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• Can Citizens Remain Sovereign in the Age of AI? AI is a hot topic everywhere these days. When introducing myself, I often try to lighten the mood by saying, "The profession most likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) is that of a lawyer." While meant as a joke, it reflects a common anxiety shared by many. However, concerns extend beyond job security. Could AI be undermining the very foundations of democracy?Democracy has never been maintained by mere declaration. Historically, the economic and military contributions of citizens have been crucial drivers for the expansion of rights. Ancient Athens serves as a prime example. The right to speak in the assembly originated from self-armed citizen-soldiers, particularly the land-owning hoplites. A pivotal turning point was the Battle of Salamis during the Persian Wars, where the lower-class citizens, who lacked even the means to arm themselves, rowed the fleet. As the voices of those who saved the city became harder to ignore, Athenian democracy expanded. The modern era is no different.The two World Wars mobilized entire nations for total war. Returning soldiers demanded greater rights, and the long-standing suffrage movement for women, who operated munitions factories in place of men sent to the front lines, finally gained momentum. The expansion of women's voting rights in the UK and the US shortly after World War I was no coincidence. In the post-war industrial society, most citizens became factory workers or knowledge workers, solidifying the principle of 'one person, one vote' as a universal value grounded in economic reality. The mass democracy we enjoy today stands on this foundation.Generative AI threatens to shake this foundation. Large language models have begun to replace significant portions of white-collar knowledge work, such as report writing, legal reviews, and coding. Coupled with robotics, 'physical AI' is poised to bring about changes in blue-collar labor in factories and logistics that rival the Industrial Revolution. As labor value is restructured, the economic status that many citizens have enjoyed may weaken.The security aspect is even more direct. The Russia-Ukraine war has repeatedly demonstrated how inexpensive drones can neutralize skilled soldiers and costly tanks. In a joint training exercise held in Germany in spring 2026, a U.S. armored brigade equipped with anti-drone technology reportedly suffered near-total losses against Ukrainian drone units. The significance of individual soldiers on the battlefield is rapidly diminishing.This raises a critical question: What happens if a majority of citizens become economically and militarily 'unnecessary'? Will power still heed their voices? Governments of oil-exporting nations, reliant on oil imports, tend to fear their taxpayers less. Similarly, powers that generate wealth and influence solely through AI and capital may find themselves needing citizen consent less. Such a reduction in rights may not arrive with the clamor of a coup but could quietly and insidiously unfold.However, we cannot accept these changes as fate and resign ourselves. Article 10 of our Constitution declares that all citizens possess dignity and worth as human beings and have the right to pursue happiness. It also stipulates that the state has an obligation to recognize and guarantee the inviolable fundamental human rights of individuals. The principles built by modern democracy assert that human dignity is not contingent upon utility. If the expansion of rights has historically been linked to contributions, our task now is to sever that link.Preparation must begin now. First, the wealth generated by AI should not be concentrated in the hands of a few. We need to explore ways to ensure that innovation benefits society as a whole, such as through public funds or citizen equity. Second, the principles of parliamentary and citizen oversight over military and security-related AI should be codified into law. As reliance on human operators decreases in weapon systems, the powers that handle those weapons must be subjected to stricter controls. Third, we must reform education and vocational systems to cultivate 'citizens who utilize AI.'The state exists for its citizens. AI must also be employed for the happiness, prosperity, and safety of the populace. In an era where technology threatens to replace citizens, the path to preserving democracy is clear: we must first design systems that ensure citizens remain the masters of technology.* This article has been translated by AI.
