California Senator Scott Wiener (D) has drafted a bill requiring “frontier” … Continue reading

A California lawmaker will file a bill seeking to make generative AI models more transparent and start a discussion in the state on how to regulate the technology. California Senator Scott Wiener (D) has drafted a bill requiring “frontier” model systems, usually classified as large language models, to meet transparency standards when they reach above a certain quantity of computing power. Wiener’s bill will also propose security measures so AI systems don’t “fall into the hands of foreign states” and try to establish a state research center on AI outside of Big Tech.

California lawmaker proposes regulation of AI models

Senator Scott Wiener’s bill seeks to require transparency from AI models.

The bill, which is classified as an intent bill and needs further development before it can pass, will also mandate AI labs to test models for safety risks and disclose to the state if safety risks are found. Wiener’s goal, per a statement sent to The Verge, is to start discussions on regulating AI.

California and Artificial Intelligence: To Be or Not To Be Meaningful Regulation?

California Weighed in below!

California AI safety bill blocked:

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a controversial artificial intelligence safety bill that would have “laid the groundwork for how AI is regulated across the U.S.”

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said SB 1047 is “well-intentioned” but doesn’t consider whether AI is deployed in high – or low-risk situations, and would have applied to only the largest and most costly models.

AI Bill SB 1047 faced opposition from tech companies large and small, who warned that it would strangle innovation.

Newsom said he’s now collaborating with researchers including Fei-Fei Li to create more effective legislation.

Read more Naturally and Intelligently:

California legislature passes AI bill SB 1047: https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/calif-legislature-passes-ai-bill-6144228/

An artificial intelligence safety bill was overwhelmingly approved by California legislators on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for final consideration. If enacted, the “fiercely debated” bill would require tech companies to safety-test AI programs before release and empower the attorney general to sue AI companies for any major harm caused by their technologies.

The bill earned cautious support from the likes and here are some of these reactions:

Elon Musk: “This is a tough call and will make some people upset, but, all things considered, I think California should probably pass the SB 1047 AI safety bill. For over 20 years, I have been an advocate for AI regulation, just as we regulate any product/technology that is a potential risk to the public.”

This is a tough call and will make some people upset, but, all things considered, I think California should probably pass the SB 1047 AI safety bill.

For over 20 years, I have been an advocate for AI regulation, just as we regulate any product/technology that is a potential risk…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 26, 2024

and Anthropic –

Anthropic Letter – AI Bill SB 1047 Download

While its opponents include OpenAI –

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/21/24225648/openai-letter-california-ai-safety-bill-sb-1047

and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi – https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-opposition-california-senate-bill-1047 .

Earlier, Gov. Newsom had not yet indicated whether he intends to approve the bill.

Meanwhile, on a federal level, OpenAI and Anthropic have agreed – https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-29/openai-anthropic-agree-to-work-with-us-institute-on-safety-testing?srnd=homepage-americas – to work on safety testing with the Commerce Department’s AI Safety Institute.

Governor Newsom announces new initiatives to advance safe and responsible AI, protect Californians: Sep 29, 2024

What you need to know:

Governor Newsom announced that the “godmother of AI,” Dr. Fei-Fei Li, as well as Tino Cuéllar, member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Social and Ethical Implications of Computing Research, and Jennifer Tour Chayes, Dean of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society at UC Berkeley, will help lead California’s effort to develop responsible guardrails for the deployment of GenAI.

Governor Newsom also ordered state agencies to expand their assessment of the risks from potential catastrophic events.

Global Risk Analysis

Jun 13, 2024 Said El Mansour Cherkaoui 0 Comment

Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Ph.D.

★ Strategic Catalyst Driving U.S.-Morocco-Africa Investment, Trade, and Business Development ★ Senior Policy Adviser in International Affairs ★ Accomplished Public Speaker ★ Distinguished News Executive Editor ★

The recent decline in the United States’ standing in the Arab world and China’s growing influence indeed has significant implications. Let’s break down some key points:

Public Opinion Shift:

A new public opinion survey reveals that Arab citizens’ views of the United States have sharply declined due to its support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza.
China, surprisingly, emerges as the main beneficiary in the region.

