The Rise And Fall Of The Artificial State

Beskrivelse

The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State explores how technology has reshaped society, politics, and power in ways that echo the darkest moments of history. Jill Lepore delves into the rise of the so-called Artificial State and its impact on democracy and governance.

An eye-opening history of how technology and data have transformed power and challenged democracy.

We live in an era dominated by data, where technological advances over the last century have altered society profoundly and often alarmingly. Political campaigns have been reduced to algorithms designed to capture attention, multinational corporations now steer public conversation, and the traditional liberal nation-state appears to be fading, replaced by the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

Power today is maintained through a veil of mystification-machines are said to possess knowledge beyond human reach. But none of this was predestined. In this compelling narrative, award-winning historian Jill Lepore uncovers the story of the 'Artificial State', a concept she uses to describe this new form of governance shaped by technology.

From the origins of Elon Musk to the environmental costs of data centers, Lepore offers a fresh historical perspective that is often missing from current discussions. She argues that history is shaped not by machines but by people, cultures, societies, and ideas.

The creators of the Artificial State lacked a coherent theory of governance, showed no respect for the rule of law, and drew inspiration not from science but from science fiction. Yet, despite the damage they have caused, Lepore believes that everything destructive can be reversed.

By revealing the roots of the Artificial State, this book guides readers toward imagining and fighting for an alternative future-one where technology serves democracy rather than undermines it.

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