Vulnerable world hypothesis

Abstract

The Vulnerable World Hypothesis (VWH) posits that there is a level of technological advancement at which civilization faces a high risk of self-destruction unless sufficient governance is implemented. The author, inspired by Nick Bostrom’s work, argues that this vulnerability arises from the combination of limited preventive policing capacity, inadequate global governance, and diverse individual motivations. He suggests that technological advancements may be making the world increasingly vulnerable to scenarios like the “easy nukes” scenario, where individuals or small groups can easily cause mass destruction. The author expresses skepticism about this trend, however, and highlights the potential downsides of over-reliance on governance mechanisms, particularly in the context of extreme scenarios. He emphasizes the need to carefully weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of increased governance, particularly in the context of unforeseen future risks. – AI-generated abstract.