The Current Geopolitical Landscape: Democracy vs the Rise of Authoritarianism in a Technologically Driven World
How Universal Basic Income, Technology, and Disinformation Campaigns Could Shape Our Future — For Better or Worse
As the world stands at a pivotal point in its political, technological, and social evolution, a significant shift in ideologies is unfolding that could fundamentally reshape the future. Today’s geopolitical landscape is marked by rising authoritarianism, increasing economic inequality, and a global information war where narratives are heavily contested. At the center of these developments lies a battle for the future of democracy and freedom, potentially leading to a society where the elite technocrats hold the reins of power while the masses are pacified by Universal Basic Income (UBI).
The Threat to Democracy and Freedom
The concept of democracy — a system in which citizens have the right to participate in decision-making and where power is distributed among the many — is facing substantial threats across the globe. Authoritarian leaders and regimes are leveraging technology, social media, and disinformation campaigns to consolidate power, undermine democratic norms, and weaken public trust in institutions.
These efforts are well-documented. For example, state-sponsored disinformation campaigns from actors like Russia have aimed to create chaos and division within democratic countries. Such tactics have been used to influence elections, promote authoritarian governance models, and reduce trust in democratic institutions. If democratic values are eroded and replaced by a system that prioritizes control and stability over freedom, Universal Basic Income (UBI) could be repurposed as a tool for maintaining order in a dystopian future.
UBI as a Double-Edged Sword
UBI has been presented as a solution to the challenges posed by automation and AI, particularly the inevitable displacement of jobs. The idea is that by providing everyone with a baseline income, society can ensure a minimum standard of living, even in a world where human labor is less necessary. However, UBI could also become a mechanism of control.
In an authoritarian society, UBI might be used to pacify the masses — offering just enough to survive, but not enough to challenge the status quo. This could lead to a scenario where the state or a small group of elites controls the distribution of resources, creating a dependency that limits freedom. As a result, UBI, intended to be a safety net, could paradoxically restrict social mobility and entrench class divisions.
The Rise of Authoritarianism in a Technologically-Driven World
The concentration of power among those who control technology — AI, data, surveillance tools, and digital platforms — could further reinforce authoritarian tendencies. Leaders who favor more centralized control could use these tools to manipulate information, suppress dissent, and maintain power, further eroding democratic principles.
For instance, China’s use of advanced surveillance technology, facial recognition, and social credit systems represents a model where technology is used to maintain state control and monitor citizens. Such developments showcase how technology, if left unchecked, can be weaponized to curtail freedoms and bolster authoritarian regimes.
A Future Fueled and Controlled by UBI
If democracy continues to weaken and technological control becomes more pervasive, UBI could be leveraged as a form of “soft control.” In this dystopian scenario, society could become stratified into two primary classes:
The Elite Technocrats: Those who control the means of production, technology, and governance.
The UBI-Dependent Masses: Those who rely on UBI with limited political influence and minimal power to change their circumstances.
This structure could result in a situation where social mobility is restricted, and most citizens lack the means or opportunity to improve their status, creating a perpetually divided society.
The Role of Active Measure Campaigns
Political actors like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have been involved in “active measure” campaigns — tactics involving the spread of disinformation and propaganda to influence public opinion, sow discord, and destabilize democracies. These campaigns can create an environment where democratic institutions are weakened, and the idea of authoritarian rule becomes more appealing to those disillusioned by perceived chaos or inequality in democratic systems.
If these campaigns succeed, the shift toward a controlled, UBI-dependent society could accelerate, making it easier for authoritarian forces to justify a new social order that prioritizes stability over freedom.
Citizens United: Setting the Stage for an Authoritarian Future
The 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling, which allowed unlimited political spending by corporations and wealthy individuals, has played a pivotal role in setting the stage for the potential dystopian future described. By enabling unprecedented levels of lobbying and campaign contributions, Citizens United has allowed the 1% to shape the political landscape to their advantage, creating an environment where the interests of the ultra-wealthy and powerful entities could be prioritized over those of the general populace.
This decision has effectively laid the groundwork for an era where money plays a dominant role in political decision-making and policy formation, reinforcing the power of a select few over the many. It supports the idea of an authoritarian future fueled by UBI, where a small elite maintains control while the masses remain pacified by government handouts.
Navigating the Ethical Implications and Preventing a Dystopian Future
To counter these threats, several strategies must be implemented:
Establish Robust Democratic Safeguards: Strengthening democratic institutions, protecting free speech, and ensuring transparency in governance are crucial. Civic education and media literacy are essential to help people critically assess information and resist manipulation.
Design UBI to Empower, Not Control: UBI should be implemented in a way that empowers individuals, providing financial stability while also fostering opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and participation in the economy. It should be paired with policies that promote economic equality, such as progressive taxation and investment in public goods.
Promote Ethical Use of Technology: Society must develop ethical frameworks for AI, data, and digital tools. Regulations should prevent the concentration of technological power in the hands of a few and ensure that technology serves the public good rather than just the interests of a technocratic elite.
Encourage Global Cooperation to Defend Democracy: Democracies worldwide should collaborate to counteract authoritarian trends, share strategies for protecting democratic norms, and combat disinformation campaigns that seek to destabilize free societies.
The Stakes Are High
The future could indeed take a dystopian turn if these trends continue unchecked. However, by asking the right questions, establishing proper safeguards, and fostering a culture that values freedom and equality, we can work toward a society where UBI and technological advancements benefit all, rather than becoming tools for control and division.
The path forward is fraught with challenges, but it also holds immense potential. The choices we make now will determine whether we move toward a future of greater equity and participation or one defined by division and control.
References:
“Russia’s Role in the Global Information War,” Council on Foreign Relations, 2022.
“Universal Basic Income: Promise or Peril?” Brookings Institution, 2021.
“China’s Surveillance State: The Rise of Authoritarian Technology,” The New York Times, 2020.
“The Future of Work and UBI,” World Economic Forum, 2023.
“Active Measures: Russia’s Disinformation Tactics,” RAND Corporation, 2021.
“AI and Ethics: Frameworks for the Future,” The Washington Post, 2022.
“Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission,” Oyez, 2010.
By reflecting on these challenges and developing strategies to address them, we can better prepare for a future that aligns with democratic values and human rights.