Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a domain for a select few scientists or a matter exclusive to Silicon Valley; it is emerging as a universal social and geopolitical catalyst capable of reshaping democracy, production, security, the knowledge economy, and our collective perception of the present and future. The article emphasizes that AI now produces ideas, content, decisions, and analyses, not merely influencing but actively shaping the environments in which markets operate and societies evolve.

As AI becomes integrated into daily life and headlines, it serves as a medium for exerting power and aspires to mimic and eventually surpass human thought and creativity. The narrative highlights the urgency of regulatory frameworks in this rapidly developing field, underlining that the choices made today in AI's development will have significant long-term consequences. The involvement of various stakeholders—including governments, corporations, and society at large—is crucial to embed norms, values, and standards in this technology, as shifting gears later may become prohibitively expensive.

Ultimately, the article raises critical questions about who will write the 'code of the future' and how these decisions will define our socio-political landscape. It calls for proactive engagement from all sectors of society to ensure that the advancements in AI align with democratic ideals and the broader common good, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in shaping an AI-enabled future.