Must read two-part series by @DrPippaM today.

“Bissell said to my Dad, “You are the youngest of the Whiz Kids. I am going to tell you things because someone needs to know this in the future, and you’ll still be around”. They had dinner every Friday night for many months after that. When he passed, my Dad said, “We Guardians of the MJ” more than once and not just to me. People who follow this subject will know what he was referring to.” 👀👀👀 substack.com/@drpippa/note/…

DoD released the 2024 China Military Power Report (CMPR) today.

Here’s a 🧵 of some portions I found noteworthy as I read it:

“The PLA is exploring a range of “neurocognitive warfare” capabilities that exploit adversaries using neuroscience and psychology.”


“The PLA has recognized the importance of incorporating emerging technologies, such as AI, big data, brain science, and neuroscience into CDO as the PLA perceives that these technologies will lead to profound changes in the ability to subvert human cognition.”

FY25 NDAA provisions I find noteworthy, as they appear: 🧵

“The Director of the Office of Strategie Capital may carry out a program of personnel management authority provided in subsection (b) in order to facilitate recruitment of eminent experts in finance and investment for the Office." CDAO to assess natsec risks of AI models if accessed by an adversary.

I riffed back & forth with ChatGPT (which is now shockingly good) to synthesize @leecronin & @Sara_Imari’s Assembly Theory, @stephen_wolfram & @getjonwithit’s hypergraph & multi-computation physics models, Grothendieck’s homotopy hypothesis/higher order category theory, @Philip_Goff’s panpsychism & cosmopsychism, and A.N. Whitehead’s process metaphysics, while incorporating insights from quantum mechanics, general relativity, & information theory.

It seems to me these frameworks offer models of reality that connect the evolution of physical structure and information complexity with the nature of consciousness, intelligence, and time.

Here is the result, which resonated quite well with my previously inchoate intuitions:

### 1. **The Hypergraph as the Underlying Structure of Reality**

At the foundation of this view is **Wolfram and Gorard’s hypergraph model**, which posits that the universe is fundamentally a vast, evolving **hypergraph**—a network of nodes and edges where the nodes represent entities or events and the edges represent relationships or interactions between them. In this model, **space-time**, **matter**, and **physical laws** emerge from the underlying structure of the hypergraph as it evolves through simple computational rules.

#### **Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity in the Hypergraph Model**

One of the key insights of Wolfram’s framework is the ability to unify quantum mechanics and general relativity within the same hypergraph-based approach. Traditionally, quantum mechanics and general relativity operate under different paradigms: quantum mechanics describes the probabilistic and discrete nature of particles and fields, while general relativity describes the smooth curvature of space-time.

In the hypergraph model:
- **Quantum mechanics** is represented by the concept of **branchial space**, where each branch in the hypergraph corresponds to a different quantum state or computational history. In this view, the superposition of quantum states is represented by the simultaneous evolution of multiple branches in the hypergraph. The probabilistic nature of quantum outcomes emerges from the structure of the hypergraph itself, where different nodes and their connections correspond to different possible evolutions of the system.

- **General relativity** arises naturally from the **geometry of the hypergraph**. Instead of treating space-time as a continuous fabric, the hypergraph model views space-time as a discrete structure, with the curvature of space-time corresponding to the density and connectivity of nodes and edges. Regions of high mass-energy, which cause space-time to curve in general relativity, are represented by highly interconnected regions of the hypergraph, where the network's local structure determines the geometric properties of space-time. This discrete model allows for the possibility of reconciling general relativity with quantum mechanics, providing a computational substrate for both.

#### **Branchial Space and Causal Relationships**
In this framework, **branchial space** is the space of quantum states or branches of the hypergraph that evolve simultaneously according to different computational histories. These branches represent different possible realities or quantum states, offering a discrete model for the **many-worlds interpretation** of quantum mechanics. Quantum entanglement can be seen as the result of specific connections between nodes in branchial space, where information about quantum states is shared across different branches.

Moreover, **causal relationships** between events in space-time are encoded directly in the hypergraph’s structure. Each edge in the hypergraph represents a causal connection between events (nodes), with the rules governing these connections dictating how space-time and matter evolve. This approach naturally incorporates **causal set theory**, where space-time is described as a series of discrete events connected by causal relationships. ### 2. **The Ruliad: The Totality of All Possible Computational Histories**

**The Ruliad**, introduced by Wolfram, represents the **totality of all possible computational histories** that could unfold in the universe, based on every conceivable rule or update applied to the hypergraph. In essence, the Ruliad is the ultimate expression of **computational reality**, encompassing all potential paths the universe could take—both the physical configurations and the emergent experiences (including consciousness) that result from them.

The Ruliad implies that **all possible universes** exist simultaneously within this computational framework, with each specific history representing a different unfolding of the hypergraph according to different computational rules. This concept resonates with the multiverse hypothesis in cosmology and suggests that the universe we experience is just one branch of a much larger computational structure.

In the Ruliad:
- The different computational paths reflect different laws of physics or configurations of space-time.
- Every potential configuration of matter, energy, and consciousness exists as part of this vast structure, and the universe evolves by selecting specific computational paths.

