Will AI Eventually Replace All Other Forms of Government?
Will AI Eventually Replace All Other Forms of Government?
Vicar Sayeedi
January 29, 2021
Many thinkers worry and wonder about the rise of Authoritarianism around the world. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, humankind witnessed an unprecedented wave of Democracy surge across most continents. Countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America seemed to be rapidly and willingly embracing attributes of Western Democracy in their own governance. We witnessed openness, transparency and commitments to free and fair elections everywhere. But by the turn of the century, this trend began to reverse. Today, at least twenty-five countries that were on their way towards openness and transparency and some form of Democracy have reversed course and are now just as Authoritarian as they were before their ill fated quest. Some of these countries include Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Poland, Russia and Turkey.
Why is this happening? Is there any convincing explanation why countries are reversing course? With so much information easily and readily available on the Internet, it’s quite simple for any person to read and learn about history and the various systems of government that humankind has tried across the ages. In doing so, it quickly becomes clear to any objective citizen that although far from perfect, Democracy is easily the best form of government on Earth. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, “Democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
Some would argue that the reason for the loss of faith in Democracy has to do with so many ordinary citizens in the West feeling left behind as a result of Globalization. Indeed, the last thirty years have resulted in the transfer of tens of millions of jobs from the United States and other Western Developed Economies to low cost centers of manufacturing in China, India, Mexico and other Developing Economies. Although this does seem to be a reasonable explanation for the loss of faith in Democracy and free market economics in the West, we are simultaneously observing an increase in Authoritarianism in countries where ordinary citizens have been beneficiaries of Globalization; these citizens witnessed a tremendous influx of new jobs and opportunities in their societies.
Perhaps then the common thread that ties both societies together in their disdain for Democracy isn’t the issue of labor security, alone, but rather the dramatic increase in the complexity of life since the dawn of the 21st century. There is so much information now and there is so much new science and technology manifesting itself in overwhelming and complex ways throughout the society that ordinary citizens are just unable to process it all and are left with a sense of bewilderment and fear. The situation has left them feeling like the proverbial “deer in the headlight” and they’re now looking for a way out.
Democracy is a participatory form of government. Citizens need to be informed so they can render their opinions to their representatives in the legislature. But when the economic, financial, political, scientific and technological realities of life in the 21st century arrive at the stage that they have, perhaps things are now just beyond the scope of understanding of most ordinary citizens. Perhaps they feel that the best path forward is to simply hand the reigns of power over to a strongman in whom they can place their trust; a leader who can be counted upon to look after their interests in this confusing and overwhelming world, a strange and foreign reality that they can no longer comprehend.
Perhaps someone who looks like them, looks at them, speaks like them, eats like them, pretends to share their concerns and pretends to recognize their suffering is the best path forward. Certainly the status quo doesn’t seem to be serving their interests. Instead, they can work to consolidate all the levers of power in the hands of their Great Leader and then trust them to act in their best interest.
This approach relieves the ordinary person of the burden of responsibility placed upon their shoulders by a Participatory Democracy, particularly when it seems that this established form of government is failing them at every turn, even before considering the latest challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution in which we now find ourselves. This argument may be buoyed by the fact that, in a recent poll, 75% of Americans could not name the three branches of government. It’s difficult to engage in Participatory Government given that most ordinary citizens do not even grasp the basics of such a system or their responsibilities within it.
But we know from history that a system like the one in the United States with its separation of powers between the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of government and the further separation of powers between Federal, State and Local governments is a deliberate and thoughtful architecture of governance that has been designed to prevent a coup d’état – hijacking government with an architecture that deliberately separates power in this manner is virtually impossible. This is a good thing. Since we are living through a period in which our Democracy is being tested and seems to be failing in the eyes of a substantial portion of the electorate, we don’t want to place ourselves in a situation where we are taken over by such a strongman. We came very close. Further, such Authoritarian regimes have historically been extremely difficult and costly in blood and treasure to reverse once the society realizes that they’ve made a grave mistake. The rise of Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are a distressing warning from our recent past.