China’s Diplomatic Gains:

Beijing is capitalizing on this situation, reaping diplomatic rewards with minimal investment.
China’s humanitarian aid, high-level visits, and rhetorical support for the Palestinians are paying off.

Impact Beyond the Middle East:

China’s benefits extend beyond the Middle East to Southeast Asia.
Public approval of the U.S. among Muslim-majority populations in Southeast Asia has also fallen sharply.

U.S. Political Polarization:

American politicians used to care about global perceptions of the U.S., but today’s intense political polarization hinders such considerations.
President Biden faces constraints due to internal divisions within Congress and his own party.

China’s Rising Influence:

The longer the Gaza conflict persists, the more China’s standing grows in the Middle East and the Global South.

In this complex geopolitical landscape, the balance of power is shifting, and China is strategically leveraging opportunities.

Source: Arab world holds overwhelmingly negative view of the US over support for Israel: Poll – Story by Laura Kelly • 4mo • 4 min read

The Recipe for World Madness In the Islamic Regions

Since Father Bush’s Presidency, the equation of U.S. Foreign Policy has tilted toward direct intervention and reshaping of the Muslim World of North Africa, Subsaharan Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Today is the return of the crank of an engine that rusted given that no improvement in the living conditions of the masses occurred despite all the given promises that the change of regimes will bring better life.

This lack of materialization added more burden on the shoulders of the people on top of the ones driven by the new rulers installed in a new democratic way made the United States Foreign Policy be seen as a change in the continuity if not worsening the social, economic, and financial structures in these regions.

The East and the West rivalry exacerbated these localized tensions resulting from the direct competition between China and the United States, the split of the World Geopolitics in dual and multipolar divisions also deepened.

The evolving landscape of U.S. foreign policy in the Islamic regions has been marked by complex dynamics and shifting priorities. Let’s explore some key aspects:

Post-Cold War Interventions: Since the era of President George H.W. Bush, U.S. foreign policy has increasingly involved direct intervention and reshaping in Muslim-majority regions.

North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia have been focal points for strategic engagement.

Unfulfilled Promises: Despite promises of positive change under new regimes, living conditions for the masses have not significantly improved.

The gap between expectations and reality has burdened the population.

Continuity and Challenges: The transition to democratic governance has sometimes failed to address underlying social, economic, and financial issues.

Some perceive U.S. foreign policy as perpetuating existing structures rather than effecting positive transformation.

Global Rivalries: The rivalry between the East (China) and the West (United States) has intensified localized tensions.

Geopolitical divisions have deepened, impacting stability and regional dynamics.

In this complex landscape, the pursuit of stability, development, and peace remains a delicate balancing act.

How about Africa where the U.S. presence like France is no more accepted such today in Niger with the rapatriation of the U.S. forces from Niger, 900 soldiers and the rejection of the French army presence by Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso along the rise of Russian intelligence and military and the Chinese financial and economi presence in the same area of Africa

Case studies that shed light on the challenges related to U.S. foreign policy in the Islamic regions:

US Foreign Policy and Conflict in Eurasia:

This series examines the role of U.S. foreign policy in exacerbating or ameliorating hostilities among and within Muslim nations.
It explores tensions between Islamic groups and the West, particularly in the context of security concerns after 9/11.
Case studies delve into specific instances where U.S. actions influenced dynamics in the region.

Key Challenges for U.S. Policy in the Middle East:

This policy brief analyzes pressing issues in the Middle East for U.S. policymakers.

Topics include the evolution of Islamist politics, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, security in the Persian Gulf, and displacement.

The brief provides policy recommendations based on expert insights.

