In this episode of Trending Echoes, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shehhi, Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS Research & Advisory, hosts a deep and candid conversation with Imam Mohammed Tawhidi, internationally known as the Imam of Peace and a governing member of the Global Imams Council.

The episode explores how extremist organizations operate under religious cover, examining their ideological narratives, political strategies, and methods of influence. The discussion addresses recent moves in the United States to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, the exploitation of democratic freedoms, and the misuse of humanitarian and charitable platforms. It also highlights the growing role of social media and AI in radicalization and influence campaigns, and the broader implications for Western societies and the Muslim world.

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Episode Highlights

• The global debate around designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization

• Extremism as an organized network, not a religious school of thought

• How ideology inspired groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS

• Infiltration of Western institutions and democratic systems

• Weaponization of Islamophobia and political causes

• Misuse of charities and humanitarian fundraising

• Terror financing and transnational networks

• Social media and AI as tools of radicalization and influence

• Targeting youth, universities, and public discourse

• The long-term consequences of ignoring ideological extremism

Chapters

00:00 — Opening: Unmasking Extremism

01:00 — U.S. Designation of the Muslim Brotherhood

03:30 — The Muslim Brotherhood: Organization, Not Ideology

06:00 — From Sayyid Qutb to ISIS

08:30 — Infiltration of Western Institutions

10:30 — Weaponizing Islamophobia & Palestine

13:00 — Terror Financing & Charitable Fronts

18:00 — Exploiting Democracy & Minority Rights

23:00 — Social Media, AI & Youth Radicalization

31:00 — The Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring Extremism

In this special episode of Trending Echoes, we sit down with Alexis Bonnell, the Chief AI Adoption & Acceleration Officer and Lead for U.S. National Lab Partnerships at OpenAI. Together, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of government, public services, diplomacy, education, and everyday life.

Through a candid and insightful conversation, Alexis discusses:

• What “AI for Humanity” truly means in a government context

• How governments can use AI to transform efficiency, services, and mission delivery

• Why trust, transparency, and responsible use are essential

• How AI can support policymaking, scenario planning, and national development

• The future of AI in defense, public administration, and citizen experience

• Parenting in the age of AI — and how to prepare the next generation

• How countries like United Arab Emirates are taking a leading role in shaping AI innovation and global cooperation

• Her personal stories about using AI in daily life and creativity

Alexis also reflects on her participation in the TRENDS Annual AI Conference, her experiences living in the UAE, and why the next decade will redefine how humans and intelligent systems work together.

This episode is a must-watch for policymakers, innovators, educators, and anyone curious about how AI will shape the world we live in.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome

Opening the episode and introducing Alexis Bonnell from OpenAI.

01:00 – What “AI for Humanity” Means for Governments

How AI can transform public services, missions, and citizen experience.

04:30 – Trust, Safety & Responsible AI Use

Building confidence in AI technology and ensuring safe adoption.

07:20 – AI Across Government Sectors

From defense to public administration — why all sectors must embrace AI.

10:00 – AI in Policymaking, Efficiency & Everyday Life

How AI improves decisions, reduces bureaucracy, and supports daily tasks.

16:00 – AI in Education & Raising the Next Generation

Preparing children and youth for an AI-driven future.

19:40 – AI, Diplomacy & Global Security Risks

How AI strengthens cooperation — and the challenges of misuse.

27:20 – The UAE’s Leadership & The Future of AI

Why the UAE is emerging as a global AI-native nation.