We asked some of the boldest thinkers what the world will be like in 50 years. Here’s what their answers tell us about the future.
Ian Bremmer
President, Eurasia GroupIan Bremmer is a political scientist, author, professor at NYU, columnist at Time, ostensible intellectual entrepreneur, and the president of Eurasia Group.
Who will run the world?
There are two countries that have power that matters: the US and China. China will have a bigger economy, there’s no question. They have human capital, education, etc. to drive economic growth. But the reality is that for the biggest AI breakthroughs, it will be either the US or China that succeeds—and just one breakthrough could make the difference. It’s possible that we see either the US or China make a major breakthrough and everyone else will have to align to their standards, systems, and technology. It’s also possible that we end up in war. These challenges are only getting bigger, and in a G-Zero world [where there is a vacuum of power in international politics created by the decline of Western influence], it’s unclear that today’s ideas about what constitutes governance will continue to work.
More responses to Who will run the world?Which country will have the most powerful economy?
More responses to Which country will have the most powerful economy?What kinds of companies will be the most important?
Companies that do work in AI and technology—likely companies working in spaces that don’t currently exist.
More responses to What kinds of companies will be the most important?What will cause the biggest conflicts?
AI, climate, and geopolitics, in that order.
More responses to What will cause the biggest conflicts?How will we find love?
Digitally, double entendre not intended.
More responses to How will we find love?What will cities be like?
They will be much bigger, and underclasses will be more pronounced.
More responses to What will cities be like?What will the biggest change to our natural world be?
Oceans will have radically less diversity.
More responses to What will the biggest change to our natural world be?Will our world be more equal or less equal?
Less equal.
More responses to Will our world be more equal or less equal?What’s your best prediction for the world in 50 years?
We will still be here.
More responses to What’s your best prediction for the world in 50 years?
