Technology v/s Sovereign

  

Analysing trends of human past over centuries & millenniums has always been an intriguing discipline.

 

Researchers inclined towards pre-historic period enjoy studying evolutionary patterns across time periods classified as stone age, bronze age and iron age. Those inclined towards documented history find it absorbing to dissect human survival in strategic war fares during periods known as Roman era, Byzantine era, Mughal era, Ming dynasty era etc. And those with mindset of an economist find it fascinating to analyse human prosperity during eras classified as first industrial revolution and second industrial revolution.

 

The nomenclature and classification of eras in the post World War-II period may yet be an incomplete exercise, however, independent of names that are ultimately conferred upon, it remains undisputable that the dominance of Computing Technology will play a decisive role in such a nomenclature.

 

The origin of computing technology has been traced to the birth of Transistor (1947). An alternative schools calls the birth of Integrated Circuits (1959) as the commencement of an era. Yet there are some others that prefer giving this credit to the birth of Microprocessors (1971). Experts may dispute on the date of birth of the computing technology, however, none would disagree that  transformational impact of computing technology was brought with seamless sharing and transfer data across geographical and political boundaries - what is commonly known as the internet era. 

 

 

The technological capabilities developed through Transistors, Integrated Circuits and Microprocessors  had largely impacted Consumer Experience (through applications in electronic appliances) and Efficiencies of Business Organisations   (through applications in data management, production planning, ticketing systems etc.) but had left the powers of the sovereigns untouched. It was when technology enabled the seamless sharing and transfer of data that power equations across the globe saw entry of a new variable and this variable transformed the global power equations forever.  

From times immemorial it has been such transformational events that have demonstrated the ability to change power equations and thus  have become the benchmarks for classification and nomenclature of various historical  and pre-historical eras.  Smelting technology triggered the bronze age since it was through the metal based ammunitions & tools that humans were able to significantly increased their dominance over animals. During the first millennium, the ability to build long roads enabled the Roman empire to capture and rule territories across Europe. And two centuries ago, invention of railroad network propelled the second industrial revolution.

                                              

In the current times, through its ability to seamlessly share data across the globe, technology is challenging the key powers of sovereign governments and thus creating a pitch for being the transformational moment of the era.

 

Amongst the key powers of a sovereign, the Currency and the flow of currency through the Banking Channel play critical roles. The technological prowess of Fintech companies have enabled these companies to carve out the most profitable activities from the banking business, leaving traditional banking channel less profitable and prone to weakening over next few years. Further, cryptocurrency is challenging the clout of sovereign currencies and therefore also of the sovereigns. 

 

Increasing dominance of search engines like Google over the news media puts Media, the fourth pillar of democracy, in a precarious position. A robust media, is a must for the survival of democracy so it was natural for Australia to protect its media against the technology powerhouse. 

 

If Google can deplete a sovereign’s power through deciding on what citizens SHOULD READ then Twitter can do so by deciding what citizens SHOULD NOT READ.  

 

Many sovereigns have already experienced encroachment by technology in Privacy of its citizen and Election outcomes. And now Military – another big of the sovereign – sees increasing dominance by technology. Azerbaijan’s victory over Armenia was clearly about the technological prowess of drones. This development could lead to a situation in future when sovereigns may be forced to outsource war fare to super expert third-parties owning millions of drones. As a result, military powers of sovereigns may too start depleting.

 

Post World War-II, many sovereigns have identified Religion and Charity as their big threats. Communist nations have strong laws against activities of religious organisations, so have many Gulf nations against charitable foundations. But with its potential to deplete the powers of sovereigns across the world,  Technology has come up as the biggest threat for most sovereigns….and possibly also for the mankind. After all man created sovereigns so that mankind could survive longer.

 

From Man v/s Animal war of pre-historic era and from Man v/s Man war during documented history, as we move towards Man v/s technology war of the current ties, we are still are not clear about the survival strategies but our lingering hope shall always be that the naming rights of the era continue to remain with mankind.

 

  

-     Deepesh Salgia