Challenges within the Muslim World:

Decisions made during the Cold War to counter the Soviet Union had unintended consequences.
U.S. support for religious radicals in Afghanistan in the 1980s contributed to the rise of Islamist extremism.
The fight against al-Qaeda and other radical groups today traces back to those policy choices.

These case studies highlight the complexities and long-term implications of U.S. engagement in the Islamic regions.

African nations navigate a delicate balancing act in their relations with multiple global powers.

Diversification: African countries engage with various powers, including the United States, China, Russia, and regional actors. By diversifying partnerships, they avoid overreliance on any single nation.

Pragmatism: African leaders prioritize national interests over ideological alignment. They seek economic, security, and development benefits from different partners.

Balancing Act: African nations balance cooperation and competition among major powers.

Evolving dynamics in Africa, where various global powers are asserting their influence:

French Withdrawal:

French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to withdraw French troops from Niger came after demands from the country’s military leadership.
This move reflects a broader trend of French withdrawals from African countries, including Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, and Mali.
Anti-French sentiment has been on the rise across parts of the continent.

U.S. Presence:

The U.S. maintains approximately 1,100 troops in Niger, despite the French withdrawal.
Washington aims to enhance its influence in the region, but it should heed the French setback as a cautionary tale.
Relying on venal, corrupt, and illegitimate regimes can carry significant risks, especially if those regimes are overthrown.

Russian Influence:

Russia has been expanding its presence in Africa, using private military companies (PMCs) like the Wagner Group.
Russian involvement includes security support, military alliances, and economic ties.
The fallout from the war in Ukraine has accelerated Russia’s efforts to tilt Africa in its favor.

Chinese Engagement:

China is Africa’s largest trading partner, investing heavily in infrastructure, trade, and development loans.
While China’s economic and military involvement still lags behind that of the West, it continues to grow.
African countries seek to avoid choosing sides between major powers, viewing it as a relic of the Cold War era.

In this complex landscape, African nations must navigate competing interests while maintaining agency in global frameworks. They aim to maximize gains while minimizing risks.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has significant implications for global dynamics, including China’s role. Here are some key points:

China’s Diplomatic Influence: As Russia’s actions face international condemnation, China has positioned itself as a diplomatic player in the South and beyond.

Beijing’s engagement with countries seeking alternatives to U.S.-Russia tensions strengthens its standing.

South-South Cooperation:

China’s alignment with the Global South, including G77 nations, elevates its influence on multilateral systems and global norms.

By fostering stronger ties, China becomes a peer to G7 economies.

Strategic Calculations:

China’s support for Russia is multifaceted. It goes beyond the military conflict and aligns with its response to U.S. containment strategies. Beijing’s investments and partnerships yield returns, even amid geopolitical complexities.

In this evolving landscape, China’s role as a diplomatic force continues to shape global relations.

In the case of Lobito investment, China hold the primary role and in the Central Africa and Sahel, Russia hold the military power making Africa to be more tuned toward a nationalistic approach for its development and using the colonialism and the neo-colonialism as the reason of changing the rulers by new military militants instead the legation of the western countries

Lobito Investment: The Lobito Atlantic Railway project, covering Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia, is a significant infrastructure initiative. Led by the United States, the project aims to enhance logistical infrastructure in southern Africa. However, Chinese state-owned enterprises and private companies already dominate critical mineral supply chains (such as copper and cobalt) needed for electric vehicle components. The Lobito Corridor project may inadvertently benefit Chinese companies more than originally intended.

Russia’s Military Influence: Russia has expanded military cooperation with former Portuguese colonies in West Africa. It seeks to spread influence from the landlocked Sahel and Central African Republic (CAR) into key waterways for regional and transatlantic shipping. Russian Atlantic basing in West Africa serves as an alternative to Mediterranean basing, potentially threatening NATO’s flank.

