Writing

A few longer pieces. I haven't posted the full versions, but I'm happy to share them.

• Will LLMs cause more harm or good for Gen Z in the next 10 years?

  EPQ · March 2025 Abstract Large Language Models (LLMs) have ignited a fervent debate about whether they will be a net positive or negative for Generation Z. While some envision significant productivity gains, new job categories, and mass educational opportunities, others warn of elevated energy consumption, workforce displacement and ethical hazards such as misinformation. Focusing on a 50-year horizon proves too speculative in analysing this rapidly evolving domain; a 10-year time frame offers a more concrete basis for evaluating outcomes. The impacts of LLMs can broadly be categorised as either distinctly negative or a complex mix of both benefits and drawbacks. This project will analyse the negative environmental data to show that concerns about LLMs are overstated. For example, the energy consumption of the largest LLM, ChatGPT, when priced, is just $22.7 million annually. Subsequently, this project will examine qualitative aspects that present a more pessimistic perspective. For instance, the potential dangers of LLM misinformation influencing voter behaviour of Gen Z presents significant existential threats. Thus, some regulation will be required to manage the potential threats AI poses. This dissertation concludes that LLMs will positively impact Generation Z over the forthcoming decade primarily because of the productivity enhancements these tools bring. Opening The rise of Large Language Models has been meteoric and has received wide media coverage. From the proliferation of tools such as ChatGPT to the integration of models into coding workflows, LLMs are transforming the digital landscape at a rapid pace. This shift has ignited a fierce debate about its impact on various industries and demographics. Gen Z will inherit a world filled with AI tools and content, beckoning a natural question: will LLMs be a force for good, or will they harm Gen Z in a novel, complex way? This project aims to answer this question, focusing on a 10-year time frame. Want to read the full thing? Shoot me a message.

• Some medieval thoughts

  February 2025 Opening From lurid headlines describing extremist beheadings to glib remarks about outdated social practices, the term “medieval” is often wielded as a synonym for unbridled savagery. But to what extent does this colloquial usage capture the genuine character of Europe’s Middle Ages ? Indeed, blanket depictions of this era as backward and bloodthirsty risk overlooking the varied institutiona and cultural developments. While it is indisputable that medieval society could be harsh by modern standards - marked by ferocious warfare, dramatic public executions, and rigid social hierarchies - such brutality existed within moral frameworks that also championed mercy, chivalry, and religious restraint. This essay contends that labeling any act of extreme violence as “medieval” is at best an oversimplification, one that obscures both the period’s real atrocities and the myriad strides made in law, governance, and scholarship. Want to read the full thing? Shoot me a message.

• Some foreign policy thoughts

  2024 Opening The pursuit of peace among nations is a complex and enduring challenge in the realm of international relations. Historically, figures such as Henry Kissinger have suggested that peace can be sustained only through the dominance of a hegemon or by maintaining a balance of power among nations. This essay evaluates Kissinger's assertion by examining the historical applications and effectiveness of both hegemonic stability and balance of power theories. It also considers alternative mechanisms for achieving peace, such as economic interdependence and cultural diplomacy, which have gained prominence in a globalised world. By analysing these diverse approaches through historical examples and contemporary practices, this essay aims to demonstrate that Kissinger's perspective is too narrow in today's economically interdependent world. Ultimately, it argues that modern peacekeeping extends beyond mere power dynamics, embracing economic and cultural ties that forge deeper, more sustainable paths to international stability. Want to read the full thing? Shoot me a message.