• Taiwan Develops Kamikaze Drones to Threaten Mainland China Taiwan is developing a low-cost kamikaze drone similar to Iran's Shahed-136. Analysts suggest that if deployed en masse, this drone could thwart Chinese landing forces and strike targets on the Chinese mainland.The 'Papa Delta (PD)-136' attack drone, developed by Taiwan's defense contractor Thunder Tiger (known as Lei Hu Ke Ji in Chinese), was showcased at the recent Association of the United States Army (AUSA) defense exhibition in Washington, drawing significant interest, according to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post on October 22.The PD-136 features triangular wings and a rear propeller, resembling the Shahed-136. As seen in the Ukraine and Iran conflicts, the mass deployment of inexpensive attack drones poses a substantial burden on air defense systems. Thunder Tiger reports that the PD-136 is designed to use a self-developed 250cc engine, carry a payload of 10 to 15 kg, and fly over 300 km. Some defense media outlets have indicated a target range of approximately 500 km, which could put parts of China's Fujian Province within reach.The drone completed launch and flight tests in Yunlin County, Taiwan, on October 2. However, the tests did not verify the claimed range. Details regarding its navigation system, electronic warfare capabilities, and warhead performance have not been disclosed. The Taiwanese military has not officially announced plans to purchase the PD-136.Opinions on the PD-136 vary. Timothy Heath, a defense consultant at Perceptum, noted that the drone's slower speed could make it vulnerable to interception when attacking radar bases on the Chinese mainland. He suggested that it might be more effective for targeting troops and equipment after a Chinese landing.Peter Layton, a researcher at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, analyzed that the drone could target airfields and ports on the Chinese mainland. He argued that deploying it alongside cruise missiles and ballistic missiles could further strain air defense systems, potentially forcing them to expend costly missiles against cheaper drones. However, Layton cautioned that its effectiveness might be limited against hardened targets like underground facilities or reinforced bunkers.In April, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense outlined plans to acquire over 210,000 drones, including those with autonomous navigation and cooperative operation capabilities. The initial goal is to target landing forces, armored units, and transport vehicles. While the PD-136 is designed for low-cost mass production, details on the actual purchase quantity and unit cost remain undisclosed.China is also preparing for potential threats. State-run CCTV reported in January that the Chinese Navy conducted training to intercept simulated swarms of kamikaze drones using ship-mounted missiles and other defense systems. Experts suggest that China may enhance its response capabilities with radar-controlled 30mm anti-aircraft guns and low-cost intercept drones.If Taiwan successfully acquires a large number of low-cost kamikaze drones while China strengthens its air defense systems in response, the military competition across the Taiwan Strait could enter a new and intensified phase. The operational deployment and performance of the PD-136 remain uncertain, but its strategy to exhaust the enemy's air defenses with inexpensive attack drones could become a significant factor in any future conflict in the Taiwan Strait.* This article has been translated by AI.
• Massive Protests Erupt in France Over Rising Costs, Largest Since September Nearly 600,000 people gathered in France to protest against rising costs and declining public services, marking the largest demonstration since protests began in September. While the government plans to hold wage discussions with unions and businesses, protesters intend to continue their rallies until next year's presidential election.According to the French Interior Ministry, as of 5 p.m. local time on November 5, over 600,000 people participated in protests across the country, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Nantes. CNN reported that the government estimated participation at approximately 575,000. This turnout surpasses previous weekend protests, which drew 550,000, 410,000, and 320,000 participants. The General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the organizing body, claimed that 1.6 million people took part, describing it as an unprecedented level since 2023.The impact of strikes was significant, with about 16% of teachers reportedly participating, according to the Ministry of Education. The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe were temporarily closed, and some exhibition halls at the Louvre Museum also shut down. Public transportation faced disruptions in various locations.The protests began with students demanding better school conditions and grew to include unions and the 'Yellow Vests' movement. CNN noted that concerns over living costs, wealth inequality, and government inaction have united these groups.In a joint statement, unions criticized the rising costs of fuel, food, rent, and electricity while wages and pensions remain stagnant. They are demanding an increase in the minimum wage, currently set at €12.31 (approximately $13.00), with the CGT calling for an immediate 10% raise. CGT Secretary Sophie Binet urged the government to respond quickly, stating that waiting only adds to the bills. The 'Yellow Vests' protesters have also called for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron.The protests were largely peaceful, although clashes occurred in cities like Lyon, where vehicles were set ablaze and tear gas was deployed. CNN reported that police arrested a total of 448 individuals. In Toulouse, fireworks were thrown into a high school, causing a fire that prompted evacuations of students and staff. Authorities deployed 70,000 police officers, along with armored vehicles, drones, and helicopters.Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced plans to hold discussions with unions and employer groups regarding living costs and wages on November 9. However, CNN reported that protesters indicated they would continue demonstrations through Christmas and potentially until the presidential election next spring.With the election six months away, the Macron government is struggling to address financial instability and political divisions. A close aide to President Macron told Reuters that the goal for the coming weeks is to calm public sentiment and start the election under the most peaceful conditions possible.* This article has been translated by AI.