The emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI) represents one of the most profound technological thresholds in human history, with the potential to reshape the global order. However, the development and deployment of AGI will inevitably reflect the political environments and leadership structures under which it occurs. As authoritarianism resurges worldwide, exemplified by the political trajectory of Donald Trump, the convergence of AGI with authoritarian power necessitates critical examination. This paper argues that understanding Trump’s consolidation of power, his ideological alignment with authoritarian figures, and the historical patterns of power dynamics offers key insights into the risks and imperatives associated with AGI development.
Trump’s political career has been defined by his emulation of authoritarian figures and reliance on the lessons imparted by his mentor, Roy Cohn. Cohn, a controversial lawyer, taught Trump to weaponize litigation, dominate media narratives, and adopt a combative, unapologetic approach to opponents (Basulto, 2017). Trump’s admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin reveals a further dimension of his worldview: the belief in the primacy of centralized, unaccountable power. These influences shape not only Trump’s governance but also the potential pathways of AGI development under his administration. Specifically, Trump’s prioritization of loyalty over expertise and his willingness to purge dissenters from institutions create an environment where AGI is more likely to be weaponized for domination than employed for collective progress.
Historical precedents highlight the propensity of authoritarian regimes to exploit emerging technologies for the consolidation of power. During the Cold War, technological competition catalyzed breakthroughs in computing, aerospace, and nuclear technology, driven by the need for military and geopolitical superiority. Similarly, Trump’s leadership is likely to orient AGI development toward military applications, including autonomous weapons, surveillance systems, and strategic intelligence tools. Such a trajectory would exacerbate global tensions, prompting rival nations like China and Russia to accelerate their own AGI programs (Shuster, 2020). This arms race dynamic not only risks catastrophic misuses of AGI but also marginalizes applications that could address pressing societal challenges, such as climate change, public health, and education.
The geopolitical implications of AGI development under Trump are particularly stark. While Trump has publicly expressed admiration for Putin, a fully consolidated Trump administration armed with AGI capabilities could disrupt this relationship. The pursuit of global domination, a conceivable ambition given Trump’s temperament and ideological orientation, would likely strain or sever ties with Russia, as overlapping spheres of influence create inevitable conflicts. This shift could provoke a destabilizing realignment of global power, where authoritarian leaders turn against one another in pursuit of supremacy. Meanwhile, democratic coalitions, such as NATO and the European Union, might seek to counterbalance Trump’s ambitions, further polarizing the global order.
Domestically, Trump’s governance style poses significant risks to the ethical oversight and accountability of AGI research. The systematic purging of dissenters and the elevation of loyalists create a political culture that stifles debate and critical reflection. AGI development, a field already fraught with ethical dilemmas, could become a tool of authoritarian consolidation if ethical safeguards are weakened. For instance, AGI systems designed for surveillance could be used to suppress political dissent, while military applications could prioritize offensive capabilities over defensive or humanitarian uses. Resistance to these trends is possible, both from within the scientific community and from institutions committed to upholding democratic norms. However, the risks of co-opted research and premature deployment remain substantial.
The economic and social ramifications of militarized AGI development also merit attention. A Trump-led AGI initiative would likely prioritize defense spending at the expense of social programs, deepening domestic inequalities. Furthermore, international sanctions and trade disruptions resulting from unilateralist policies could destabilize the global economy, limiting the resources available for collaborative AGI research. Such conditions would disproportionately benefit authoritarian regimes, which could exploit the chaos to advance their own agendas.
While the risks of AGI development under authoritarianism are profound, they are not insurmountable. History demonstrates that authoritarian overreach often triggers resistance, both internally and externally. Trump’s impulsive, transactional leadership style, while effective in certain contexts, is ill-suited to the complexities of global geopolitics and technological ecosystems. His reliance on loyalty over competence could undermine his administration’s ability to effectively manage the challenges of AGI deployment. Moreover, resistance within the U.S. military, intelligence communities, and civil society could serve as a counterweight to authoritarian ambitions, ensuring that AGI development is guided by ethical and democratic principles.
In conclusion, the intersection of AGI development and authoritarian consolidation under Trump presents both grave risks and significant opportunities for resistance. By understanding the patterns of history and the dynamics of power, those committed to preserving democratic governance can anticipate and counter the misuse of AGI. The stakes are existential, and the choices made today will shape the future of humanity. AGI, like all transformative technologies, reflects the values and intentions of its creators. Ensuring that it serves as a tool for collective advancement rather than domination requires vigilance, unity, and a commitment to ethical stewardship.
References
Basulto, D. (2017). How Trump's mentor Roy Cohn shaped his ruthless view of power. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/01/26/how-trumps-mentor-roy-cohn-shaped-his-ruthless-view-of-power/
Shuster, S. (2020). The new arms race: How the world’s militaries are racing to build killer AI. Time. Retrieved from https://time.com/5673241/killer-robots-ai-weapons/
Walsh, T. (2018). Machines that think: The future of artificial intelligence. Prometheus Books.
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