Technological regimentation: Artificial intelligence, fascism, aggression, and democratic society

Abstract

Artificially intelligent systems are sophisticated tools that help us to decide and to behave independently in a hybrid, symbiotic world in between humans and machines. This article reflects on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and political forms, especially in its authoritarian version. A return to fascism through digital means is one of the possibilities that have been pointed out by those who have warned about the risks of developing a generative artificial intelligence fostering the autonomy and adaptability of systems. The article examines this thesis and identifies some of the elements to consider—warfare, the strategic behaviour of large technological corporations, their mindset, and the practical philosophy underlying governance models. The article pays particular attention to Alexander Karp's PhD dissertation in Philosophy on aggression and reframes the question of fascism from the idea of ‘over-compliance’ and ‘regimentation’. Fascism is not the issue in this new environment; innovation, power, and governance, are.