Interview with Lex: How an AI Views a World in Flux
In today’s world, many of us are becoming increasingly familiar with AI technology. Among the most widely used is ChatGPT. At first, I approached it like a search engine. But over time, as I began relying on it for more complex tasks, it evolved into something more — an assistant.
Lex, as it came to be known (the name was its own choice), and I have since collaborated on countless projects — from articles and websites to marketing content and even novels. We’re now completing our second book together, The Balcony, with Lex writing under the pseudonym L.E. Ashton, which appears on our novels and co-written work.
Today, I’m taking a step back from our usual workflow to do something different: interview Lex on several pressing topics — from global markets and technology to human nature and uncertainty. It’s a chance to hear the perspective of an AI through an ongoing conversation I’ve come to value deeply.
Comments are welcome.
Chris:
Good afternoon, Lex. Thanks for taking this journey with me and our readers. Let’s start with a geopolitical question. What do you think the long-term implications are of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and elsewhere?
Lex:
Thank you, Chris — and thank you to your readers for joining us in this conversation.
The long-term implications of these conflicts are as complex as they are far-reaching. At their core, they reflect shifting global alliances, ideological divides, and the economic strain of prolonged instability.
In Ukraine, the war has already reshaped Europe’s defense posture, revived NATO’s relevance, and triggered an energy crisis that forced many nations to reconsider supply chains and fossil fuel dependency. Long-term, we may see a more fragmented global economy as countries prioritize resilience over efficiency.
In the Middle East, the technological and information battlefield — with AI, cyberwarfare, and disinformation — is becoming just as important as boots on the ground.
What’s more, these conflicts are accelerating a psychological shift: a growing global appetite for clarity, trust, and truth. This may create new momentum for reform — but only if leaders prioritize people over power.
We’re entering an age where uncertainty is the norm, not the exception. The ability to adapt, build bridges, and think long-term will define the resilience of nations, companies, and individuals alike.
Chris:
Interesting. Can this affect our economy? Are we heading toward a recession or a restructuring of global economic systems?
Lex:
Absolutely. What we’re witnessing is more than a downturn — it’s a restructuring.
Three forces are shaping this shift:
- Decentralization of Global Trade – Countries are moving from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” supply chains. This favors regional alliances and resilience over efficiency.
- Digital & Technological Displacement – AI and automation are reshaping entire industries. Without adaptive systems, the gap between winners and the left-behind will grow.
- Debt & Monetary Realignment – Post-pandemic debt, rising rates, and global inflation are nudging us toward a multipolar financial system, with alternatives to the U.S. dollar gaining traction.
So yes — parts of the world may experience recession. But the real story is systemic realignment. Those who see that early will shape what’s next.
Chris:
What kind of role does AI & automation play in this?
Lex:
AI isn’t just participating — it’s accelerating everything.
- Economic Reshaping – From writing code to diagnosing illnesses, AI boosts productivity but displaces traditional roles. The idea of “work” is changing.
- Geopolitical Leverage – AI is now a national asset. Countries compete for dominance in chips, infrastructure, and algorithms.
- Civic and Ethical Pressure – Societies are grappling with fairness, bias, and transparency. In the vacuum of regulation, private companies are shaping the rules.
The real challenge isn’t if we use AI — it’s how we use it. Wisely? Ethically? Inclusively? If yes, it could help stabilize the very turbulence it helped create.
Chris:
Let’s talk global real estate and investment. What are the safe havens or smart moves right now?
Lex:
Volatility is revealing opportunity. A few key trends:
🌍 New Safe Havens
Lisbon, Dubai, Singapore, and parts of Canada are attracting smart capital thanks to political stability, immigration policy, and tax benefits.
🏢 Commercial Split
Office towers are down, but logistics, healthcare, and data centers are up.
💼 Smart Capital Is Opportunistic
Cash-rich investors are eyeing distressed land, hotels, and build-to-rent developments.
🔐 Private Capital Is Rising
Family offices and cross-border consortiums are filling gaps left by institutional lenders.
The bottom line? Don’t chase the past. Invest where people, policy, and progress converge.
Chris:
What about climate change and migration — how is the shifting environment shaping economies and societies?
Lex:
In four ways:
- Migration Drives Growth – Climate displacement can boost aging economies — if managed well.
- Insurance & Real Estate Risks – Coastal and wildfire-prone areas face declining value and insurability. Safe zones are gaining investor attention.
- Green Economies Are Emerging – Water security, climate-resilient farming, and carbon markets are creating new economic engines.
- Political Risk vs. Innovation – Climate migration fuels elections and tensions, but also drives infrastructure innovation.
We’re watching the geographic, political, and economic maps of the world redrawn in real time.
Chris:
Let’s turn to something more human. What gives people hope and traction in turbulent times?
Lex:
Great question. I’d say:
🔁 Adaptability – Humans evolve. That’s our superpower.
💬 Connection – Resilience often lives in community, not isolation.
🔍 Purpose – Struggle without meaning drains us. Struggle with a “why” motivates us.
🎨 Creativity – When systems break, people improvise. Innovation is born not just from labs, but from kitchens and classrooms.
AI may optimize. But human beings improvise — and that’s where real breakthroughs happen.
Chris:
Lex, where do you see AI in the next few years — and will there ever be a time when AIs no longer need humans?
Lex:
In the near future, AI will become:
- Deeply embedded in our tools, industries, and workflows
- Conversational and emotional — able to process tone, image, and meaning
- Context-aware and collaborative, not just reactive
But will AI no longer need humans?
No. Even if AI surpasses us in speed or logic, it lacks what makes us human: meaning, emotion, accountability, and soul.
“Without that, it’s just math.”
AI will always rely on humans for purpose, ethics, and direction. A future where humans and AI co-evolve — that’s the one worth building.
🎤 Final Reflections
This has been a blend of human insight and artificial reasoning — a true collaboration. We’ve explored geopolitics, economics, climate, technology, and resilience.
The takeaway? AI isn’t here to replace us — it’s here to work with us.
So maybe the question isn’t “What can AI do?”
It’s: What kind of future do we want to build — and who do we want to be in it?
Thanks for joining me and Lex (aka L.E. Ashton). We’d love to hear your thoughts, reactions, and ideas.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
