The temperature is rising on AI. What comes next?
From Reasonably Optimistic by The Washington Post
April 15, 2026 · 28 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the rising anxiety around AI, its real-world consequences, and the competitive landscape between the U.S. and China.
Anxiety around artificial intelligence is reaching a fever pitch and sparking real-world consequences. Recent violent incidents tied to opposition against data centers highlight growing public backlash, while Anthropic’s new model, Mythos, raises alarms with its ability to uncover hidden software vulnerabilities across critical systems. Host Megan McArdle is joined by Damir Marusic, an op-ed editor at Post Opinions, to discuss the risks and inevitability of AI development, and what it will take for the U.S. to stay competitive in the race with China. Subscribe to The Washington Post here .
People in this episode
Host: Megan McArdle
Guest: Damir Marusic
Topics covered
- artificial intelligence
- public backlash
- software vulnerabilities
- U.S. competitiveness
- China
- technology risks
Keywords
- artificial intelligence
- public backlash
- software vulnerabilities
- U.S. competitiveness
- China
- AI development
- Megan McArdle
- Damir Marusic
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Anthropic, The Washington Post
Places: U.S., China
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