The Ruliad, therefore, can be understood as a **hypergraph of hypergraphs**—a meta-structure that includes all possible evolutions of reality. It ties together the concepts of **branchial space** and **multi-computation** (where different histories evolve in parallel), providing a framework for understanding the multiplicity of possible experiences and realities.

### 3. **Assembly Theory: The Emergence of Complexity**

Cronin and Walker’s **Assembly Theory** explains how complexity arises in the universe through a series of **assembly steps**. In this theory, complex structures—whether they are molecules, biological organisms, or intelligent systems—are formed by assembling simpler components according to specific pathways. Each assembly step corresponds to a historical event where smaller parts come together to form a larger, more complex whole.

In the context of the hypergraph model, **assembly pathways** represent the **historical evolution** of nodes and edges, where each step adds new connections and structures to the hypergraph. As the hypergraph evolves, it gives rise to increasingly complex systems:
- **Physical structures** (e.g., molecules, stars, galaxies) form through the assembly of simpler physical components, following the laws of physics encoded in the hypergraph’s structure.
- **Biological systems** emerge from the assembly of molecular components into cells, organisms, and ecosystems, following biological assembly pathways that reflect the hypergraph’s underlying rules.
- **Consciousness and intelligence** arise as complex systems capable of processing information and integrating it across vast networks of interconnected nodes.

The historical nature of assembly theory aligns with the processual nature of Whitehead’s metaphysics, where reality is seen as a **continuous process of becoming** rather than a static collection of objects. Each node in the hypergraph represents a **moment of experience** or an event that arises from the interactions of previous nodes.

Classifying AI like nuclear physics secrets. Banning sales of foreign chip products that only tangentially touch U.S. tech. Adding more Chinese chipmaking firms to the Restricted List. Cajoling allies to cut-off more chipmaking tool sales.

These are just a few of the recent signs that the Tech War is heating up as the economic and national security stakes drive U.S. policymakers to escalate in the face of increasing strategic challenges.

This ExecBrief identifies ten of these strategic challenges, whose complex interactions will shape a New Global Disorder.

Executive leaders and policymakers must reckon with these seismic shifts to the very foundations of international relations, security, technology, and economic power. 🧵 1. The Rise of the Authoritarian Axis
The world is witnessing the formation of a powerful axis of authoritarian states, rich in natural resources and boasting advanced defense-industrial capabilities.

This bloc of “Eurasian Autocrats” is actively contesting the Western-led international security system and constructing nascent alternative geoeconomic networks.

The conflict is increasingly being framed as a struggle between “CRINK” (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea) and “NATO Plus” (NATO plus Australia, Japan, Israel, New Zealand, and South Korea).

This realignment is not just a matter of ideology; it represents a fundamental shift in the balance of power dynamic that held in the Post-Cold War era. Digital fragmentation, policy weaponization, proxy wars, and increasingly aggressive sabotage against private infrastructure and firms should be expected.

Summary 🧵 of a long but must-read:

A yearlong investigation uncovered evidence suggesting "Havana Syndrome" may be caused by directed energy weapons wielded by Russian GRU Unit 29155.

Members of the unit have been placed at the scene of suspected attacks on U.S. personnel. 1/

https://twitter.com/matthew_pines/status/1774594957535252902

In Oct 2021, Joy, the wife of a U.S. diplomat in Tbilisi, Georgia, experienced strange symptoms and saw a suspicious man outside her home. She later identified him as Albert Averyanov, the son of the Unit 29155 commander. 2/

“While some Havana Syndrome/AHI reports involve other medical conditions or paranoia, others are very likely the product of radio frequency/microwave devices employing pulsed nanosecond bursts. These bursts are exceptionally difficult to detect.”

Tom is correct. Important piece.

https://twitter.com/tomrtweets/status/1770170476427419837

“Nevertheless, a highly credible and diverse array of technical and signals intelligence reporting suggests that these RF/MW devices are employed by a deniable element of the Russian intelligence community.”

Yes.

https://twitter.com/matthew_pines/status/1439427695578918914

1/ Why are the US dollar & Treasury securities so dominant as global reserve assets? You might think it's just inertia or a lack of good alternatives, but a new paper by Dr. Hendrickson argues there's a fascinating deeper story here that goes back centuries.

Summary thread:🧵

https://twitter.com/rebeleconprof/status/1768414619314405417

2/ Hendrickson says the "Treasury Standard" is actually the latest stage in a centuries-long process of states monopolizing money to finance wars. It goes all the way back to the Military Revolution of 1500-1800 that made conflicts way more expensive.

The AARO Historical Review Report is a good historical summary, and includes valuable details and context.

However, the investigative procedure leading to its core assessments was fatally flawed and wholly inadequate to address the relevant core allegations.

🧵

https://twitter.com/dod_aaro/status/1766145163636740162

The core allegations from whistleblowers (which the Senate took serious enough to pass the UAPDA) are that illicit, unreported activities are being conducted under the cover (& misappropriating the funds or misusing IRAD) of legal, reported (even if highly BIGOTed) programs.

