I'm worried about where things are going

2026-05-20 · Source: David Shapiro · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, International Relations & Diplomacy, Economic Analysis & Policy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

The article warns of an impending "techno-feudalism" where advanced AI and automation will render most humans economically and politically irrelevant, a state the author terms "redundant biomass." This outcome is described as "overdetermined" by three powerful forces. Geostrategic competition, particularly the "Cold War 2.0" between the US and China, prioritizes AI and robotics development. Capitalism and neoliberalism drive unprecedented investment, with AI infrastructure projected to exceed trillions by 2030, dwarfing projects like Apollo and Manhattan. Rational economic decisions universally favor cheaper, automated goods and services, creating an "attractor state" for a maximally automated economy because humans are "slow, dumb, and expensive." While acknowledging automation's potential for good, the author emphasizes its dual nature, leading to a "post-labor world" where human collective veto power diminishes.

Key takeaway

For policy makers and AI ethicists weighing the societal impact of advanced automation, recognize that historical "natural rights" are not inherent but secured by force. Your current collective veto power, derived from human labor, is diminishing as automation advances. Proactively address the structural and political implications of a "post-labor world" to mitigate the risk of widespread human irrelevance and potential "redundant biomass" status.

Key insights

Advanced AI and automation are driving an "overdetermined" shift towards "techno-feudalism," rendering humans economically and politically irrelevant.

Principles

• "Natural rights" are legal fictions, secured by coercive force.
• Human nature remains dangerous, reasserting itself under pressure.
• Economic rationality drives automation over human labor.

Topics

• Techno-feudalism
• AI Automation
• Post-labor Economy
• Geostrategic Competition
• Human Rights Theory
• Societal Impact of AI

Best for: AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by David Shapiro.