Executive Summary

In a profound talk about technology and power, author and historian Yuval Noah Harari explains
the important difference between fascism and nationalism. And also what the consolidation of our
data means for the future of democracy. Harari warns the greatest danger that now faces liberal
democracy is that the revolution in information technology will make dictatorships more efficient
and capable of control. “The enemies of liberal democracy hack our feelings of fear and hate and
vanity, and then use these feelings to polarize and destroy,” Harari says. “It is the responsibility of
all of us to get know our weaknesses and make sure they don’t become weapons.”

Fascism vs. Nationalism

Today, calling someone a “fascist” is more of like an insult for most people. In Indonesia, if you
are looking for problems, just simply call someone a “communist”. Most probably, they will just
punch you in the face or immediately call the police. People tend to depict those words as
monstrous and pure evil, since they have a bloody history came from those words. Or even worst,
they don’t even know what those words mean or they confuse fascism with nationalism. For me,
it is just a word describing the one’s political ideology, not even an abusive word.

I am totally agree with Mr. Harari, that most people confuse fascism with nationalism. I asked my
friend what does fascism means. “They love their nation so much until they become evil.” He said.
“Then, what does nationalism means.” I asked. “Loving their nation.” He replied. “Then what is
the difference?” I asked. He fell silent.

Fascism or Dictatorships Might Come Back in a New Form

Back then, land and machines was important assets and the measure of power. Dictatorships
formed where single ruler or small oligarch owned and control all the assets. But now, data is
replacing both land and machines as the most important asset. The greatest danger that now faces
liberal democracy is that the revolution in information technology will make dictatorships more
efficient than democracy. In the 20th century, democracy beat fascism because democracy was
better at processing enormous data and making decisions than a centralized system could. Today,
with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, it might become feasible to
process enormous amount of information very efficiently in a centralized system. As a result,
fascism would become more efficient than democracy.

I am totally agree with Mr. Harari, that fascism or dictatorship might come back.