The era of global risk: an introduction to existential risk studies

Abstract

This volume introduces the multidisciplinary field of Existential Risk Studies, examining the nature, drivers, and potential mitigation of global catastrophic and existential risks in the current geopolitical era. The collection investigates both natural hazards—such as volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts—and anthropogenic threats arising from technology and societal systems, including climate change, environmental collapse, and dual-use technologies in biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). The book argues that contemporary global risks are systemic, emerging from complex interactions between hazards, human vulnerabilities, exposures, and social responses. Analysis includes historical perspectives on risk management, quantitative models for societal collapse, and the role of governance frameworks across political and scientific institutions. Specific attention is given to the rapidly evolving threats from military AI (especially when intersecting with nuclear weapons), the ethical and safety challenges posed by advanced AI systems, and the importance of global justice and inclusion in formulating effective risk reduction strategies. Ultimately, the work emphasizes the necessity of developing an integrated, open, and policy-relevant scientific approach to safeguard humanity’s long-term future. – AI-generated abstract.