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An urgent warning of the unprecedented risks that AI and other fast-developing technologies pose to global order, and how we might contain them while we have the chance—from a co-founder of the pioneering artificial intelligence company DeepMind“A fascinating, well-written, and important book.”—Yuval Noah Harari “Essential reading.”—Daniel Kahneman“An excellent guide for navigating unprecedented times.”—Bill GatesLonglisted for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year Award •One of Kirkus Reviews Most Anticipated Books of the FallWe are approaching a critical threshold in the history of our species. Everything is about to change.  Soon you will live surrounded by AIs. They will organise your life, operate your business, and run core government services. You will live in a world of DNA printers and quantum computers, engineered pathogens and autonomous weapons, robot assistants and abundant energy.  None of us are prepared. As co-founder of the pioneering AI company DeepMind, part of Google, Mustafa Suleyman has been at the centre of this revolution. The coming decade, he argues, will be defined by this wave of powerful, fast-proliferating new technologies.  In The Coming Wave, Suleyman shows how these forces will create immense prosperity but also threaten the nation-state, the foundation of global order. As our fragile governments sleepwalk into disaster, we face an existential dilemma: unprecedented harms on one side, the threat of overbearing surveillance on the other.  Can we forge a narrow path between catastrophe and dystopia? This groundbreaking book from the ultimate AI insider establishes “the containment problem”—the task of maintaining control over powerful technologies—as the essential challenge of our age.

"The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma" by Mustafa Suleyman is a thought-provoking exploration of the profound impact of technology on society, power dynamics, and the future of humanity. In this groundbreaking book, Suleyman delves into the intricate relationship between technological advancements and their far-reaching consequences, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Technological Progress and Its Disruptions:

Suleyman begins by examining the rapid pace of technological change and its disruptive effects on various aspects of our lives. He argues that the convergence of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and biotechnology, is ushering in a new era of transformation. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize industries, create new economic models, and reshape our understanding of work, privacy, and social interactions.

Power Dynamics and Technological Shifts:

The author delves into the shifting power dynamics brought about by technological disruptions. He explores how access to technology and its applications can create disparities in wealth, control, and influence. Suleyman emphasizes the need for responsible governance and policies to ensure that technological progress benefits all of society, rather than exacerbating existing inequalities.

Individual Autonomy and the Algorithmic Society:

Suleyman delves into the ethical implications of increasing reliance on algorithms and data-driven decision-making. He examines how these technologies can impact individual autonomy, freedom of choice, and privacy. The author raises concerns about potential biases and discrimination embedded in algorithms and the need for transparency and accountability in their development and use.

The Battle for Control: Governments, Corporations, and Citizens:

The book explores the complex interplay between governments, corporations, and citizens in the context of technological advancements. Suleyman argues that there is an urgent need for a fundamental shift in the balance of power. He proposes a model of "collaborative governance," where all stakeholders work together to establish ethical frameworks, standards, and policies that guide the development and deployment of technology.

A Blueprint for a Thriving Future:

In the final chapters, Suleyman presents a vision for a thriving future in the face of technological disruptions. He emphasizes the importance of education, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning to navigate the changing landscape. The author calls for a global movement to ensure that technology is harnessed for the betterment of humanity, promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and a renewed sense of purpose.

"The Coming Wave" by Mustafa Suleyman is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of technology on society and shaping a future where technology serves humanity's best interests.