Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Future of Global Security
29 January 2025, 9:00 am–10:30 am

As artificial intelligence reshapes geopolitics, security, and international cooperation, how can we harness its potential while managing its risks? Join us for a timely conversation between Craig Mundie, former Chief Research and Strategy Officer at Microsoft and advisor to three U.S. Presidents, and UCL's Dr. Melanie Garson, Associate Professor in International Security and founder of UCL's course 'Cyberwarfare to Robots: Future of Conflict in the Digital Age.'
This event is free.
Event Information
Open to
- All
Availability
- Yes
Cost
- Free
Organiser
-
Eleanor Kingwell-Banham
Location
-
G06 Sir Ambrose Fleming LT, Roberts Building45: Roberts BuildingTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUnited Kingdom
Drawing from his new book "Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit," co-authored with Eric Schmidt and the late Henry Kissinger, Mundie will explore how AI is transforming our approach to global challenges. In conversation with Dr. Garson, whose work spans international security, digital peacebuilding, and emerging technologies, they will examine AI's implications for global governance, security cooperation, and the future of international relations.
The discussion will address critical questions:
- What new forms of international cooperation are needed in the age of AI?
- How can we ensure AI development enhances rather than undermines global security?
- What role should universities, governments, and technology leaders play in shaping AI's trajectory?
Join us for this fascinating dialogue at the intersection of technology, security, and global affairs. There will be a presentation followed by moderated discussion and audience Q&A
This event is hosted by UCL's Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy & CW2R.
Meet the speaker
Craig Mundie is a distinguished technology executive with a career defined by significant contributions to the tech industry and public policy. He has spent decades shaping the future of technology and its intersection with society. Currently, he focuses on advising organizations and governments on emerging technologies, policy development, and societal impacts, with particular emphasis on fusion energy, controlling superintelligent systems, cybersecurity, quantum computation and molecular medicine.
During his 22-year tenure at Microsoft, Mundie held key leadership roles, including Chief Technical Officer, Chief Research and Strategy Officer, and Senior Advisor to the CEO. In these roles, he played a pivotal role in defining the company’s technology strategy, driving research initiatives, and influencing policy development. He continues to advise Microsoft on strategic initiatives.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Mundie has been a trusted advisor to the U.S. government. He served for 10 years on the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee, where he provided critical guidance to the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations on technology and national security issues. He also spent 8 years as a member of President Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), contributing to the development of national science and technology policies.
Mundie continues to play a key advisory role in areas such as cybersecurity, quantum computing, AI technology policy, and innovation strategies for U.S. governmental organizations and corporations. He is a leading advocate for responsible technology development, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, advanced computing systems, and global technology policy.
About the book

by Eric Schmidt, Henry A. Kissinger and Craig Mundie
"As it absorbs data, gains agency, and intermediates between humans and reality, AI (Artificial Intelligence) will help us to address enormous crises, from climate change to geopolitical conflicts to income inequality. It might well solve some of the greatest mysteries of our universe and elevate the human spirit to unimaginable heights. But it will also pose challenges on a scale and of an intensity that we have never seen - usurping our power of independent judgment and action, testing our relationship with the divine, and perhaps even spurring a new phase in human evolution."
Accessibility info
- There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
- There is space for an assistance dog.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
- There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
For more info please visit AccessAble