Will AI accelerate a pathway towards Neo-Feudalism?

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Socioeconomic Stratification: Will We Edge Toward Neo-Feudalism?

In recent decades, the world has witnessed a significant rise in economic disparity, with wealth increasingly concentrated among the few. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, many are wondering: Could current advancements in narrow AI lead to a new form of societal hierarchy—akin to neo-feudalism—or is this an issue only posed by future breakthroughs like artificial general intelligence (AGI)?

Will Narrow AI Deepen Economic Divides?

At present, narrow AI systems—those specialized in specific tasks—are transforming industries, from finance to healthcare. However, do these tools inherently threaten to concentrate wealth further, perhaps enabling a small class of elite “landowners” in the digital economy? Or is this outcome contingent upon the advent of true AGI, which possesses human-like reasoning and decision-making capabilities? The debate continues, but it’s clear that current AI trends already influence economic dynamics.

Can Socioeconomic Inequality Persist Without AGI?

A critical question remains: Can the existing level of wealth inequality be sustained long-term without progressing to AGI? Some argue that without a leap to machines that outperform humans across all domains, the existing disparities might stabilize or even narrow, depending on policy measures and societal responses.

The Future of AGI: Control, Accessibility, and Competition

Looking ahead, the development of AGI raises further concerns. Will this powerful technology be widely accessible, empowering individual users to harness it, or will it predominantly remain under the control of corporations and the ultra-wealthy? Alternatively, could multiple AGI models—developed by different entities—compete, creating a landscape of technological stratification? In such a scenario, might wealthier individuals or organizations access superior models, further widening the gap?

Imagining a Future of Competing AGI Systems

If multiple AGI systems were to exist and compete, what would that look like for society? Would this lead to rapid innovation and economic growth, or provoke instability through conflicts and monopolization? How would businesses, individuals, and governments adapt to a landscape where AI-driven decision-making shapes markets, policy, and daily life? These are complex questions with significant implications for our collective future.

Conclusion

As AI continues its rapid advancement, understanding its potential to reshape societal hierarchies is crucial. Whether it accelerates a move towards neo-feudalism or democratizes technological power, the