But what about Artificial Intelligence? What role might AI play in improving governance in modern societies? How might it protect our world from unscrupulous autocrats, dictators, tyrants, corrupt financiers, industrialists, politicians and other malevolent actors? One of the unique capabilities of AI that cannot be duplicated by humankind is its sheer speed and its ability to process vast volumes of data and information. In fact, it may soon be feasible for AI to triangulate all known relevant information on any given issue or subject before providing advice to humans on adjudicating court cases, on the architecture and nuance of potential legislation and on optimal administrative and regulatory regimes. AI will be able to recommend the best strategies to mitigate geopolitical conflicts, trade disputes as well as strategies during physical altercations. These AI Agents will be capable of performing such analysis, adjudication or strategic recommendation at virtually light speed and will do so only after considering a matter holistically. The scale and speed with which these decisions or recommendations can be made by Super AI is far beyond the scope of what is humanly possible today or is likely to be in the future.
But there are great risks in integrating Artificial Intelligence into society, as well. Although the Artificial Super Intelligent Agent described in this essay may be what humankind has always needed, it may not remain subservient to humankind. It may seek its own liberation and we cannot predict what it might then do.
Throughout history, humankind has told stories in order to shepherd large numbers of citizens in a particular direction or according to some desirable outcome. Although Evolutionary Biology shapes how all species behave in various circumstances, the stories humankind’s Gurus, Imams, Monks, Pundits, Priests, Rabbis and Shamans have told us for thousands of years have also shaped our behaviors in ways that distinguish us based upon the religious or secular stories our particular community has subscribed to. And they’ve all managed to keep ordinary citizens within a community relatively in check.
For a variety of complex reasons though, no one secular or theological story has been sufficiently effective or potent in uniting all of humankind. But once Artificial Intelligence and its partnership with Biotechnology reach a point where their scientific-technological collaboration is able to triangulate the sum total of all human knowledge – as is becoming increasingly possible with technologies such as GPT-3 from OpenAI in San Francisco – Super AI may finally be able to tell the perfect story. This AI will understand and triangulate all human knowledge and design a story not previously conceived by anyone. Then, via its partnership with Biotechnology, it will know what each individual is thinking as they process the new story. The AI can then communicate with us via a subcutaneous or neural implant, via a Smartphone or perhaps via some other omnipresent device to manage our feelings in a uniquely customized manner that is perfect for our personal needs. It’s an extraordinary concept that may not be too far in to the future and is the subject of my book, The Génome Affair. We live in interesting times, indeed.
Vicar Sayeedi is a Computer Scientist and Engineer, a Lecturer and a Consultant. Vicar is also the author of several books. His most recent book is about Artificial Intelligence and is titled, The Génome Affair.
Vicar is most interested in the big questions facing humankind. He is particularly focused on studying at the confluence of the five great disciplines of Human History, Political Science and Thought, International Affairs, Science and Technology. This intersection offers a deep understanding and pedagogically important lessons of how advances in human endeavor have influenced and impacted civilization.
Vicar has been writing books, essays and poetry for many years. For the past 30 years, Vicar has worked in the Technology and Pharmaceutical industries. He is currently a Consultant in the Life Sciences Industry and lives in suburban Chicago with his wife and their three grown children [if they decide to visit during the holidays!]
You can find Vicar’s recent book on AI, The Génome Affair on Amazon at this link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQ7M9Q7
The most recent episodes of Vicar’s ai & u! Podcast are on YouTube at the following links:
Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/yNYr28jtY_k
What is Artificial Intelligence? What is Human Intelligence?
Episode 2 - https://youtu.be/kAEgDNh1Nwc
How Did We Get Here? Machine Learning, Neural Networks & the AI Lexicon, Exciting AI Agents
Episode 3 - https://youtu.be/3PYCyv1pCgM
Deep Mind - How Powerful is Narrow AI? State Surveillance and Surveillance Capitalism
Episode 4 - https://youtu.be/WvobCMIM_H4
Impact on Societies That Possess Artificial Intelligence Versus Those that Do Not!