Nationalistic Approach: African nations are increasingly turning to military rulers due to declining confidence in civilian leaders. Weakness of African armies encourages preoccupation with domestic order. Military leaders plot against civilian orders they find intolerable, leading to coups d’état.

Changing Rulers: The continent has entered a period of political turmoil, with several states experiencing coups d’état. Possession of weapons often becomes a fast track to power for military officers. European troops rarely intervene during rapid coups, emboldening African officers.

China’s economic influence and Russia’s military presence shape Africa’s development and governance, with implications for nationalistic approaches and changes in leadership.

Business Development Entering Foreign Market Local Culture Market Intelligence Risk Analysis

Global Market: Diversity of Cultural Practices and Different Social Procedures

Feb 18, 2024 Said El Mansour Cherkaoui 0 Comment

Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Ph.D.

★ Senior Policy and Business Adviser ★ Consultant ★ News Executive Editor ★ Public Speaker ★

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui’s International Training Program:

Need to organize training sessions for your employees and workforce or lectures for your students, you can contact Dr. Said Cherkaoui at: saidcherkaoui24@gmail.com

Topic and Title of the Presentation:

Comparison of Marketing Practices and Procedures in the Western, Asian and Islamic Marketplaces and their Respective Cultural Environments.

Summary, Scope and Objectives:

In this Presentation, TRI CK USA will analyze and compare the Western, Asian and Islamic marketing and business strategies.

Drawing on our research into the role of global marketing, business and trade in formulating strategy for U.S., European and Asian companies, governmental agencies, academic institutions and professional services firms, TRI CK USA will address the failure and success in the definition, the design and the execution of global marketing strategies in regards to the local particularities within the regions we selected as representative of the Western, Asian and Islamic business practices and cultural characteristics.

TRI CK USA will also design models to compensate the lack of synergistic relationship between marketing and business strategies at the level of the adaptation and adjustment of the Market and Customer segments in relation to the Customer Lifetime Value, Customer Retention and Customer Relationship Management.

TRI CK USA will then provide a series of global recommendations focused on the localization and the customization of product issues, communication, organization structure, distribution, brand management and leadership to help international marketing “Gurus” to lead and to adopt strategy processes that can take in consideration the various local believes and practices.

In this presentation, TRI CK USA focuses on the gathering business information and indications, analyzing and processing the related data in business intelligence that can serve as inputs and vectors to the definition of strategies and feasibility studies or just case-study analysis.

Subsequently, my presentation is more than a show of PowerPoint slides, it is intended to be a powerful analytical tools, first-sight instruments and solid ressources made of practical and workable solutions that recommend and generate efficient environment scan, productive business intelligence and deep insight to be used in face fundamental challenges and transform international business opportunities and requirements into global success.

Pierre Loti dans son salon marocain Ã Rocherfort, 1890-1920

Cutting the Ribbon for Inauguration with Introductory Notes:

The multinational and the global corporations have differentiated approaches and strategies seeking expansion in foreign countries and international market. The multinational corporations define their international strategies for pre-selected sets and number of countries with customized and adapted products and services in accordance to the local cultural and business conditions.

In today’s globalized economy, corporations operate with a certain level of assertiveness and consistency. They consider the emergence of global markets as a standardized consumer demand that leaves no room for customization of the product or the service. This is mainly because of the rise of technological and standardized consumer products that are easier to produce and distribute at a global level.

However, while applications and other digital services can be customized to some extent, the same is not applicable for physical products. This makes it challenging for corporations to cater to individual preferences and demands of consumers in different markets.

Despite this, globalization is encouraged as it offers real competitive advantages for global corporations in terms of economies of scale in production, logistics and distribution, marketing, and inventory control and quality management.

As a result, global corporations can produce goods at a lower cost and distribute them more efficiently to consumers worldwide.

McDonald’s Tastes and Shapes

Geographic Segmentation

The global fast-food giant, has successfully adapted its menu and business strategies to diverse cultures around the world. Let’s delve into how McDonald’s approaches local culture in Africa and beyond:

Adaptation and Innovation:

McDonald’s strategic approach supports cultural diversity.

