Individuals have unprecedented power from "summary" of The Future of Violence - Robots and Germs, Hackers and Drones by Benjamin Wittes,Gabriella Blum
The world is changing, and with it, the nature of power. In the past, power was concentrated in the hands of governments, corporations, and other large organizations. However, advancements in technology have shifted the balance of power, giving individuals the ability to wield unprecedented influence. Today, a single individual armed with a computer and an internet connection can potentially wreak havoc on a massive scale. Cyber attacks, for example, can be carried out by lone hackers operating from their bedrooms, causing widespread disruption and damage. Similarly, the rise of drones has enabled individuals to carry out targeted killings and surveillance operations with relative ease. The democratization of power has also been facilitated by the spread of knowledge and expertise. With the proliferation of online tutorials and open-source software, individuals can now acquire the skills needed to build and deploy sophisticated weapons and tools. This has lowered the barrier to entry for those seeking to engage in acts of violence or coercion. Furthermore, social media and other digital platforms have provided individuals with powerful tools for spreading propaganda, organizing movements, and influencing public opinion. These platforms have enabled individuals to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach vast audiences with their messages, making it easier than ever to incite violence or foment unrest. In this new landscape, traditional power structures are being challenged as individuals assert their agency and autonomy. Governments and other institutions are struggling to adapt to this shift, grappling with how to regulate and control the actions of empowered individuals. The future of violence is no longer solely in the hands of the powerful few, but in the hands of the many.
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