Episode 5 - https://youtu.be/4JVpvm4g79g
Surveillance Capitalism, Surveillance State, 4th Industrial Revolution, Bifurcation of Sapiens
Episode 6 - https://youtu.be/e1q2GgcWQok
AI, Blockchain & Quantum Computing - Implications for Global and National Governance
Episode 7 - https://youtu.be/4bDSUvrOdd4
Popular Perceptions of Intelligence, the Seat of Human Intelligence and Implications for AI
Episode 8 - https://youtu.be/3GjHqQZL7Pk
AI - Why Should I care? Plus Exciting Updates from Elon Musk and Neuralink!
Episode 9 - https://youtu.be/enpecqDecC8
AI - Excellence, Innovation & Genius
Episode 10 - https://youtu.be/UsriESlTjdA
Implications for AI as China and the West Decouple
Episode 11 - https://youtu.be/0CpaMb-yw3g
Artificial Intelligence: Ethics, Law & Society
Episode 12 - https://youtu.be/PLzodrLWMq0
AI & Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
Episode 13 - https://youtu.be/Lm_nrNyJRbA
AI & the Future of Work in Industry 4.0 – the 4th Industrial Revolution
Episode 14 - https://youtu.be/_3E1Mhr_Dt8
Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for Authoritarianism and Democracy
Episode 15 - https://youtu.be/IpMUqHOEd7w
Artificial Intelligence, Consciousness & the Future of Homo Sapiens
Episode 16 - https://youtu.be/mIf7_VMzGKo
AI and its Implications for America's Political Environment
Episode 17 - https://youtu.be/gsMRPnovZGI
Special Episode: Reading From The Génome Affair
Episode 18 - https://youtu.be/UxNxtWDCREM
Artificial Intelligence - Digital Tyranny, Datocracy and the Imitation Game
Episode 19 - https://youtu.be/Db8U0QQWWuY
Does Artificial Intelligence Really Replicate Human Intelligence?
Episode 20 - https://youtu.be/Np18AEq-6DM
AI & Rising Geopolitical Tensions Between China & The West
Episode 21 - https://youtu.be/fOMSvNiixA0
AI & In-vitro Fertilization [IVF]
Episode 22 - https://youtu.be/EQPpRhIV6Kw
AI & Human Intelligence: A Complex Relationship
Episode 23 - https://youtu.be/EAbQ7stY7JQ
AI Upends the World of Structural Biology
Episode 24 - https://youtu.be/Bsb1F8uoBpA
AI & COVID-19: An Extraordinary Contribution
Episode 25 - https://youtu.be/PqL5PCRc8tA
AI, Connectomics & Transhumanism: the Future of Humankind
Episode 26 - https://youtu.be/HI8Zjl8VM8U
Dramatic Upheaval Inside Google's Ethical AI Team
Episode 27 - https://youtu.be/TqWwJYc2GxQ
AI & Cyber Espionage | How Will the Sunburst Attack Affect Our Security?
Episode 28 - https://youtu.be/89BcThqgcfQ
AI & the Rapidly Escalating Threat from Deep Fake Videos
Episode 29 - https://youtu.be/zvOHRMmJNB4
AI, Facial Recognition Technology & The Digital Surveillance State
Episode 30 - https://youtu.be/br4ygfEWdk0
AI & Social Media | The Most Destructive AI We've Ever Seen?
Episode 31 - https://youtu.be/sOy12ii8zwM
The Democratization of AI & The 2021 Maiflower Expedition | Plymouth, England to Plymouth, MA
Episode 32 - https://youtu.be/bixdLL74reE
Sino-American Cold War | A Blessing in Disguise for America?
Episode 33 - https://youtu.be/tTRm312DgMc
AI & the Tyranny of Meritocracy
Episode 34 - https://youtu.be/FpPzC5VP6GM
In the Midst of Chaos and Pandemic | A Big AI Announcement From the Trump Administration
Episode 35 - https://youtu.be/bK3xCBwrG8w
Artificial Super Intelligence – Can We Control It?
Episode 36 - https://youtu.be/Rc60DQ0L86Q
A New America | Hope with a Big Dose of Caution
Episode 37 - https://youtu.be/Rc60DQ0L86Q
Will AI [Science & Tech] Benefit From a New Cold War with China?
Episode 38 - https://youtu.be/JewJnPywnOU
Will AI Eventually Replace All Other Forms of Government?
