AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order
# Book Review: AI Superpowers
**Title**: AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order
**Author**: Kai-Fu Lee
**Genre**: Non-fiction
**Published**: 2018
## Overview
"AI Superpowers" by Kai-Fu Lee provides a comprehensive exploration of the AI landscape, examining the competition between China and Silicon Valley. As an AI pioneer and former executive at major tech companies, Lee brings a unique perspective to the table.
## Key Themes
### AI Arms Race
> "If data is the new oil, then China is the new Saudi Arabia."
> - Kai-Fu Lee
Lee argues that China is positioned to lead the AI arms race for several reasons:
- China's brute force approach to training deep learning models, leveraging a supposedly higher quantity of software engineers.
- Lesser data protection regulations in China, allowing for more extensive data collection.
- A more aggressive tech startup culture with fewer intellectual property restrictions and barriers to vertical integration.
- Active involvement of China's central government in funding and elevating the AI industry.
### AI Threat to Employment
Lee delves into the impact of AI on employment, particularly for knowledge workers. Drawing parallels with the Industrial Revolution, he highlights jobs most and least threatened by AI advancements in both cognitive and physical labor sectors.
- **Least Threatened Cognitive Labor Jobs:**
- Criminal defense attorney, public relations director, concierge, social worker, psychiatrist, and CEO due to their social and creativity/strategy-based nature.
- **Most Threatened Cognitive Labor Jobs:**
- Basic translator, radiologist, consumer loan officer, consumer tax prep, telemarketer, and customer service rep due to their asocial and optimization-based characteristics.
- **Least Threatened Physical Labor Jobs:**
- Elder caregiver, physical therapist, hairstylist, and dog trainer due to their social and dexterity-dependent roles.
- **Most Threatened Physical Labor Jobs:**
- Assembly line inspector, fruit harvester, truck driver, dishwasher, clothing factory worker, fast food and restaurant cooks, and cashiers due to their asocial nature in structured environments.
## Reception
- **Positive Recognition:**
- US Senator Mark Warner recommended "AI Superpowers" for The 2018 POLITICO 50 Reading List.
- **Criticism:**
- Foreign Affairs criticized the book for zero-sum thinking, highlighting potential exaggeration of Chinese state investment in tech ventures and an exclusive focus on deep learning.
In conclusion, "AI Superpowers" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the dynamics shaping the global AI landscape, with insightful perspectives on China's emergence as a key player.
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*Note: The information provided is a summary and does not substitute for reading the full book.*