By adjusting their offerings to local markets, they achieve a wider reach than their competitors¹ ².

In Africa, this means incorporating flavors and ingredients that resonate with local tastes. For example:

Plantain-based sides in some African countries, reflecting local preferences.

McAloo Tikki in India, a vegetarian burger with spiced potato patty.

McChop in South Africa, featuring a grilled or fried chicken patty.

Respecting Cultural Differences:

McDonald’s adheres to each country’s policies and customs. They collaborate with local suppliers and source ingredients locally.

They celebrate cultural events through limited-time menu items. For instance, during Ramadan, they offer special meals in Muslim-majority countries.

By respecting cultural nuances, McDonald’s fosters goodwill and loyalty among diverse communities.

In summary, McDonald’s success lies in its ability to glocalize—combining global standards with local adaptation.

McArabia in the Middle East, a sandwich with grilled chicken or beef.

Within such considerations, TRI CK USA’s presentation is much more than a show of PowerPoint slides, it is intended to be a powerful analytical tools, first-sight instruments and solid ressources made of practical and workable solutions that recommend and generate efficient environment scan, productive business intelligence and deep insight to be used in face fundamental challenges and transform international business opportunities and requirements into global success.

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Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui is a writer and a speaker with published works on entrepreneurship, marketing, business operations and economics, international trade, economic development, cultural awareness and international politics. He has provided training to Entrepreneurs and Officials from USA, China and Vietnam, as well as from Africa and Europe.

Similarly, Dr. Cherkaoui has been known to teach these subjects on executive programs at business schools and international trade organizations.

Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Ph.D.

★ Senior Policy and Business Adviser ★ Consultant ★ News Executive Editor ★ Public Speaker ★

Originally Published • 8y – December 29, 2015

95 articles

International Trade Market Intelligence Risk Analysis Supply Chain Management

New Disruption of Trade From Red Sea and Black Sea to Panama Canal

Feb 2, 2024 Said El Mansour Cherkaoui 0 Comment

From the Red and Black Social Conflict of Stendhal to the Red and Black Seas of Conflicts of Ideologies and Power Disputes

International Trade Navigating in Trouble Waters and Moody Conflictual Swing.

Once more International Trade since the First World War International Competition, International Rivalries, International Geopolitical Interests, and International National Interests Can become the Justification for Invasion and Punitive Expeditions that can be also the Sparks that Can Link All the Ingredients of these Factors of Dissensions and Divisions in One Big Conflagration of Regional Zones of Tensions and Conflicts that can be colliding with each other with time, pretexts and intensity to became War of Civilizations and Institutions.

In 2023, continued geopolitical tensions, ongoing regional conflicts, and supply chain uncertainty had a tangible impact on international trade.

Disruptions in the Black Sea and Panama and Suez Canals

The Suez Canal, a critical waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, handled approximately 12% to 15% of global trade in 2023. UNCTAD estimates that the trade volume going through the Suez Canal decreased by 42% over the last two months.

At this juncture of troubling waters and muddy space, the Middle East can become the driving force behind the regional configuration and conglomeration of the Fractional Pieces for Peace or the pits of fire to spread over and become the Breaker of the International Market as Inherited from the Bretton – Woods Accords and the related establishment of the Institutional framing organizations as the Channels and the Conditioning structures for the exchange between the adhering nations.

What are the other avenues or road maps that will preserve the already-acquired privileges and advantages?

At the level of entreprises and compagnies, there is an approach that can reduce this exposure and risks that are conveyed by the clashes of civilizations and cultures of past history.

