Victor Lange

In 2035, we will see a major part of our society participating in and co-administering a growing synergetic federation of councils. These councils will address different topics and empower each other synergistically, creating a robust network of collaborative governance. Democratic institutions will become more transparent and digitally accessible through extensive digitalization and the publishing of decision-making processes, facilitated by the widespread adoption of open data policies.

We will still be facing the same existential risks and problems on a global scale as today. Thankfully, by then, humanity will be much more prepared to face potentially catastrophic complex problems like ecological collapse, dystopian autocracy, or more fundamental and day-to-day issues like unlimited human desire. Priority setting, extensive education and information programs, and the achievement of sufficient world peace will free many resources and unleash creative power to improve humanity and conquer these challenges.

A significant part of our society’s infrastructure will be moving away from unaccountable private, inhumane autocratic, and unscientifically outdated habits toward an open cyberspace that integrates modern insights and innovations in state-building and governance from the very foundation. Consequently, whenever we try to improve the situation for ourselves and/or our society, citizens will no longer be confronted with archaic circumstances and structures that severely limit their ability to do so. Instead, effective conversation and decision-making processes will be implemented.

Autocratic regimes and democracy-undermining institutions will be replaced by grassroots economic and political institutions and organizations. This transition will take place by exploiting effects such as virality, economies of scale, and efficient markets. Sound scientific arguments and democratic legitimation will be the main sources of political authority. Federated open-source protocols used by self-organizing communities (e.g., villages, regional communities, companies) will be implemented, operating recursively at all levels of societal organization, dialectically solving the conundrum between government centralization and decentralization.

Professionalization will be achieved through open and peer-reviewed expert discussions on all relevant topics. Viewpoints, feedback, and preferences of the populace will be more often and thoroughly evaluated and considered through extensive polling and opinion-sharing mechanisms. Councils that are open for people to participate in and are also transparent for everyone to review and evaluate will federate to build a network that permeates the whole society.

Global problems require global solutions, but it is crucial to respect regional self-governance and allow regions to develop their own strategies and modes of operation. This approach ensures plurality and variety, offering diverse models from which to learn. The expert community will be recruited directly from the populace, considering their respective expertise. Questions that do not have clear and uncontroversial scientific answers and cannot be agreed upon in the respective councils will be put under the scrutiny of the populace.

Using big data and open-source market and supply analysis, combined with the empowerment of the general populace to micromanage the markets according to their needs evaluated in a democratic manner, society can utilize macro-effects like economies of scale and "insider trading" usually reserved for undemocratic monopolies. This democratization of market influence will ensure that economic power is distributed more equitably and that the markets operate in a way that truly reflects the needs and desires of the populace.

Through evaluating, considering, and discussing many more viewpoints, suggestions, and experiences throughout the populace, not only will we harness the effects of viable management and the law of requisite variety, but we will also build a sense of community and commitment through participation in all processes. This widespread engagement will foster a deeper connection among citizens, promoting a more cohesive and resilient society.

One significant challenge will be finding common ground and avoiding the emergence of a too-powerful centralized structure. This can be overcome through the creation of federated structures, dialectically solving the conundrum between decentralization and centralization.  By ensuring extensive education, participation, and transparency, tendencies for corrupt and undemocratic behavior can be extinguished at the very beginning.

An open and accountable expert community that designs meta-governance frameworks for transparent and malleable online opinion- and decision-making mechanisms will lay the foundation of a universal-welfare-oriented organization for everyone who wants to partake. This framework will be constantly revised, implemented, and developed by professionals and the broad populace alike, resulting in a cosmopolitical, democratic society. The resulting governance network will be able to ensure well-informed economic and political participation, generate innovative solutions, mobilize resources, handle conflicts, and create joint ownership and responsibility for all aspects of society.

With the integration of modern technologies and insights, the transformation of society's infrastructure will also focus on creating sustainable systems that address ecological and social challenges. Renewable energy sources, efficient waste management, and advanced healthcare systems will become cornerstones of this new society, ensuring that the basic needs of all citizens are met while preserving the environment for future generations.

Education will play a crucial role in this transformation, with a focus on critical thinking, scientific literacy, and civic engagement. Schools and universities will evolve into hubs of innovation and collaboration, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and active participation in societal development. Through comprehensive educational programs, individuals will be empowered to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader global society.

The transition to this new societal structure will not be without challenges. Overcoming entrenched interests and outdated practices will require a concerted effort from all levels of society. However, through persistent advocacy, grassroots movements, and the utilization of digital platforms for mobilization and awareness, these obstacles can be surmounted. The collective will of the people, supported by transparent and accountable governance, will drive the necessary changes.

As we move towards 2035, it is essential to recognize the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for coordinated responses. Global cooperation and dialogue will be vital in addressing issues such as climate change, resource distribution, and geopolitical conflicts. By fostering a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect, nations can work together to build a more just and equitable world.

The vision of 2035 is one where humanity thrives through collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to the common good. It is a society where every individual has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, contribute to the collective welfare, and realize their full potential. Through the combined efforts of citizens, experts, and leaders, we can create a future that is not only sustainable but also inclusive and prosperous for all.

Once stable, reflexive, and strategic meta-governance and networked policy processes are established, reverting to traditional forms of hierarchical command and control governance will become unlikely, and humanity can finally sustainably collaborate as a global community. This evolution towards a more interconnected and responsive governance system will enable us to address the complexities of the modern world with agility and foresight.

In conclusion, the year 2035 represents a milestone in our journey towards a more democratic, transparent, and equitable society. By embracing the principles of open governance, scientific rigor, and collective responsibility, we can navigate the challenges ahead and build a world that reflects our highest aspirations. The synergetic federation of councils, empowered by digital accessibility and participatory democracy, will be at the forefront of this transformation, guiding us towards a brighter and more sustainable future.