The Sovereign Individual is a profound exploration of the future of self-ownership and the decline of the nation-state.
The Technological Singularity: An Accelerating Feedback Loop
Humans are poised to use technology to create increasingly optimized technologies. This human-technology system will likely generate a positive feedback loop, leading to continuous advancements in technological capabilities. Each iteration will produce technology that surpasses its predecessor, resulting in a gradual but potentially exponential increase in technological sophistication. The long-term consequences of this escalating loop are difficult to predict.
The Apokalypsis of the New Millennium
Published in 1997, at the very end of the 20th century, the authors hypothesize the advent of an "Apokalypsis" (unveiling) to mark the beginning of the new millennium (the year 2000 and beyond).
The Decline of the Nation-State: A Technological Erosion
The authors contend that the concept of the "nation-state" will diminish in significance and power as the 21st century unfolds. This erosion will primarily be driven by technological advancements. The nation-state will exert less influence on the human psyche and, consequently, on overall culture.
Information Technology: The Defining Artifact of the 21st Century
The authors believe that information technology, encompassing both data (information) and the tools of communication (telecommunication, servers), will constitute the most crucial and influential artifact of this new millennium.
The Rise of the Digital Nomad: Sovereign Individuals in the Globalized Economy
The authors anticipate the "digital nomads" concept before its widespread recognition. They describe these individuals as Sovereign Individuals, liberated from the constraints of traditional nation-states, as their primary income source is the Internet economy. These individuals are not subject to the same financial and jurisdictional constraints as traditional residents. Consequently, nations will increasingly need to compete with one another to maintain their relevance and attract these individuals, thereby contributing to their national economies. The authors predict that housing prices will be a crucial lever nations can utilize to enhance their attractiveness to this demographic.
The Rise of Alternative Power Structures
The power vacuum left by declining nation-state "elites" will be filled by other smaller structures, such as organized criminal networks and online entrepreneurs. Also, even the culture dictated by the essence of a nation-state in the national zeitgeist will be transitioned towards an internet culture, notably the internet "troll" or the online hook-up culture.
