Artificial intelligence and its consequent concentration of wealth have made increasing economic stratification (speciation) more likely. In biology, speciation occurs when populations become so separated that they no longer meaningfully interbreed. Economically, imagine a society dividing itself into separate “species”:
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a small class controlling AI, capital, data, and political influence;
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a shrinking professional class working alongside AI;
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people largely dependent on government transfers or low-wage service work.
(Elon Musk sees speciation coming; that’s why he is now promoting Universal Basic Income. He calls it Universal High Income in order to con people.)
While these groups remain biologically identical, their opportunities, education, health, and political influence could diverge so much that they function almost like separate societies. Today’s stock market is creating these “species” as we watch it.
Several forces are pushing towards speciation. Artificial intelligence favors ownership over labor. Unlike earlier industrial revolutions, AI can substitute for many forms of cognitive work as well as physical labor. If a handful of companies own the most powerful AI systems and the computing infrastructure behind them, including quantum computing, much of the economic gain flows to shareholders rather than workers. Moreover, wealth concentration reinforces itself. Large fortunes can purchase better education, political access, media influence, and the ability to acquire promising competitors. This creates feedback loops that become difficult to reverse. Finally, democracy can be weakened when economic inequality becomes extreme.
Alexis de Tocqueville warned that democracies require a substantial middle class. If wealth becomes significantly concentrated, equality collapses.
The age of the “robber barons” of the late nineteenth century produced enormous concentrations of wealth. Industrialists accumulated unprecedented fortunes, but democratic institutions responded with: stronger antitrust enforcement; progressive taxation; labor protections; universal public education; financial regulation; expansion of voting rights.
These reforms did not eliminate capitalism; they prevented economic power from overwhelming democratic institutions mainly by creating laws and regulations.
Today’s AI economy presents similar challenges calling for action. Some policies that strengthen our democracy include: Modern antitrust enforcement to prevent excessive concentration in AI, quantum computing, and digital platforms; Broad access to AI tools, so small businesses, schools, researchers, and entrepreneurs can compete rather than leaving advanced AI to few firms; Investment in education and lifelong learning, recognizing that workers will need to adapt as technology changes; Policies encouraging widespread ownership of capital, such as employee ownership plans, retirement savings, and opportunities to invest broadly in productive assets, so citizens benefit from technological growth rather than relying solely on wages; Transparency in political financing and lobbying, reducing the ability of concentrated wealth to dominate democratic decision-making; Independent courts which help prevent economic influence from translating into unchecked political power.
There is a cultural dimension. Democracy depends on civic virtues such as honesty, prudence, justice, moderation, and respect for truth. If citizens lose the habits of truthfulness, critical thinking and compromise, even well-designed institutions can weaken.
Previous technological revolutions destroyed many occupations but also created new industries and jobs. AI severely curtails new employment. AI is driving a profound bifurcation of the global economy. This shift is creating a divide between those who can harness the technology and those who cannot, potentially leading to distinct “economic species” of workers.
Whether this leads to a permanent “speciation” or a temporary disruption depends heavily on how people vote. Your future and the future of your children and grandchildren are in the voting booth with you. Give them an economic opportunity in their lives. Keep us democratic.
Joe Haack of Naples is a retired attorney having practiced Trade Regulation and Antitrust Law.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: AI is driving a profound bifurcation of the global economy | Opinion
Source: Original Article