A questioning of the permissive conditions for the continuation of methods and forms of commercial exchanges can lead to the main point of dispute among advanced and less advanced economies. This question is centered on the valorization of countries as contributors in the international trade which are schematically divided between 3 large categories:

– The Producers of Natural Resources,
– The Manufacturers of Consumer Products,
– The Investors and the Owners of High Technologies.
– The Emerging Group of Countries that have Dual Form of Integration in the International Trade

Along with the added value of their manufactured products, they are countries that are hostage to the production of raw materials and natural resources without means of processing or in many cases without a knowledge of their process transformation and even control of the international circulation and exchange of their mining and natural resources.

A never concluded debate is also at the level of the formation and convertibility of value in its realization as added which since Ricardo and Marx debate has not yet been clearly defined, established in its applications and definitions at the level of the countries in progress of development characterized by economies that have not reached a high level of capitalization and reproduction of capital as national investment without recourse to international borrowing.

This shortfall remains in our time one of the fundamental pillars in the questioning of international trade clauses deeply planted by Western leading countries through all forms of regulation, declaration, conduction and monetization including the countries of the South can only adopt and accept forms of relationships in which they will have to increase their contributions without receiving the fair return and income.

Some challenges that are currently affecting global trade include:

– The U.S.-China trade war
– The Taiwan Strait crisis
– The East China Sea dispute
– The South China Sea dispute
– Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
– The Middle East conflict, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Irak, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan
– Africa: Military Coups, CEDEAO Crisis, the Withdrawal of Sahel Countries, Ethiopia and Tigray, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Libya
– Investment, Trade and Geostrategic Rivalry between USA, European Union, Russia, China and Turkey in Africa
– Recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Houthis, Response of the U.S. and U.K. with threats to Iran, considered as the Backers of the Houthis of Yemen
– Geopolitical tensions affecting shipping in the Black Sea

Geopolitical risks are the potential political, economic, military, and social risks that can emerge from a nation’s involvement in international affairs. They typically emerge whenever there is a major shift in power, a conflict, or a crisis.

Other challenges that are affecting trade include:

The strategic competition between the US and China
The UK’s departure from the European Union
Ongoing supply chain disruptions
Climate disasters
Political actions

Governments like Companies pursue their interests and develop relations around such principle that continuously need to be consolidated and reaffirmed as the priority for international interactions and regional collaborations. Political risk management is one of the major instrument to conduct and have in place to elevate the level of conscience and establish new forms of communications and responses with the major influencing elements and causes of the eruption and spread of detrimental consequences resulting from political events on a national or global scale, such as an armed conflict, constitutional referendum, election, or major policy developments. Changes in legislation or policies can also present a political risk for an organization.

Here are some ways to reduce political conflict affecting international trade:

Negotiate: Diplomatic negotiations are a key way to resolve conflicts and prevent wars.
Mediate: Mediation is a peaceful way to manage conflicts. It offers many advantages, and has been studied by scholars, practitioners, and students of political science, psychology, business management, and law.
Develop conflict resolution skills: These include mediation, dialogue facilitation, and consensus-building.
Set rules: Settling differences by talking and agreeing on rules is vital for reducing tension.
Use the WTO: Members can request the establishment of a panel to settle disputes if negotiations are not possible. The panel will issue a report, which can subsequently be appealed before the WTO’s Appellate Body on questions of law.
Promote Reformed and Fair Free Trade: Free trade between countries could reduce international conflict because trade forges connections between nations and gives each country an incentive to avoid war with its trading partners.

Basically many of these approaches had reach their limit in setting a path of collaboration and share of the same views on the resolution and anticipation of new antagonisms.

Red Sea, Black Sea and Panama Canal: UNCTAD raises alarm on global trade disruptions | UNCTAD

The UN’s trade and development body, UNCTAD, has raised profound concerns over escalating disruptions to global

According to a February 2024 article, the current challenges highlight the vulnerability of trade to geopolitical tensions and climate-related challenges. The article also states that collective efforts are needed to find sustainable solutions, especially for countries that are more vulnerable to these shocks. … Read more

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Disruptions in the Black Sea and Panama and Suez Canals