2030-2035

The Age of Unions

In the early 2030s, the world entered the "Age of Unions," marking a stark departure from the tumultuous 2020s. This era was characterized by a remarkable resurgence in the global economy, fueled primarily by the integration and advancement of artificial intelligence. As AI-driven productivity soared to unprecedented heights, a significant shift occurred in the socio-economic landscape.

Wealth became increasingly concentrated among the rich, who formed a new oligarchic class, reaping enormous profits from AI technologies. This stark increase in income inequality left the common people struggling, as AI and robotics replaced many traditional jobs, leading to widespread unemployment and social unrest.

Amidst this upheaval, the concept of Unions gained prominence. These groups, driven by the immense profitability of AI, embarked on a relentless quest for the next great technological breakthrough. This era witnessed significant advances in diverse fields such as cloning, cryosleep, robotics, cybernetics, and spaceflight.

However, these rapid technological advancements were not without controversy. Unions developed distinct stances on critical issues such as the human rights implications of cloning and the ethical use of AI. As each Union pursued its agenda, their ideologies often clashed, mirroring the polarized political landscapes of earlier times.

Military applications of AI also evolved dramatically. Countries, initially reluctant to integrate AI into their military systems, soon recognized the necessity of doing so in an escalating arms race. This led to the development and deployment of the first AI-controlled robotic combatants on the battlefield. These robotic soldiers displayed rapidly improving performance, eventually surpassing all but the most skilled human pilots and commanders.

AI robotic combatants on the battlefield

Parallel to these geopolitical and technological shifts, a myriad of niche social groups began to emerge worldwide, each with unique perspectives and reactions to the unfolding changes. These groups played a pivotal role in shaping the societal dynamics of this new age, adding layers of complexity to the already intricate tapestry of global politics and technology.