Rise of Technosocialism: How Inequality, AI and Climate Will Usher in a New World

The Rise of Technosocialism explores the impact of COVID-19 on world economies, the effectiveness of border controls in a world of automation, and the potential for conservative governments to agree on universal basic income. It also examines the role of lobbyists in preventing changes to energy infrastructure and the possibility of real-time democracy rendering elections obsolete.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2021
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Pte Ltd

The impact of COVID-19 on world economies has been profound and far-reaching, affecting businesses, individuals, and governments across the globe. The pandemic has led to a significant decline in economic activity, job losses, and a rise in poverty levels, particularly in developing countries. In response, governments have implemented various measures to support their economies, including stimulus packages, bailouts, and interest rate cuts.

However, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the global economy are still uncertain, and there are concerns that the recovery may be slow and uneven. Some economists predict that we may enter a period of prolonged economic uncertainty, characterized by high levels of unemployment and inflation.

One of the most significant impacts of COVID-19 on the economy has been the shift towards digitalization. With many businesses forced to close their doors due to lockdowns and social distancing measures, there has been a significant increase in the use of technology and online services. This has led to the growth of industries such as e-commerce, telemedicine, and remote work, which have the potential to create new jobs and drive economic growth in the future.

Another impact of COVID-19 on the economy has been the increased focus on healthcare and public health. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a robust healthcare system in place, and many governments have invested in improving their healthcare infrastructure. This has also led to the development of new vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, which have the potential to save lives and prevent future outbreaks.

However, the cost of providing universal health care has also been a significant concern for many governments. The pandemic has put a strain on healthcare systems, and there are concerns that the increased demand for healthcare services may lead to higher taxes and reduced access to healthcare for some individuals.

In terms of the impact of COVID-19 on politics, the pandemic has also led to a rise in populism and nationalism. Many people have become increasingly concerned about the impact of immigration and globalization on their local economies and communities, and this has led to the emergence of political movements that prioritize national security and protectionism.

One of the most significant political debates that has emerged in response to COVID-19 is the issue of universal health care. Some argue that providing universal health care is necessary to ensure that all individuals have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their income or social status. Others argue that providing universal health care is socialism and that it would lead to increased government spending and reduced economic growth.

In a world where algorithms and robots take the jobs of immigrants and citizens alike, are border controls an effective response? Some argue that border controls are necessary to protect local jobs and prevent the entry of illegal immigrants who may be a burden on the healthcare system and the economy. Others argue that border controls are racist and that they perpetuate inequality and discrimination.

If unemployment skyrockets due to automation, would conservative governments rather battle long-term social unrest, or could they agree on something like universal basic income? Some conservative governments have proposed policies such as job training programs and tax cuts to support workers who are affected by automation. Others argue that universal basic income is necessary to ensure that all individuals have a basic level of income to live on, regardless of their employment status.

When renewable energy sources are a fraction of the cost of coal generated electricity, should lobbyists be able to prevent changes to energy infrastructure? Some fossil fuel companies and lobbyists argue that renewable energy is too expensive and that it is not a viable long-term solution to climate change. Others argue that renewable energy is necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change.

When the crowd's mood is measured in influence and exabytes, will real-time democracy render elections a thing of the past? Some argue that real-time democracy is necessary to ensure that the voices of all individuals are heard and that decisions are made in the best interests of the public. Others argue that real-time democracy is too complex and that it may be vulnerable to hacking and other forms of cybercrime.

In conclusion, the impact of COVID-19 on world economies has been profound and far-reaching, affecting businesses, individuals, and governments across the globe. The pandemic has led to a significant decline in economic activity, job losses, and a rise in poverty levels, particularly in developing countries. In response, governments have implemented various measures to support their economies, including stimulus packages, bailouts, and interest rate cuts.

However, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the global economy are still uncertain, and there are concerns that the recovery may be slow and uneven. Some economists predict that we may enter a period of prolonged economic uncertainty, characterized by high levels of unemployment and inflation.

The shift towards digitalization, increased focus on healthcare and public health, and the rise of populism and nationalism have all been significant impacts of COVID-19 on the economy. The issue of universal health care, the impact of automation on employment, the role of renewable energy in addressing climate change, and the potential implications of real-time democracy are all important political debates that have emerged in response to the pandemic.

As we move forward, it will be important for governments, businesses, and individuals to work together to address these challenges and build a more resilient and sustainable economy for the future. This may involve investing in education and training programs to ensure that workers have the skills they need to adapt to changing job markets, implementing policies to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting greater social and economic equality to ensure that all individuals have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 161 x 235 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789814868952