In Guns, Germs, and Steel, Jared Diamond explores how geographical and environmental factors shaped the distribution of power in human history. Societies that first developed agriculture gained technological and military advantages, allowing them to dominate others through guns, germs, and steel. This historical dynamic created stark inequalities, favoring civilizations with access to the right resources at the right time.
Today, however, a new set of forces—open access, artificial intelligence (AI), and the internet—are shaping a different kind of global transformation. These forces are redefining access to knowledge, scientific research, and artistic expression in ways that may lead to a more equitable and democratized world. But just as in Diamond’s account, the distribution of power remains a central ethical question. Will this new wave of change truly equalize knowledge, or will it reinforce existing disparities?
Knowledge as a Weapon: Then and Now
Diamond’s work illustrates how technological advancements—whether steel swords or smallpox immunity—allowed some societies to overpower others. In the modern world, knowledge itself is the new weapon, but unlike steel and germs, it has the potential to uplift rather than oppress. Open-access journals, AI-driven research tools, and online educational platforms provide unprecedented access to the sciences and the arts, enabling anyone with an internet connection to engage in knowledge production.
Consider Diamond’s discussion of written language as a critical advantage: “Knowledge brings power. Writing was a key to storing and building on information, and societies that mastered it gained a massive head start.” Today, open-access publishing and AI-assisted research serve the same function, breaking down barriers that once confined knowledge to elite institutions.
Yet, just as literacy was historically unevenly distributed, so too is access to AI tools and high-quality open research. Many developing nations still lack the infrastructure to take full advantage of these advancements. Just as guns and germs disproportionately shaped history based on geography, digital access still favors wealthier nations, raising concerns about whether these tools will bridge or widen gaps.
The Role of AI in Knowledge Creation
One of the most profound shifts in the modern era is AI’s role in knowledge creation. AI can now generate music, art, and even scientific hypotheses. This challenges traditional notions of expertise and authorship, just as Diamond describes how technological shifts displaced older systems of power.
For instance, AI-assisted research tools can analyze thousands of scientific papers in minutes, identifying trends and relationships that human researchers might miss. This is a double-edged sword. While it accelerates discovery, it also risks amplifying biases present in the data it’s trained on, potentially reinforcing dominant narratives rather than truly democratizing knowledge.
The Internet as the New Silk Road
In Guns, Germs, and Steel, Diamond emphasizes how trade networks spread technology and ideas. The internet is the modern Silk Road, connecting scholars, artists, and innovators across continents in real-time. Unlike previous centuries, where knowledge was a closely guarded commodity, platforms like ArXiv, Sci-Hub, and open-source repositories make information freely available.
However, intellectual property laws and corporate interests still pose barriers. Just as powerful civilizations hoarded technological advantages in the past, large tech firms now control vast amounts of data and AI models, raising ethical concerns about whether knowledge is truly free or just another controlled resource.
The Danger of Restricting AI and Open Access
While discussions around AI regulation often focus on the dangers of unchecked AI, far less attention is given to the risks of excessive restrictions. Just as historical elites controlled literacy, access to steel weapons, and trade routes to maintain power, modern gatekeepers—whether governments, corporations, or institutions—may use AI regulations to consolidate their dominance.
Restricting AI in creative fields could stifle innovation. Writers, artists, and musicians who rely on AI for inspiration and collaboration may find themselves unable to access tools that enhance their work. Similarly, excessive limits on AI in science could slow medical breakthroughs, restrict automation in research, and reinforce barriers to entry for scientists in developing nations who lack traditional funding and resources.
Furthermore, restrictive policies may widen existing inequalities. Large corporations with the resources to navigate complex regulations will continue to benefit from AI, while smaller researchers, independent creators, and students may be shut out. This could lead to a new kind of technological aristocracy, where access to AI tools is determined not by talent or ingenuity, but by institutional power and wealth.
In Guns, Germs, and Steel, Diamond describes how monopolies over technology and resources allowed certain societies to dominate others. The same risks apply today—restricting AI could become a modern equivalent of controlling steel production, ensuring that only a privileged few benefit from technological advancements while the rest are left behind.
Ethical Considerations and the Future
The shift towards open knowledge is not without risks. AI-generated misinformation, algorithmic biases, and the digital divide all pose ethical challenges. While open access and AI offer opportunities for global equity, they must be implemented thoughtfully to avoid repeating history’s mistakes.
Diamond warns that history is shaped by those who control the means of production—be it steel or information. Today, we stand at a crossroads: will AI and open access break down knowledge barriers, or will they create new power structures that mirror the past?
A truly democratized knowledge ecosystem requires not just access but equity—ensuring that individuals worldwide can contribute meaningfully to science and the arts. The challenge ahead is ensuring that these tools serve humanity as a whole, rather than a select few, making this revolution as transformative as the forces Diamond described.
Conclusion
Just as Guns, Germs, and Steel illustrated how geography and resources shaped history, open access, AI, and the internet are redefining global power dynamics. The question is no longer who wields the steel, but who controls the servers, algorithms, and networks that drive the modern exchange of ideas. By recognizing the parallels and addressing the ethical concerns, we have a chance to ensure that this new era of knowledge is one of inclusion, rather than exclusion.
Disclaimer: AIGC.
