In Christopher Summerfield’s book, These Strange New Minds, he quotes anthropologist Yuval Noah Harari, who suggests that ‘AI favours tyranny’, explaining that new tools for automated surveillance and population control will be eagerly adopted by authoritarian regimes. It is one of many fascinating points in Christopher’s book, which we discuss on page 58 of this issue. In his own book, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Harari also observes that when people hold strong beliefs in an ideology, they rarely look outside it to ask questions. This limits their understanding of the benefits of cooperation and collaboration with those beyond their beliefs. This is particularly evident when examining the history of Afghanistan, which Lyse Doucet discusses in her new book, The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan. Talking with her for this issue, it becomes clear that over the decades she worked in Afghanistan, ideologies have played a significant role in ravaging the country, whether it is Communism, Christianity, or the Taliban. The belief that one ideology is correct while others are wrong lays the groundwork for conflict. Under the current administration in Afghanistan, along with many freedoms we take for granted, music is banned. Yet, when you read about the new band Kanekt on page 52, it is clear that a fusion of different musical backgrounds creates something strong, impactful, and special. Ricky Romain highlights the emotional power of music. It can be so uplifting and indeed life-affirming that it is hard to understand why it might be banned. Mike McCarthy also finds uplifting news in this issue. He has learned that ash trees may be fighting back against ash dieback. Perhaps there may be a time in Afghanistan’s future when music and education make a comeback.
