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Despite parliamentary authorization as early as 1814, construction was delayed due to the perceived expense and uncertainty^[1]. Early surveys of the area, including those involving Sir Walter Scott, underscored the rock's desolate nature^[1]. Construction faced considerable logistical hurdles, primarily due to the inhospitable conditions of the neighboring Isle of Tyree^[1]. The island lacked natural harbors and required extensive importation of resources, including craftsmen, provisions, and fuel^[1]. The nearest source of fuel was the Island of Mull, situated nearly 30 miles distant^[1]. The decision to establish a workyard at Hynish in Tyree was a strategic one, as it was the closest accessible point to the Skerryvore Rock^[1]. This location would serve as the base for material preparation and harbor construction^[1].

Initial efforts focused on surveying the Skerryvore reef and surrounding areas, including parts of Tyree, to determine the lighthouse's placement and establish communication and harbor facilities^[1]. Concurrent to the survey works, the board needed to identify and secure a source of materials for the build^[1]. Advantage was taken through the 'liberality' of the Duke of Argyll, who granted free permission to quarry materials on the Argyll estates^[1]. During the summers of 1836 and 1837, initial quarrying operations at Hynish yielded promising results, though the rock's unworkable nature posed difficulties^[1]. The Skerryvore Committee, appointed in 1837, aimed to boost the operations; one of its first actions was the appointment of an engineer for the works^[1].

Key to the lighthouse's design was the question of stability, whether to prioritize strength or weight^[1]. The decision favored weight, drawing inspiration from nature's examples of enduring rock formations^[1]. However, accurately gauging the forces the tower would face remained a formidable challenge^[1]. The engineer, therefore, had to rely on experience and observation, noting the effects of waves on existing structures and natural formations^[1]. This approach guided decisions about the tower's size and form^[1]. A primary consideration was the tower's height. It was determined that the light should be elevated about 150 feet above the high water mark to maximize its visible range^[1]. The result was a design that would incorporate the lessons learned from previous constructions adapted to the unique challenges presented by the Skerryvore Rock^[1].

One of the largest setbacks during the effort to realize the lighthouse was the destruction of the initial wooden barrack in a gale^[1]. This temporary structure, designed to house workers on the rock, was swept away, underscoring the unpredictable and relentless power of the sea^[1]. The incident prompted a re-evaluation of the barrack's design and construction, leading to a sturdier, more resilient structure^[1]. Despite the challenges, the construction team persevered, employing innovative techniques to prepare the foundation and interlock the massive granite blocks^[1]. These efforts culminated in the completion of the lighthouse, a testament to engineering skill and human determination^[1].

With the structure complete, the focus shifted to the illumination system. This account details the decision to adopt lenticular apparatus to take advantage of its superiority after a careful examination of catoptric and dioptric apparatus^[1]. The Skerryvore light exhibited a revolving light, producing bright flashes every minute^[1]. Situated at a height of 150 feet, the light promised visibility across a wide horizon^[1]. The Skerryvore Lighthouse began its service on February 1, 1844, marking a triumph over the natural obstacles and a significant advancement in maritime safety^[1].

The completed Skerryvore Lighthouse was not merely an engineering achievement, but a pivotal enhancement to maritime safety^[1]. Its presence transformed a treacherous reef into a guide, allowing vessels to navigate the waters with increased confidence^[1]. The structure continues to loom as a beacon of hope and a testament to human innovation in the face of nature's most formidable challenges^[1].

The convergence of technological and geopolitical forces has led many to view AI as the new 'space race'^[1]. As Andrew Bosworth, Meta Platforms CTO, noted, the progress in AI is characterized by intense competition, with very few secrets, emphasizing the need to stay ahead^[1]. The stakes are high, as leadership in AI could translate into broader geopolitical influence^[1]. This understanding has spurred significant investments and strategic initiatives by various countries, all aimed at securing a competitive edge in the AI landscape^[1].

In this competitive environment, countries are revving up due to economic, societal, and territorial aspirations^[1]. The reality is that AI leadership could beget geopolitical leadership and not vice-versa^[1] This state of affairs brings tremendous uncertainty^[1].

The document highlights the acute competition between China and the USA in AI technology development^[1]. This competition spans various aspects, including innovation, product releases, investments, acquisitions, and capital raises^[1]. The document cites Andrew Bosworth (Meta Platforms CTO), who described the current state of AI as our space race, the people we’re discussing, especially China, are highly capable… there’s very few secrets^[1]. The document also notes in this technology and geopolitical landscape that it’s undeniable that it’s ‘game on,’ especially with the USA and China and the tech powerhouses charging ahead^[1].

The document briefly touches on global powers challenging each other’s competitive and comparative advantage^[1]. It notes that the most powerful countries are revved up by varying degrees of economic/societal/territorial aspiration^[1].

This situation brings tremendous uncertainty^[1]. The pace of change is rapid, which fuels excitement and trepidation^[1]. All of this is intensified by global competition and sabre rattling^[1].

However, the intense competition and innovation, increasingly-accessible compute, rapidly-rising global adoption of AI-infused technology, and thoughtful and calculated leadership could foster sufficient trepidation and respect, that in turn, could lead to Mutually Assured Deterrence^[1].

The document indicates the AI ‘space race’ has the potential to reshape the world order, testing political systems and enhancing strategic deterrence^[1]. If authoritarian regimes take the lead on AI, they may force companies to share user data and develop cyber weapons^[1].

Economic trade tensions between the USA and China continue to escalate, driven by competition for control over strategic technology inputs^[1]. China is the dominant global supplier of ‘rare earth elements,’ while the USA has prioritized reshoring semiconductor manufacturing and bolstered partnerships with allied nations to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains^[1].

AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, and technology developments are no longer viewed solely as economic or technology assets^[1]. They are strategic levers of national resilience and geopolitical power for both the USA and China^[1].