A futurist who predicted the rise of Islamist terrorism before 9/11 has issued a frightening new warning, claiming the United States will never regain its global standing after Donald Trump’s presidency.
British journalist and author Jonathan Margolis has spent decades challenging experts who claim to know what the future holds, but some of his own predictions have proved surprisingly accurate.
In his 2000 book “A Brief History of Tomorrow,” Margolis – who describes himself as an “apocaloptimist” – anticipated the growing threat of Islamist terrorism, the popularity of wearable technology and the isolation people could experience as the internet became an increasingly important part of everyday life.
His approach was unusual because, rather than predicting humanity’s destruction, he questioned the gloomy forecasts that had dominated discussions about technological and social change.
Now, more than 25 years later, the British writer has returned with a new set of predictions, including some unsettling warnings about America’s future.
America may never recover from Trump
In an October 18 article published by The Independent cited by Unilad, Margolis examined what the world might look like in 2066, offering forecasts about politics, (AI) intelligence and the changing lives of ordinary people.
Among his most startling predictions is that China will become “the most significant nation,” overtaking the United States on the international stage.
Although he believes America will remain the world’s wealthiest country, Margolis predicts its reputation will suffer lasting damage following Donald Trump’s presidency, leaving it unable to reclaim the global influence it once enjoyed.
He assigns that scenario an 80% chance, making it one of his most confident forecasts.
And his concerns about the future of political power don’t end there.
Could AI replace democracy?
With AI already transforming industries and threatening jobs traditionally performed by humans, Margolis considers a future in which technology could fundamentally change how countries are governed.
In one of his more unsettling scenarios, democracy itself could disappear, replaced by AI-controlled administrations intended to prevent populist leaders from taking power.
He gives that possibility a 20% chance, but his predictions extend well beyond politics, touching on everything from employment and religion to the changing makeup of families.
Chilling predictions
Here are six of Margolis’s predictions for 2066, including those startling political forecasts, along with the likelihood he assigns to each.
- 1. AI governments – 20%: Countries might adopt systems run by AI to prevent populist politicians from taking control.
- 2. Guaranteed income – 50%: With AI performing much of today’s work, governments may provide enough money for people to live on, whether they choose to work or not.
- 3. AI deities – 65%: Margolis imagines people worshipping machines because, unlike traditional gods, AI could respond to their prayers.
- 4. Fewer children – 70%: Smaller families and longer lifespans could leave societies with fewer young people and growing populations of healthier older adults.
- 5. China becomes the world’s leading power – 80%: America may retain its wealth but never recover the international prestige it enjoyed before Trump.
- 6. Skilled trades become overcrowded – 60%: Workers hoping to protect themselves from AI might train as plumbers and other tradespeople, eventually creating more competition than available jobs.
While several predictions paint an unsettling picture, Margolis also sees plenty of room for the absurdities of everyday life to survive.
Some things may never change
Despite anticipating extraordinary technological advances, Margolis gives printers a 99% chance of continuing to jam, suggesting that even another four decades of innovation might not solve one of life’s most familiar frustrations.
He also predicts a 90% chance that humanoid robots will still struggle to carry cups of tea upstairs without spilling them.
His lighter forecasts extend to British football, where he imagines a Premier League club falling into League Two, and changing social attitudes, with today’s progressive generation potentially reconsidering its beliefs.
But beneath the humor lies a serious warning about a world where political influence shifts, traditional jobs disappear and artificial intelligence becomes deeply embedded in everyday life.
And while many of his predictions remain speculative, Margolis’s assessment of America’s future stands out for its confidence.
Do you think the United States can restore its international reputation after Donald Trump, or will his presidency have lasting consequences? Before passing this story along, please let us know your thoughts!
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