In the 21st century, technological advancements are reshaping the global economy. Artificial intelligence, robotics, space exploration, and digital currencies industries still largely controlled by predominantly white-owned corporations are not only transforming business but also deepening global wealth inequality. This blog examines the historical parallels between these technological frontiers and past eras of colonization while exploring future implications for wealth distribution and power dynamics.
AI and Data: The New Power Currency
Data is now the most valuable commodity in the modern economy. Major corporations like Google, Amazon, and BlackRock have become dominant by leveraging vast amounts of data to optimize decision-making, improve operations, and gain a competitive edge. In the case of BlackRock, its immense control over global assets and its recent foray into Bitcoin with a massive ETF adoption signals its dominance in not only traditional finance but also digital finance.
AI, in its current form, provides a unique opportunity to level the playing field. Tools like ChatGPT offer small businesses and individuals unprecedented access to cutting-edge technology that could disrupt long-standing power structures. However, the adoption and control of AI are still disproportionately concentrated in wealthier, predominantly white spaces. As this technology becomes more integrated into everyday business, those who fail to adapt and adopt these tools will be left behind, increasing the global wealth gap.
Humanoid Robotics: The Rise of Digital Labor
Elon Musk’s Optimus humanoid robot, introduced at the 2024 "We, Robot" event, represents another groundbreaking innovation. These AI-driven humanoid robots can perform tasks previously reserved for humans, and their future deployment in industries like manufacturing and logistics could further centralize wealth and power. For the ultra-wealthy, these robots will dramatically reduce reliance on human labor, enhancing productivity and profitability. However, this also creates a future where mass job displacement is likely, particularly among lower-income populations who depend on labor-intensive jobs.
The broader impact of this transition to digital labor could deepen societal divides, as the wealthy use these robots to enhance their operations, while the general workforce struggles with job insecurity.
Digital Currencies and the Financial Divide
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are also reshaping global finance, promising decentralized control of money. However, in practice, the major institutional players such as BlackRock and MicroStrategy dominate Bitcoin and other digital assets. Moreover, global crypto adoption remains uneven. In regions like the U.S., Europe, and South Korea, Bitcoin is primarily seen as an investment or financial hedge. In contrast, developing nations like Nigeria, Venezuela, and the Philippines use crypto as a necessity due to weak banking infrastructure and volatile local currencies.
While digital currencies offer financial inclusion to many in underbanked regions, their adoption remains mostly driven by wealthier investors in the West. Those who invest early or understand how to navigate the cryptocurrency landscape stand to benefit significantly, leaving behind those who lack the resources or knowledge to adopt these changes.
Space Exploration: A New Age of Colonization
SpaceX’s October 2024 success in catching a returning rocket booster with its "Mechazilla" mechanical arms marked a new milestone in space exploration. These advancements are not just technological feats; they herald a future where the extraction of resources from other planets becomes feasible. Companies like SpaceX are racing to establish dominance in space exploration, with long-term visions of colonizing planets like Mars and exploiting their resources.
The parallels with historical colonization are unmistakable. Just as European powers colonized and plundered the Global South centuries ago, space could become the new frontier for resource extraction and wealth creation by a few wealthy entities. With little regulation governing space exploration, there is a real possibility that a new era of colonization could begin this time on other planets, with no oversight to prevent monopolization of extraterrestrial resources.
Historical Parallels: The Story of Hyde Group
The historical patterns of exploitation and wealth consolidation are not new. In fact, the story of Hyde Group mirrors this. In 1638, the Baymen arrived in what is now Belize. My ancestors, James Hyde and Mr. Hodge, established the Hyde and Hodge Company, operating in an unregulated environment. It wasn’t until they were granted a formal charter by the British government that their enterprise gained legal standing. This is similar to how today’s tech and space corporations operate in largely unregulated or loosely governed spaces, exploiting new resources and consolidating power.
The evolution of this colonial enterprise into a settlement, and eventually into an independent nation, now a member of the United Nations, offers a powerful lesson. It shows how unregulated exploitation of resources can lead to the establishment of new powers. Today, the same could happen on another planet. Whoever establishes control first could wield complete authority over an unregulated, ungoverned body consolidating power in ways we have never seen on Earth.
A Silent Siege: The New Empire Building
What makes this era of advancement feel almost biblical is how stealthily power is being consolidated much like in ancient civilizations, where the Pharaohs and kings controlled vast empires by having access to knowledge and resources others did not. Today, the tools of power are data, AI, and robotics, but the dynamics remain the same. Many people don’t realize the massive power shift happening under the surface because it’s not as visible as in past eras. We have no armies marching only data being mined, AI developed, and planetary resources on the verge of extraction.
This is a silent siege. Many are distracted by the convenience and connectivity of the modern world, failing to see the invisible lines of control being drawn. The belief that because we carry iPhones and live in a digital age, humanity has somehow evolved beyond primal behaviors like ambition, greed, and the thirst for power, is dangerously naive. History is clear: power shifts, and it often does so with conflict only now, the weapons of choice are digital and financial.
Conclusion: Seizing the Moment
I want to be clear: I am not opposed to ingenuity, ambition, or the remarkable advancements we see today. But with great power comes great responsibility. As humanity moves forward into this new era of AI, robotics, digital currencies, and space exploration, we must ensure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. Our technological advancements should serve to uplift all people, not deepen divides or create new forms of inequality.
The widening wealth gap is a growing concern, and it is not solely because of institutional power it's also because some communities lack the resources or encouragement to engage with the technologies shaping our future. This is why now, more than ever, we need to support enterprises led by people of color across industries whether it’s in tech, finance, science, or the arts. We need to ensure that Black-owned businesses, Indigenous businesses, and those run by people of color have the backing they need to thrive in this new economy. Representation matters, and if we want to democratize technology and finance, we must ensure that all voices are heard at the table.
We also have a responsibility to prepare future generations. We must encourage our children to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, finance, and other high-impact fields. Our inclusion in these spaces is not only a matter of representation it’s essential to ensuring we are not left behind in this rapidly changing world. If we fail to rise to the occasion, the divide in power and opportunity will no longer just be the result of oppression it will be because some of us did not take advantage of the moment.
At Hyde Group, we understand this responsibility deeply. Our brand is built on the belief that we must do good, and our mission is to uplift and empower, not just through luxury and heritage but through meaningful impact. We are committed to creating opportunities for others, to building a more inclusive world, and to ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.
In Closing
I leave you with this call to action: support Black-owned businesses, support enterprises led by people of color, and invest in a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Embrace technology, finance, and development, and encourage those around you to do the same. Let’s not allow history to repeat itself by leaving anyone behind. We have the tools to democratize success let’s use them to build a better, more equitable future for all.
Very thought provoking, have you considered submitting your writing to other publications?