By Matija Šerić
Looking into the future has always intrigued humanity. The question of what awaits us tomorrow has interested not only ordinary people but also large communities such as states. Therefore, it is not surprising that sacred books like the Bible and the Quran, or figures like Nostradamus and Baba Vanga, are so popular – they all share a common trait: prophecy. The future is uncertain, unpredictable, and open to many possibilities that may or may not come true. If we could know what awaits us tomorrow, it would greatly influence what happens today. Although no one can know exactly what will happen in the coming decades (e.g., the possibility of a quantum leap), based on current trends, we can draw conclusions about what the world might look like in the year 2075.
From 1975 to 2075
Looking 50 years into the future may seem like a long time from the perspective of an individual human life, but from the standpoint of civilization, it is a very short period. Fifty years ago, in 1975, the world was marked by the Cold War, industrial production, black-and-white television, and punk and rock music. Today, in 2025, things are vastly different. Computers, smartphones, the internet, and economies based on post-industrial development have significantly changed everyday life. Some would say that just twenty years ago, we were “cave people.” All in all, the least change has come in the political sphere, as we are now experiencing a Cold War 2.0.
Political (Dis)Continuity
Given this perspective, it is logical to assume that the world of 2075 will change the least politically. We are currently witnessing the decline of American unipolarity, as multipolarity increasingly takes hold. The United States is no longer the sole global policeman. Almost equal competitors now include Russia and China. In 50 years, the world could be perfectly multipolar and competitive. Large countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and South Africa are finally expected to realize their untapped potential. Most likely, the global scene will be led by the US, China, and India.
By 2075, the Earth’s population is projected by the UN to reach between 9.5 and 10 billion. At that point, population growth should reach zero. Around ten powers should equally participate in the international community and make major decisions. This, of course, implies reforming the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council, as well as other multilateral organizations like NATO, G7, and the WTO. In contrast, other multilateral organizations like an expanded BRICS and ASEAN could experience a renaissance.
Disintegration and Preservation of Great Powers
It is not out of the question that some major states like the US and Russia could break up into smaller parts. There is a much higher probability of this happening to the US due to the deep division between liberals and conservatives – the blue and red states. Even if Russia loses a region like Chechnya or Dagestan, this would not significantly diminish its power. Whether a fragmented US would remain a global player is very questionable. It is hard to imagine the collapse of a country like the People’s Republic of China, which is ethnically homogeneous – 91% Han Chinese. Although India has a large Muslim minority, the Hindu majority is likely to maintain national unity, especially since India will remain the most populous country for a long time.
Shifting Power to the East and South
Power will likely shift to the Far East due to rapid population growth and advancements in technology, science, and other fields. Vietnam, Pakistan, Indonesia, and likely a united Korea will be strong powers, alongside already established players like China, Japan, and India. On the other hand, the future of the European Union is highly uncertain, as it has been questioning its existence for over a decade. Aside from North Korea, the survival of complex multinational states such as Syria, Libya, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Kingdom, and Spain is also in doubt due to strong secessionist forces. Africa is finally expected to gain geopolitical significance, thanks to demographic growth, rapid economic development, digital transformation, and rich natural resources.
Economic Development
Some observers claim that economic growth and development in 2075 are the easiest to predict. After all, the economy is a complex mathematical discipline, and mathematical calculations can be used to measure everything. Economic growth should be steady but slower, due to lower population growth and declining productivity gains. According to a 2021 Goldman Sachs study, the world’s ten largest economies in 2075 will be: China ($57 trillion), India ($52 trillion), the US ($51 trillion), Indonesia ($14 trillion), Nigeria ($13 trillion), Pakistan ($12 trillion), Egypt ($10 trillion), Brazil ($9 trillion), and Germany and the UK (each $8 trillion).
These economic forecasts perfectly align with the anticipated political shifts, confirming that power and influence will move from North America and Europe to other continents. The classic industrial sector might become marginal due to the green transition and digital economy. Fossil fuels may virtually disappear from use, and humanity will shift to renewable energy sources. This is a logical outcome considering the threat of climate change to large parts of the planet.
The World of Work in the Age of AI
Many traditional jobs will disappear due to automation and artificial intelligence. However, people will still need to work – most likely in new jobs related to managing technological processes. Current monetary systems may disappear almost entirely, replaced by digital currency. Paper money will become a thing of the past. Depending on development, there will still be significant differences between developed and underdeveloped areas. Megacities (Tokyo, London, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Lagos…) could overshadow entire countries and become centers of wealth. The same could happen with technological clusters. There are ideas that people will no longer need to work and that universal basic income will become a reality, with AI working for humanity. While this is possible, people will still likely need to engage in some form of work.
Technological Advancements
And here we come to technological progress. This aspect of the future most captures the imagination of ordinary people. Although it was once predicted that people today would fly through the skies, this has not happened. On the contrary, modes of transport like bicycles and (electric) scooters are booming. Still, technological advancement will undoubtedly be significant. Artificial intelligence will likely become the most crucial component, almost reaching human-level capabilities. In some form, humanoid robots (androids) will play a vital role. We might even see a future resembling the video game Detroit: Become Human, where androids become rivals to humans. However, it is more likely that AI will remain controlled – it is still a human tool, no matter how advanced it may seem.
Biotechnology, nanotechnology, and gene therapy could significantly extend human life by eliminating many diseases. Transportation will become faster, and autonomous vehicles will play a major role. Air and electric transport will dominate. Intercontinental travel is expected to improve drastically thanks to supersonic aircraft and ultra-high-speed rail. Space technology should develop to the point where humans can travel to other planets in the solar system – such as the Moon and Mars. However, colonizing other planets is unlikely within the next fifty years. Technology will predictably enhance the virtual world. Some form of advanced internet will bring a new dimension, and many people may not be able to distinguish between the virtual and the real. The entertainment industry (films, video games…) will see a major leap forward. All this technological progress will reduce the average person’s privacy. Major corporations will benefit most.
Social Progress
How will all this affect society? Will there be progress or regression? It is evident that technology is eroding social cohesion, as people spend more time interacting virtually than around the table – not to mention their connection with nature. However, not everything should be seen through a negative lens. Education will become digitalized and lifelong, as will many jobs. This will enable people to adapt and benefit. Automation and uniformity could spur individuals to seek uniqueness and personal expression.
Although globalization will reach its peak, it will not erase regional and local identities. Different identities – such as ethnicity, religion, race, and gender – might be accepted with fewer disputes. People will seek meaning in a hyper-digital world. New religions may emerge, worshipping AI (AI cults) or viewing it as humanity’s enemy. Technological and economic progress may significantly reduce global poverty. However, poverty could increase in developed countries, as megacities thrive while other regions are neglected.
