Innovation Without Guardrails: The Rise of OpenAI and the Upcoming National Security Law Conference

As artificial intelligence accelerates, questions about power, privacy, and accountability are more urgent than ever. This week, we revisit our conversation with bestselling author and award-winning AI reporter Karen Hao, whose book Empire of AI reveals how ambition and competition transformed OpenAI from a mission-driven nonprofit into one of the world’s most powerful—and controversial—tech companies.

This re-air comes ahead of the 35th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law CLE Conference, taking place November 13–14 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. With the theme “Technology, National Security, and the Law: Keeping Pace with Innovation,” the conference will feature two days of expert discussions on how emerging technologies are reshaping national security.

Karen Hao is a bestselling author and award-winning reporter covering artificial intelligence.

References:

• Register Now! The 35th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law CLE Conference, November 13–14, 2025, with an opening reception on November 12.
• Agenda: The 35th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law CLE Conference
• Hao, Karen. Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI. Penguin Press, 2025
• Section 230 Overview