Development of the computer space as a factor in Russia’s strategic stability

Abstract

The technosphere, when compared to the biosphere, is often called second nature. The emerging computer reality can justifiably be called third nature. The state and prospects for the development of our civilization (the world of Russia) are now determined largely by its coordinates in this space. The rise of the mathematics industry and computer technology has begun to become an important component of strategic stability in our world. I consider this range of problems and ways to solve them from an interdisciplinary perspective. The theory of self-organization (synergetics) is of particular importance in such an analysis. The development of third nature (computer reality) radically changes the tools and scenario of self-organization in the social sphere, in the economy, and in the military space. Both the world and Russia are at a bifurcation point, in which the choice will determine the prosperity and security of people at the present time, as well as their place and role in the new reality in the foreseeable future. Computers have greatly increased our capabilities and at the same time created very serious risks. The capabilities of the state are determined by the projection of its state onto the social, economic and military spaces. Computers and networks can provide a tool for total social control of society. In a world of machines and artificial intelligence, there may be no room for the work of most people, and this could transform our world. We have reached the era of “unmanned wars” and “wars with an unknown enemy” in the world of weapons. A huge space has emerged in the sphere of international relations where negotiations should be made. There is a danger of a rollback to the New Middle Ages. I discuss both these strategic threats and the efforts that must be made to ensure that, after the bifurcation, we find ourselves on an ascending rather than a descending branch of development.