If we begin to put very powerful, small, cheap technologies into regions and cities to make them economically viable in a way they never were, it might increase conflict. The cultural, ethnic and regional differences, which are now the source of argument, but which are opposed by many on the grounds that they make no economic sense, could very well make economic sense at some time in the future. This is why you might see conflict in, say, Europe.
Predictor: Toffler, Alvin
Prediction, in context:In a 1993 article for Wired magazine, futurist Peter Schwartz, a co-founder of the Global Business Network, discusses the high-tech future that will develop out of a knowledge-based world with futurist Alvin Toffler, the co-author (with his wife Heidi Toffler) of “Future Shock,” “The Third Wave” and “War and Anti-War.” Schwartz quotes Toffler saying: ”If we begin to put very powerful, small, cheap technologies into regions and cities to make them economically viable in a way they never were, it might increase conflict. The cultural, ethnic and regional differences, which are now the source of argument, but which are opposed by many on the grounds that they make no economic sense, could very well make economic sense at some time in the future. This is why you might see conflict in, say, Europe.”
Biography:Alvin Toffler was a futurist and best-selling author in the 1990s. He teamed up with his wife, Heidi, to write the bestsellers “Future Shock,” “The Third Wave” and “War and Anti-War.” (Futurist/Consultant.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1993
Topic of prediction: Global Relationships/Politics
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: Wired
Title, headline, chapter name: Shock Wave (Anti) Warrior
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/1.05/toffler_pr.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney