The world is undergoing fundamental change. The concentration of capital in the hands of a few, the rapid development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing power of oligarchs – understood as a small elite that exerts influence through capital, property and corporate power – have the potential to deeply divide societies.
And it will happen, as game theory analyses show.
Capital in the hands of a few
A central feature of modern economies is the unequal distribution of wealth. Studies show that an ever-increasing proportion of global wealth is in the hands of an ever-smaller number of individuals and companies, and at an accelerating rate.
This has far-reaching consequences: while a part of the population struggles for existential security, others not only possess the means to secure their power, but also to expand it further. The result is a kind of “reversal” of democratic principles, as financial power increasingly influences political processes.
Let's also take a look at history: structures of ownership and power as in the Middle Ages. Princes and kings, castles and palaces, decadence and arrogance are once again evident in all their “glory”.
The role of artificial intelligence
Developments in the field of AI are reinforcing this dynamic. AI technologies are being developed at a speed that overwhelms traditional labor markets. Automation and data-based decision-making processes are rendering many jobs obsolete, while at the same time new business opportunities are emerging – but often only for those who already have the resources to exploit them. Furthermore, AI systems enable power and control to be centralized more efficiently, for example through surveillance mechanisms or personalized advertising that guides consumer and voting behavior.
Most people are not even aware of the dynamics behind this, or perhaps they don't want to know. Sometimes I despair when I see that “Farmer Wants a Wife” seems to be more important than the news that humanoid robots are already “on duty” on the production line at BMW.
Oligarchy and its global expansion
Oligarchy, which used to be associated with specific countries, has now taken on global dimensions. International corporations and the super-rich use tax havens and influence regulations to create a system that favors them. This creates a vicious circle: capital creates influence, influence leads to more capital. Society falls by the wayside.
Recent examples such as Elonia Musk (Trump's new playmate, who is actually playing with whom?) And the interference in German politics show what we can expect shortly.
And again we are in the Middle Ages, right? Emperors, kings, princes and nobles live and love the pomp and the indulgence, while the “dull” masses make this possible. We would have to create a world of our own for these “gentlemen”, in which they do not need the masses for consumption (because that is the only thing the masses are still needed for); then we would be rid of them and could start a new beginning, hopefully taking into account what we have learned.
Social division as a consequence
These developments will lead to an increasing division of society.
On the one hand, there is an elite that has the resources, knowledge and technology to secure its position. On the other hand, there is a broad mass that is increasingly affected by economic insecurity, social marginalization and political powerlessness.
The consequence will be social tensions that will erupt in protests, populism and social unrest, which will be exacerbated by the impending “migration of peoples” due to climate change.
Ways out of the split?
But how can societies counteract this trend?
Comprehensive reforms are needed. No, reform is conceptually wrong, as it is not disruptive enough. What is needed is comprehensive chaos.
Economic systems must be made fairer, for example through progressive taxation and better redistribution of resources. The regulation of AI technologies is also essential to ensure that they serve the common good and not just a few. AI must not be in private hands, but requires effective, redundant (this implies independence) testing and control mechanisms and the greatest possible transparency.
Finally, democratic institutions need to be strengthened to limit the influence of capital on politics. In this context, technical systems, which inherently have a fundamental independence and freedom from influence, would certainly be a good support in politics.
For example, an independent AI agent could then reprimand the Söderin directly and transparently in public when she lies and cheats. A great idea. I'd have fun with that. Public fact-checking with compulsory consumption, and everything MUST be published by the BLÖD newspaper.
The challenges are enormous, but the future is not predetermined. It is up to us to ensure, through conscious action and clear reforms, that technological and economic developments benefit everyone – and not just a small elite.
