We explore how our world is fundamentally transforming at the nexus of geopolitical deconvergence, technology, and law.
Sean articulates his "unruly triangle" framework to illustrate how politics, AI, and law create a dynamic system generating three emerging risk categories: geolegal risk, artificial politics risk, and legal AI risk.
With concrete examples drawn from his global experience, Sean reveals how the retreat from globalisation is creating a precarious world where international norms erode while businesses remain globally connected – a contradiction that increasingly positions legal professionals at the centre of critical strategic decisions.
Sean cites his recent HBR article (which he co-authored with his fellow co founder of Hence, Stephen Heitkamp) to explain why "legal is the new cyber" and predicts an imminent deluge of AI-enabled legal challenges as technology dramatically reduces the cost of legal action.
He shares a revealing personal story about using AI tools to successfully challenge an insurance company's denial of his concussion claim to demonstrate how AI is redistributing legal power and potentially overwhelming corporate defences through mass low-cost claims: "When it costs me nothing and takes no time, I pushed the button, boom."
Drawing from influential works like "The Legal Singularity" by Abdi Aidid and Benjamin Alarie and "Personalized Law" by Omri Ben-Shahar and Ariel Porat, Sean explores the concept of a "legal singularity" – a future where ubiquitous data enables AI to create hyper-personalised law.
"What if my speed limit is lower than yours because I didn't sleep well last night, and my watch told the single brain that is making the law?"
This shift from law as codified social values to an automated surveillance mechanism fundamentally challenges the human elements of justice – compassion and empathy.
We also delve into Sean's widely-read GeoLegal Notes newsletter on Substack, where he offers weekly insights on geopolitical developments affecting legal practice. Sean shares his creative process, revealing how he surrounds himself with diverse thinkers and develops systematic approaches to track global events. This commitment to staying informed ultimately inspired Hence's new global risk monitoring platform.
Throughout this wide-ranging discussion, Sean offers practical frameworks for legal professionals navigating this rapidly changing landscape, emphasising that lawyers must develop new strategic muscles and political awareness as they increasingly become trusted advisors to boards facing unprecedented challenges in an unruly world.
Sean's book "Unruly: Fighting Back As Politics, Law, and AI Converge" will be released on March 25, 2025, and is available for preorder in the UK and US.
For listeners interested in experiencing Hence's innovative global risk monitoring platform, visit global.hence.ai and enter "lawwhatsnext" for an exclusive promotional offer.
If you found this episode interesting, please like, subscribe, comment, and share!
Share this post