From Foreign Affairs · Seva Gunitsky · · 1m 40s
AI Autocrat
AI empowers dictators to control without human subordinates but creates new vulnerabilities through tech elites.
In brief
AI empowers dictators to control without human subordinates but creates new vulnerabilities through tech elites. AI allows autocrats to replace human subordinates with algorithms but creates a new class of engineers who can undermine rulers. Originally reported by Foreign Affairs.
AI and Dictators
AI empowers dictators to maintain control without delegating tasks to unreliable humans.
The Autocrat's Dilemma
Dictators need subordinates but fear their potential to turn against their leader.
AI's Promise
AI allows real-time monitoring and elimination of human subordinates through automation.
Russia's AI Use
Russia deployed facial recognition across 200,000 cameras to identify protesters during 2021 demonstrations.
China's AI Systems
China uses ai to track officials and deploy a zero trust system across 30 counties and cities.
UAE's AI Shift
UAE created an ai office to draft laws and plans for autonomous ai agents taking over half government operations.
The New Praetorian Guard
Engineers maintaining ai systems become the new group of officials with power over surveillance and censorship.
Russia's Tech Exodus
Russia offered tech workers tax breaks and mortgage subsidies after 100,000 specialists fled in 2022.
Engineers' Power
Engineers can shape what rulers see and control information without the ruler noticing.
The New Vulnerability
A small group of engineers can disrupt ai systems and undermine rulers without direct confrontation.
Historical Precedent
In 1991, programmers helped Boris Yeltsin defeat a coup attempt against Mikhail Gorbachev.
The Trap
The more ai a regime uses, the more it depends on engineers who can become a threat to rulers.
The Consequence
Engineers may exploit their power to replace rulers without violence, similar to the praetorian guard.
The takeaway
AI allows autocrats to replace human subordinates with algorithms but creates a new class of engineers who can undermine rulers.
