The Parameters of the Relationship of Technologies and Politics

Abstract

This chapter provides an exhaustive analysis of the core technological pillars defining the contemporary techno-political landscape: artificial intelligence (AI), surveillance technologies, blockchain and Web3, social media, and virtual universes (the metaverse). It begins by tracing the historical trajectory of AI and its diverse applications, specifically focusing on its transformative impact on strategic decision-making, foreign policy, and public opinion. The discussion then transitions into a philosophical and technical examination of surveillance, contrasting historical models like Bentham&s;s Panopticon with contemporary concepts such as Zuboff&s;s “surveillance capitalism” and the modern “omnipticon.” The analysis further delves into the ideological origins of blockchain, exploring the paradigmatic shift from the centralized structures of Web2 toward the ownership-based autonomy of Web3. Furthermore, the chapter evaluates the evolution of social media as a pervasive tool of power, highlighting its role in reshaping political participation and the dynamics of disinformation. Finally, it explores the emergence of virtual universes, addressing the critical challenges they pose to identity, security, and the nature of truth. By bridging technical evolution with political science and sociology, this chapter illustrates how these diverse parameters collectively restructure the dynamics of power, governance, and social legitimacy in the digital age.