Star Wars : An Allegory for Our Times

By Ali Macdonald, inspired by the perspectives of an evolutionary neurobiologist with the help of OpenAI.

In the grand cosmic opera of the Star Wars trilogy, we find more than just an epic tale of heroes and villains, lightsabers and the Force. This space-bound narrative, rich in its complexity, mirrors the intricate dance of political power, corruption, and rebellion — themes as relevant to our world as they are to a galaxy far, far away. As an observer channeling the hypothetical perspective of a biologist and neuroscientist we might want to call Robert, let's delve into how this cinematic masterpiece parallels the European Union's recent endeavors to control artificial intelligence (AI) through legislation.

The Rise of the Empire: Power and Corruption

The transformation of the Galactic Republic into the Galactic Empire in Star Wars is not just a plot twist; it's a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power. Robert, with his keen understanding of behavioural biology, might argue that power doesn't just corrupt; it biochemically alters those who wield it. In the corridors of the EU, we see a similar narrative unfolding. The noble quest to regulate AI, while rooted in the protection of privacy and ethics, risks veering off course. The concentration of regulatory power could lead to decisions that, while well-intentioned, might stray from democratic ideals, echoing the rise of Emperor Palpatine.

The Galactic Senate: Bureaucracy as a Facade

In the world of Star Wars, the Galactic Senate serves as a mere facade for Palpatine’s authoritarian rule. Robert would likely point out the psychological underpinnings of this facade: the human tendency to rationalize and justify authority, even when it's detrimental. The EU's bureaucratic processes, in their complex and often opaque nature, could similarly serve to legitimize AI regulations. While these processes are essential for governance, they might also obscure the real power dynamics at play, much like the Senate did under the Empire.

Rebellion and Hope: The Return of Democracy

The Rebel Alliance in Star Wars is a beacon of resistance and hope, a counterpoint to the Empire's authoritarianism. This dichotomy is not just narrative convenience but reflects a fundamental aspect of human societies: the perpetual struggle between authoritarian control and democratic freedom. In our current context, there are and will continue to be groups and individuals within the EU who challenge regulatory overreach, advocating for a balanced approach to AI governance. These voices represent the democratic spirit, much like the Rebels did in their fight against the Empire.

Conclusion: The Eternal Cycle

Star Wars, in its essence, is a saga of cycles: power leads to corruption, which breeds rebellion, ultimately restoring democracy. Robert, with his deep understanding of the cyclic nature of biological and social systems, would appreciate this narrative rhythm. The EU's current situation with AI legislation is part of this ongoing political cycle. The response to this challenge will not only shape the future of AI governance but also reflect the eternal human saga of grappling with power, its consequences, and the unyielding spirit of democratic resilience.

As I look forward to the holidays, and a chance to binge watch Han, Luke, Leia, R2 and Chewy taking on the Empire, I am reminded that Star Wars offers more than an escape into a sci-fi universe; it presents a lens through which we can examine our own political realities. In the interplay of the EU's AI legislation, we see the shadows of the Galactic Empire and the echoes of the Rebel Alliance.

This article is an adaptation of a micro-project in the AI-Enhanced Thinking & Decision-Making course by Ross Dawson. For some epic holiday reading on neurobiology and its role in how we behave I recommend Behave by Robert Sapolsky and Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.