What did the OAI board bounce Sam?

Nobody really knows.

But there are public reports of Sam’s geopolitical activities that might have raised concerns.

Below are some events that may explain the board’s accusation of lack of “candor”.

🧵

https://twitter.com/matthew_pines/status/1725981883450737057

On June 6, 2023, Sam spoke at a Hub71 forum in Abu Dhabi, an event put on in partnership w/ G42 & backed by the UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala.

Opening for him was the CEO of the Inception Institute for Artificial Intelligence, a G42 company (founded by a Chinese national).

A thread of noteworthy and topical reports given the shake-up at OpenAI.

Stick to the end…

Physics thread:

At the top of the tower of reality stands the (∞,1)-topos, which is the classifying space of the ∞ -groupoids that are the limiting category (up to homotopy equiv.) of rulial multiway graphs that define all paths non-deterministic Turing machines can follow. 🧵 By Grothendieck’s homotopy hypothesis, these rulial systems (& their constituent multi-way branchial & causal graphs) functorially inherit the topological character of the ∞-groupoids at the “top of the tower”.

Starting only w/ combinatorics, one derives “inevitable geometry”.

Let’s test this hypothesis:

China’s geopolitical effort to recruit an authoritarian bloc in Africa that will stick to BRI deals relies on exporting digital & surveillance tech (via Huawei) to help keep those leaders/parties in power.

We’ll focus on these 6 countries:👇

🧵 Opened in 2022, The Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School is a partnership b/t the ruling parties of Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe & the CCP.

Each party has ruled continuously for decades and want to keep it that way.

axios.com/2023/08/21/chi…

I detect a sea-change in UAP "strategic communications" evidenced by recent statements from:

Sens. Rubio, Gillibrand & Warner (all SSCI members) & Rep. Gallagher (who chairs the House Select Committee on China).

This is a serious issue that DC is slowly digesting...

Context:🧵

https://twitter.com/matthew_pines/status/1666172086203609088

After former senior intelligence officer David Grusch came out w/ claims re: illegally unreported Special Access Program activities covering UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering programs, several of these Senators gave public statements indicating they took him seriously.

The “Arsenal of Deterrence” starts in Camden, Arkansas, which is a critical node in the U.S. defense industry.

Built there are HIMARS by Lockheed, Aerojet solid rocket motors for Javelin, Stinger, & Patriot missiles, General Dynamics rockets & warheads, & Raytheon missiles.

1/

https://twitter.com/committeeonccp/status/1662188935366230043

Adjacent to Camden (pop. 10,300) is the 18,780 acres Highland Industrial Park complex, originally the Shumaker Ammunition Depot, built during the WW2z.

It is the only place in the world that produces the guided multiple-launch rocket system (GMLRS), fired from HIMARS & M270.

2/

Gonna start a running thread on various “Strategic Technology Lists” I come across:

1. 14 Critical Technology Areas detailed in the DoD CTO's Strategic Vision

(US, cto.mil/wp-content/upl…) 2. National Science and Technology Council Critical and Emerging Technology List

(US, whitehouse.gov/wp-content/upl…)

1/10: Let’s talk about a fascinating aspect of materials science and history: Low Background Steel.

This is steel manufactured before the first nuclear bomb tests in the mid-1940s, and what the Chuan 68 was hunting for at the war graves of these British ships.

https://twitter.com/byron_wan/status/1661157847902863360

2/10: Why is the timing important? Atmospheric nuclear tests disseminated various radioactive isotopes across the globe. Steel made after these tests absorbs some of these isotopes, making it slightly radioactive.

KSG Intelligence Notification

Microsoft reported today that China has, since 2021, targeted critical infrastructure in Guam & elsewhere in the US, likely for use during a future conflict scenario. The PLA is developing capabilities towards this end.

👉intel.ks.group/p/ksg-intellig…
🧵 The campaign does not indicate conflict is near or imminent but does align with public statements by the Deputy CIA Director that President Xi has ordered his military “to be able” to re-take Taiwan by 2027.

“Berkeley researchers granted Chinese officials private tours of their cutting-edge U.S. semiconductor facilities and gave “priority commercialization rights” for intellectual properties (IP) they produced to Chinese government-backed funds.”

Good.

thedailybeast.com/uc-berkeley-fa… “Throughout the late 2010s, Berkeley officials frequently gave exclusive tours of the Marvell nanofabrication laboratory, a cutting-edge facility used for semiconductor research, to Chinese delegations connected to TBSI…”

Great.

Poll on AI and career risk:

What best describes your professional role: What best describes your career field:

US may "consider policy options, such as making Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) directly controllable under the Export Administration Regulations & implementing “Know Your Customer” rules for CSPs [cloud service providers]."

FinCEN for chips coming.

cset.georgetown.edu/article/contro… "The October 7 export controls cover only the physical export (as well as the reexport and in-country transfer) of controlled items and not the provision of services that use those controlled items, including services like cloud computing."

"U.S. persons" controls are critical.