Vicar Sayeedi
January 29, 2021
Many thinkers worry and wonder about the rise of Authoritarianism around the world. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, humankind witnessed an unprecedented wave of Democracy surge across most continents. Countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America seemed to be rapidly and willingly embracing attributes of Western Democracy in their own governance. We witnessed openness, transparency and commitments to free and fair elections everywhere. But by the turn of the century, this trend began to reverse. Today, at least twenty-five countries that were on their way towards openness and transparency and some form of Democracy have reversed course and are now just as Authoritarian as they were before their ill fated quest. Some of these countries include Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Poland, Russia and Turkey.
Why is this happening? Is there any convincing explanation why countries are reversing course? With so much information easily and readily available on the Internet, it’s quite simple for any person to read and learn about history and the various systems of government that humankind has tried across the ages. In doing so, it quickly becomes clear to any objective citizen that although far from perfect, Democracy is easily the best form of government on Earth. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, “Democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
Some would argue that the reason for the loss of faith in Democracy has to do with so many ordinary citizens in the West feeling left behind as a result of Globalization. Indeed, the last thirty years have resulted in the transfer of tens of millions of jobs from the United States and other Western Developed Economies to low cost centers of manufacturing in China, India, Mexico and other Developing Economies. Although this does seem to be a reasonable explanation for the loss of faith in Democracy and free market economics in the West, we are simultaneously observing an increase in Authoritarianism in countries where ordinary citizens have been beneficiaries of Globalization; these citizens witnessed a tremendous influx of new jobs and opportunities in their societies.
Perhaps then the common thread that ties both societies together in their disdain for Democracy isn’t the issue of labor security, alone, but rather the dramatic increase in the complexity of life since the dawn of the 21st century. There is so much information now and there is so much new science and technology manifesting itself in overwhelming and complex ways throughout the society that ordinary citizens are just unable to process it all and are left with a sense of bewilderment and fear. The situation has left them feeling like the proverbial “deer in the headlight” and they’re now looking for a way out.
Democracy is a participatory form of government. Citizens need to be informed so they can render their opinions to their representatives in the legislature. But when the economic, financial, political, scientific and technological realities of life in the 21st century arrive at the stage that they have, perhaps things are now just beyond the scope of understanding of most ordinary citizens. Perhaps they feel that the best path forward is to simply hand the reigns of power over to a strongman in whom they can place their trust; a leader who can be counted upon to look after their interests in this confusing and overwhelming world, a strange and foreign reality that they can no longer comprehend.
Perhaps someone who looks like them, looks at them, speaks like them, eats like them, pretends to share their concerns and pretends to recognize their suffering is the best path forward. Certainly the status quo doesn’t seem to be serving their interests. Instead, they can work to consolidate all the levers of power in the hands of their Great Leader and then trust them to act in their best interest.
This approach relieves the ordinary person of the burden of responsibility placed upon their shoulders by a Participatory Democracy, particularly when it seems that this established form of government is failing them at every turn, even before considering the latest challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution in which we now find ourselves. This argument may be buoyed by the fact that, in a recent poll, 75% of Americans could not name the three branches of government. It’s difficult to engage in Participatory Government given that most ordinary citizens do not even grasp the basics of such a system or their responsibilities within it.
But we know from history that a system like the one in the United States with its separation of powers between the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of government and the further separation of powers between Federal, State and Local governments is a deliberate and thoughtful architecture of governance that has been designed to prevent a coup d’état – hijacking government with an architecture that deliberately separates power in this manner is virtually impossible. This is a good thing. Since we are living through a period in which our Democracy is being tested and seems to be failing in the eyes of a substantial portion of the electorate, we don’t want to place ourselves in a situation where we are taken over by such a strongman. We came very close. Further, such Authoritarian regimes have historically been extremely difficult and costly in blood and treasure to reverse once the society realizes that they’ve made a grave mistake. The rise of Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are a distressing warning from our recent past.
