Anthony J. Pennings, PhD

WRITINGS ON DIGITAL ECONOMICS, ENERGY STRATEGIES, AND GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS

All Watched over by “Systems” of Loving Grace

Adam Curtis’ documentary series, All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace, delves into the relationship between technology, political ideologies, and human agency. Inspired by Richard Brautigan’s poem, Curtis explores how technology shapes our governance systems and worldview. In “The Use and Abuse of Vegetational Concepts,” Curtis critiques the adoption of natural systems thinking in political and technological contexts, tracing the origins of ecological systems thinking back to the work of figures like Jay Forrester, Norbert Wiener, Buckminster Fuller, and the Odum brothers. These ideas, initially intended to describe natural ecosystems, were later applied to human societies and governance, conflating nature with machine intelligence. Curtis raises concerns about how these systems-based frameworks reduce humans to mere nodes in networks, challenging the Enlightenment view of humanity as autonomous and separate from nature.

Curtis also explores the legacy of systems thinking through the work of the Club of Rome and its 1972 publication Limits to Growth, which used computer simulations to model the Earth as a closed system. The documentary raises questions about the consequences of seeing human and natural systems as mechanistic, potentially leading to a distorted understanding of complex, dynamic realities.

US Legislative and Regulatory Restrictions on Deficit Spending and Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)

I outline some of the promise of MMT for the US while digging into several legislative and regulatory problems associated with enacting MMT policies long-term. I critique the MMT approach in the US because the movement has yet to adequately dissect what hurdles and limits keep the government from embracing MMT strategies. The major obstacles appear to be a series of legislative actions restricting deficit spending without corresponding borrowing through Treasury auctions.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and a Sustainable Future

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) BESS are revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape by addressing key issues like intermittency, grid stability, and peak demand management. They allow for greater integration of renewables into power grids, provide energy independence, and enable a more reliable and flexible energy system.

ICT4D and the Global Network Transformation

I focus on the transition in network architecture and organizational models and how that led to the global Internet we have today, and specifically why it could globalize and why it became so cheap.

Digital Borders and Authoritarianism

The enforcement of digital borders by authoritarian regimes in the modern era represents a significant challenge to global norms of free expression, access to information, and human rights. As regimes continue to develop and refine their methods of control, the international community must navigate the delicate balance between respecting national sovereignty and advocating for digital freedoms.

AI and Remote Sensing for Monitoring Landslides and Flooding

Invited remarks prepared for the 2024 United Nations Public Service Forum ‘Fostering Innovation Amid Global Challenges: A Public Sector Perspective.’ Songdo Convensia, the Republic of Korea 24 -26 June 2024. Organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), Republic of Korea. Thank you very much for this opportunity to address how science and […]

AI and the Rise of Networked Robotics

The 2004 movie I, Robot was quite prescient. Directed by Alex Proyas and named after the short story by science fiction legend Isaac Asimov, the cyberpunkish tale set in the year 2035 revolves around a policeman, played by Will Smith. He is haunted by memories of being saved from drowning by a robot in a […]

Ode to James Larson, SUNY Korea’s First Professor Emeritus

Remarks at the Congratulatory Plaque Award Ceremony for Professor Emeritus June 5, 2024 Ladies and Gentlemen. I’m pleased to say a few words as we celebrate SUNY Korea’s first Professor Emeritus. I came to SUNY Korea eight years ago this past February as the Associate Chair of the Department of Technology and Society, while Professor […]

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  • About Me

    Professor at State University of New York (SUNY) Korea since 2016. Moved to Austin, Texas in August 2012 to join the Digital Media Management program at St. Edwards University. Spent the previous decade on the faculty at New York University teaching and researching information systems, digital economics, and strategic communications.

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    apennings70@gmail.com
    anthony.pennings@sunykorea.ac.kr

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    The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of my employers, past or present.