Intelligence Squared
A Journey Into Our Geopolitical Future, with Elliot Ackerman
Apr 5, 2024
Elliot Ackerman, a former US Marine and bestselling author, teams up with Carl Miller, co-founder of Demos and author of The Death of the Gods, to explore a dystopian future in their novel 2054. They discuss the implications of a US-China nuclear conflict shaped by AI, the rise of new political dynamics in a polarized world, and the moral dilemmas faced by military figures. Delving into the role of speculative fiction, they highlight how storytelling can both reflect and influence our geopolitical landscape, inspiring optimism amidst despair.
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Quick takeaways
- In the novel 2054, a dystopian future post-nuclear war reveals a society polarized by partisanship and shaped by emerging technologies.
- Global power shifts driven by technological advancements, particularly in AI, depict a new battleground for nations vying for supremacy.
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Book Synopsis: Setting the Stage in 2054
In the novel 2054, a dystopian future is portrayed following a nuclear war between the US and China. Society finds itself polarized and torn apart by partisanship, with emerging technologies playing a pivotal role in politics and conflicts. The novel introduces a world where power struggles and technological advancements shape a society teetering on the brink of civil unrest, echoing the current societal challenges of rapid technological changes and political divisions.
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