[Problem profile] “Stable totalitarianism” by Stephen Clare

The Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia for just four years, yet in that time they murdered about one-quarter of Cambodia's population. Even short-lived totalitarian regimes can inflict enormous harm.

Narrated by AI.

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Outline:

(03:48) Summary

(04:18) Our overall view

(07:12) Why might the risk of stable totalitarianism be an especially pressing problem?

(07:36) Could totalitarianism be an existential risk?

(08:45) Is any of this remotely plausible?

(12:03) Will totalitarian regimes arise in future?

(13:06) Could a totalitarian regime dominate the world?

(13:29) Domination by force

(16:38) Controlling a powerful government

(19:24) Could a totalitarian regime last forever?

(23:11) The chance of stable totalitarianism

(27:50) Preventing long-term totalitarianism in particular seems pretty neglected

(30:13) Why might you choose not to work on this problem?

(31:06) What can you do to help?

(31:33) AI Governance

(33:10) Researching risks of global coordination

(34:30) Working on defensive technologies

(36:39) Protecting democratic institutions

(38:15) Learn more about risks of stable totalitarianism

(39:27) Explore other pressing world problems

The original text contained 13 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

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First published:
June 19th, 2024

Last updated:
October 29th, 2024

Source:
https://80000hours.org/problem-profiles/risks-of-stable-totalitarianism

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.