Recent advances in agentic artificial intelligence have revolutionized how we work with data and do business over the last few years. Mustafa Suleyman's book "The Coming Wave" offers insights into this revolution.

The book begins with a discussion of the history and development of transformative technologies before diving into the details of generative AI. He then discusses recent trends in AI, as well as the potential benefits, before warning us of its possible misuses.

Artificial Intelligence is a general-purpose technology, meaning it can be applied to address a wide variety of issues. Suleyman argues that general-purpose technologies have driven most human progress, as with the Agricultural Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the Digital Revolution. Each of these involved significant advances in a general-purpose technology that spread worldwide, changing economies and lifestyles.

Like many general-purpose technologies, AI has the power to disrupt in both positive and negative ways. For example, people can create deepfake photos and videos to destroy reputations. Rogue nations can sway public opinion with plausible false news.

One challenge is that advances in AI technology are occurring very quickly, making it difficult to develop and adapt appropriate guidelines and legislation to address the negative aspects of this tech. Mastery of AI brings increased power, which is why countries like the United States and China are racing to achieve superiority in this field. But, in many cases, the power is shifting away from governments and toward private corporations.

In Suleyman's opinion, the containment solution is regulation. And that regulation must come at an international level, with different countries reaching agreement on acceptable uses of AI - just as they have done on other dangerous technologies, such as chemical weapons.

Suleyman joined Google after the company acquired DeepMind, the AI startup he co-founded. After founding other AI startups, he recently joined Microsoft as Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft AI. His experience provides a unique perspective on a technology that is changing the way we work and live. Mr. Suleyman has a talent for breaking down complex topics and their implications, and for explaining them in a way that is understandable even to those without a technical background.