FROM PAST TO FUTURE

                                                FROM PAST TO FUTURE

                        It is technology which changes the nature of power. Technology transformed tribes into villages, villages into city empires or city kingdoms, city empires/kingdoms into empires, and empires into colonies. Finally, nation-states could emerge. 

                            In the era of agriculture-based technology, the main resources were agriculture and manual labor. It was not possible to transport land to victorious kingdoms, so establishing an empire by annexing conquered land was the only option for victorious countries to enhance their productivity. For the same reason, human labor was enslaved. Human labor was a form of resource and profit in that period. Conquering areas and people to enhance productivity and property was the main source of power. The winning side nurtured conquered areas in most cases, and if managed well, their empires could last long. These conquerors had a tactical affinity with their conquered areas with the sole purpose of enhancing productivity and military strength.

                            Due to technological advancement, the era of the Industrial Revolution emerged. In this system of production, the main resources were science and technology, raw materials, skilled and unskilled labor, and capital, all of which were transferable globally. Empires were no longer needed; rather, victorious countries needed to exploit resources of conquered countries as much as possible to enrich themselves. This led to the transformation of empires into an amalgamation of colonies, resulting in exploitation at a much higher level.

                            With the advent of computer technology, victorious countries found new ways to exert influence through trade policies and high-skilled knowledge. Direct conquest was not necessary; instead, technological superiority became the chief source of dominance.

                            Now, the era of Artificial Intelligence has arrived, where higher knowledge, skills, and control over data are the primary resources. 

                            Throughout history, the dominant class has transformed with the changes in technology of production. Feudal masters of the agricultural era became industrial capitalists, who later evolved into dominant exporters and masters of centers of knowledge and capital. In the AI era, this dominant class is transforming into controllers of AI tools. Thus, history reflects a continuous conflict over the control of means of production and distribution. Technology has enabled the dominant class to lessen its size, allowing fewer people to capture maximum power and profit. 

                            The history of mankind is, in fact, a history of the shrinking ownership of resources and profits, from tribal days to the present era of computer technology and AI. Political systems have consistently supported this power structure, with the brief exception of the Renaissance period, when ideals of democracy emerged and challenged this power arrangement.

                            The Renaissance introduced the concept of democracy, where common people had the right to rise above, replace existing elites, and diffuse power and profit among the masses. To continue the spirit of the Renaissance, we must devise new tools for public enlightenment and protect democracy from demagoguery by enabling the diffusion of ownership and power to the largest possible number of people.

                            For example, modern efforts to promote digital literacy and equitable access to technology can help ensure that the benefits of AI and other advancements are widely shared. By encouraging transparency in data usage and advocating for policies that prevent monopolistic control of AI technologies, society can work towards a more inclusive and democratic future.

                            The rise of open-source software and collaborative platforms demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to diffuse power. These tools allow individuals and communities to contribute to and benefit from technological advancements, fostering a more equitable distribution of knowledge and resources.

                            To preserve democratic values in the AI era, it is crucial to implement regulations that ensure ethical use of AI and protect against abuses of power. Public awareness and education campaigns can empower citizens to understand and engage with these technologies, further promoting democratic participation and oversight.

                            In conclusion, while technology has historically concentrated power and resources in the hands of a few, there are opportunities to reverse this trend. By embracing democratic ideals and leveraging technology for public good, we can strive for a future where power and prosperity are shared more equitably among all people.

27.7.2023 AT PATNA