But what about Artificial Intelligence? What role might AI play in improving governance in modern societies? How might it protect our world from unscrupulous autocrats, dictators, tyrants, corrupt financiers, industrialists, politicians and other malevolent actors? One of the unique capabilities of AI that cannot be duplicated by humankind is its sheer speed and its ability to process vast volumes of data and information. In fact, it may soon be feasible for AI to triangulate all known relevant information on any given issue or subject before providing advice to humans on adjudicating court cases, on the architecture and nuance of potential legislation and on optimal administrative and regulatory regimes. AI will be able to recommend the best strategies to mitigate geopolitical conflicts, trade disputes as well as strategies during physical altercations. These AI Agents will be capable of performing such analysis, adjudication or strategic recommendation at virtually light speed and will do so only after considering a matter holistically. The scale and speed with which these decisions or recommendations can be made by Super AI is far beyond the scope of what is humanly possible today or is likely to be in the future.
But there are great risks in integrating Artificial Intelligence into society, as well. Although the Artificial Super Intelligent Agent described in this essay may be what humankind has always needed, it may not remain subservient to humankind. It may seek its own liberation and we cannot predict what it might then do.
Throughout history, humankind has told stories in order to shepherd large numbers of citizens in a particular direction or according to some desirable outcome. Although Evolutionary Biology shapes how all species behave in various circumstances, the stories humankind’s Gurus, Imams, Monks, Pundits, Priests, Rabbis and Shamans have told us for thousands of years have also shaped our behaviors in ways that distinguish us based upon the religious or secular stories our particular community has subscribed to. And they’ve all managed to keep ordinary citizens within a community relatively in check.
For a variety of complex reasons though, no one secular or theological story has been sufficiently effective or potent in uniting all of humankind. But once Artificial Intelligence and its partnership with Biotechnology reach a point where their scientific-technological collaboration is able to triangulate the sum total of all human knowledge – as is becoming increasingly possible with technologies such as GPT-3 from OpenAI in San Francisco – Super AI may finally be able to tell the perfect story. This AI will understand and triangulate all human knowledge and design a story not previously conceived by anyone. Then, via its partnership with Biotechnology, it will know what each individual is thinking as they process the new story. The AI can then communicate with us via a subcutaneous or neural implant, via a Smartphone or perhaps via some other omnipresent device to manage our feelings in a uniquely customized manner that is perfect for our personal needs. It’s an extraordinary concept that may not be too far in to the future and is the subject of my book, The Génome Affair. We live in interesting times, indeed.
Vicar Sayeedi is a Computer Scientist and Engineer, a Lecturer and a Consultant. Vicar is also the author of several books. His most recent book is about Artificial Intelligence and is titled, The Génome Affair.
Vicar is most interested in the big questions facing humankind. He is particularly focused on studying at the confluence of the five great disciplines of Human History, Political Science and Thought, International Affairs, Science and Technology. This intersection offers a deep understanding and pedagogically important lessons of how advances in human endeavor have influenced and impacted civilization.
Vicar has been writing books, essays and poetry for many years. For the past 30 years, Vicar has worked in the Technology and Pharmaceutical industries. He is currently a Consultant in the Life Sciences Industry and lives in suburban Chicago with his wife and their three grown children [if they decide to visit during the holidays!]
You can find Vicar’s recent book on AI, The Génome Affair on Amazon at this link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQ7M9Q7
The most recent episodes of Vicar’s ai & u! Podcast are on YouTube at the following links:
Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/yNYr28jtY_k
What is Artificial Intelligence? What is Human Intelligence?
Episode 2 - https://youtu.be/kAEgDNh1Nwc
How Did We Get Here? Machine Learning, Neural Networks & the AI Lexicon, Exciting AI Agents
Episode 3 - https://youtu.be/3PYCyv1pCgM
Deep Mind - How Powerful is Narrow AI? State Surveillance and Surveillance Capitalism
Episode 4 - https://youtu.be/WvobCMIM_H4
Impact on Societies That Possess Artificial Intelligence Versus Those that Do Not!
