We are now living in an era of great change. The modern capitalist system is facing a systemic crisis. The previous crises were not so critical, as there were markets on the planet not included in the common system, there was area for expansion. Now almost the entire planet lives in the capitalist paradigm, even if somewhere the economic system is called something else. All minor exceptions are so small that their absorption will not solve the problem at all. Resources for their absorption will require much more than will be received as a result.
But this does not mean that capitalism is completely unviable. There are two options within the existing paradigm. There is an unlikely, in fact fantastic way out. This is finding a new space for expansion. And there is such a space, and even a few spaces empty of humanity. One of the spaces for expansion is very close, this space is the world ocean. Another free area for expansion is outer space, primarily the planets and moons of the solar system. This path is fantastic not because it requires fantastic technologies. In fact, many of the technologies already exist, and other necessary technologies, albeit primitive at the first stage, will be created upon receipt of funding. But funding will only come when such a goal is set. And just setting such a goal is fantastic. It’s absolutely incredible at this stage. Now there are neither states nor associations of states that could set such goals for themselves. Therefore, it is not necessary to count on such a path. First, another capitalist path must be realized. And only when it comes to a crisis, only then can attention be paid to the oceans and outer space. Another more primitive, and therefore more probable, way out is a transition to the highest stage of development of capitalism. The supreme power of the development of capitalism is the power of mega-corporations, and in its highest ideal, the power of a single monopoly mega-corporation. The absorption of small corporations by larger ones can serve as a source and resource for the development of the highest form of capitalism for many more years to come.
The formation of big business is visible even now, if you look at the confrontation between countries and corporations. So far, developed countries are in the lead. But in weak states, corporations have enormous influence. The confrontation even results in multiple judicial processes. Including those when, after the defeat in the national court, the case was won in the international court. But do not hope that this will be forever. Corporations continue to gain strength and evolve. In addition, it is obvious that large corporations can be created only with proper management. And it is the laws of government that dictate how corporations should act. Corporate leaders are well aware that in order to gain dominance over countries, it is easier to first gain control of international organizations. And it is in this direction that the efforts of international corporations are concentrated at the moment. But this process is beyond the scope of this article. The paths can be different, what is more important is what happens in the end. And the most likely outcome will be what has been repeatedly described in American science fiction. Most likely there will be something like totalitarian capitalism with the transformation of the entire planet into a digital prison. Every action of an ordinary person will be subordinated to the interests of the corporation to which he belongs. And perhaps technology will reach a level where not only actions, but also thoughts and genetics will be subordinated to the actions of the corporation. If countries remain, they will be in subordinate roles, carrying out only the orders of corporations. It is clear that historical processes cannot be predicted, but only probabilistic forecasts can be made. The process of transition of capitalism to its highest form can be interrupted both by the crisis that has arisen in it, and by many other circumstances. But the description of this is also beyond the scope of this article and, in its context, not so interesting. Even if humanity can safely move to the highest form of capitalism and retain the potential for development in it, then it will be more interesting what awaits humanity after capitalism.
In the next article, I will generally consider possible alternative economic systems. But in advance I will say that socialism among these systems is not the best and not the most likely option.