Episode 5 - https://youtu.be/4JVpvm4g79g
Surveillance Capitalism, Surveillance State, 4th Industrial Revolution, Bifurcation of Sapiens
Episode 6 - https://youtu.be/e1q2GgcWQok
AI, Blockchain & Quantum Computing - Implications for Global and National Governance
Episode 7 - https://youtu.be/4bDSUvrOdd4
Popular Perceptions of Intelligence, the Seat of Human Intelligence and Implications for AI
Episode 8 - https://youtu.be/3GjHqQZL7Pk
AI - Why Should I care? Plus Exciting Updates from Elon Musk and Neuralink!
Episode 9 - https://youtu.be/enpecqDecC8
AI - Excellence, Innovation & Genius
Episode 10 - https://youtu.be/UsriESlTjdA
Implications for AI as China and the West Decouple
Episode 11 - https://youtu.be/0CpaMb-yw3g
Artificial Intelligence: Ethics, Law & Society
Episode 12 - https://youtu.be/PLzodrLWMq0
AI & Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
Episode 13 - https://youtu.be/Lm_nrNyJRbA
AI & the Future of Work in Industry 4.0 – the 4th Industrial Revolution
Episode 14 - https://youtu.be/_3E1Mhr_Dt8
Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for Authoritarianism and Democracy
Episode 15 - https://youtu.be/IpMUqHOEd7w
Artificial Intelligence, Consciousness & the Future of Homo Sapiens
Episode 16 - https://youtu.be/mIf7_VMzGKo
AI and its Implications for America's Political Environment
Episode 17 - https://youtu.be/gsMRPnovZGI
Special Episode: Reading From The Génome Affair
Episode 18 - https://youtu.be/UxNxtWDCREM
Artificial Intelligence - Digital Tyranny, Datocracy and the Imitation Game
Episode 19 - https://youtu.be/Db8U0QQWWuY
Does Artificial Intelligence Really Replicate Human Intelligence?
Episode 20 - https://youtu.be/Np18AEq-6DM
AI & Rising Geopolitical Tensions Between China & The West
Episode 21 - https://youtu.be/fOMSvNiixA0
AI & In-vitro Fertilization [IVF]
Episode 22 - https://youtu.be/EQPpRhIV6Kw
AI & Human Intelligence: A Complex Relationship
Episode 23 - https://youtu.be/EAbQ7stY7JQ
AI Upends the World of Structural Biology
Episode 24 - https://youtu.be/Bsb1F8uoBpA
AI & COVID-19: An Extraordinary Contribution
Episode 25 - https://youtu.be/PqL5PCRc8tA
AI, Connectomics & Transhumanism: the Future of Humankind
Episode 26 - https://youtu.be/HI8Zjl8VM8U
Dramatic Upheaval Inside Google's Ethical AI Team
Episode 27 - https://youtu.be/TqWwJYc2GxQ
AI & Cyber Espionage | How Will the Sunburst Attack Affect Our Security?
Episode 28 - https://youtu.be/89BcThqgcfQ
AI & the Rapidly Escalating Threat from Deep Fake Videos
Episode 29 - https://youtu.be/zvOHRMmJNB4
AI, Facial Recognition Technology & The Digital Surveillance State
Episode 30 - https://youtu.be/br4ygfEWdk0
AI & Social Media | The Most Destructive AI We've Ever Seen?
Episode 31 - https://youtu.be/sOy12ii8zwM
The Democratization of AI & The 2021 Maiflower Expedition | Plymouth, England to Plymouth, MA
Episode 32 - https://youtu.be/bixdLL74reE
Sino-American Cold War | A Blessing in Disguise for America?
Episode 33 - https://youtu.be/tTRm312DgMc
AI & the Tyranny of Meritocracy
Episode 34 - https://youtu.be/FpPzC5VP6GM
In the Midst of Chaos and Pandemic | A Big AI Announcement From the Trump Administration
Episode 35 - https://youtu.be/bK3xCBwrG8w
Artificial Super Intelligence – Can We Control It?
Episode 36 - https://youtu.be/Rc60DQ0L86Q
A New America | Hope with a Big Dose of Caution
Episode 37 - https://youtu.be/Rc60DQ0L86Q
Will AI [Science & Tech] Benefit From a New Cold War with China?
Episode 38 - https://youtu.be/JewJnPywnOU
Will AI Eventually Replace All Other Forms of Government?
No comments have been added yet.
