By Zbigniew Brzezinski
Overview
Zbigniew Brzezinski, a political scientist and former U.S. National Security Advisor, wrote Between Two Ages as a visionary analysis of the transition from industrial society to the “technetronic era.” He argues that the world is moving away from traditional geopolitical power structures and toward a new age driven by technology, information control, and global integration.
Brzezinski sees America as uniquely positioned to guide this transition but warns of political, social, and ethical challenges. His analysis has been highly influential in shaping U.S. foreign policy and has drawn both praise and criticism for its implications regarding technocratic governance, elite control, and globalism.
Key Themes & Concepts
The “Technetronic Era” & the Decline of the Industrial Age
Brzezinski describes a new phase of history—one shaped by advances in computers, automation, mass media, and artificial intelligence. Unlike the industrial age, which was defined by physical production and national industries, the technetronic era is driven by information, communication, and centralized global power structures.
- Automation & AI will replace traditional labor.
- Instant global communication will reshape politics and culture.
- The emergence of a scientific elite will influence decision-making more than elected governments.
“The technetronic era involves the gradual appearance of a more controlled society. Such a society would be dominated by an elite, unrestrained by traditional values.”
The Role of America in the Technetronic Age
Brzezinski views the United States as the leader of this transformation, but he warns that the U.S. must evolve:
- Old political models (democracy vs. communism) will become obsolete as technology reshapes governance.
- Economic & political systems will become increasingly centralized, with decisions made by technocratic elites rather than democratic institutions.
- American influence will be challenged by the rise of global economic powers, requiring new strategic alliances.
Globalism & the Emergence of a World Order
Brzezinski suggests that nation-states will gradually lose sovereignty, paving the way for a more integrated global system. He argues that international institutions (such as the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF) will gain more control over national economies and political systems.
- A global society will emerge, where governance is no longer dictated by individual nations but by international coalitions.
- Mass media and technology will create a universal culture, diminishing nationalism.
- Supranational organizations will guide policy rather than traditional governments.
Mass Media, Psychological Manipulation & Social Control
Brzezinski warns that the same technology that can empower people can also be used for mass surveillance and mind control.
“Persistent social crises, the emergence of a charismatic personality, and the exploitation of mass media to obtain public confidence would be stepping stones in the transformation of the United States into a highly controlled society.”
- Television, propaganda, and digital media will shape public opinion more than political leaders.
- Governments and corporations will have the ability to monitor and manipulate populations using psychological techniques.
- Surveillance technology will become a key tool for maintaining order in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Decline of Traditional Ideologies (Democracy, Capitalism, Communism)
Brzezinski argues that the ideological battles of the 20th century will become irrelevant in the face of technological change.
- Democracy will weaken as decisions are made by experts rather than voters.
- Capitalism will evolve into a technocratic economy, where automation and AI replace traditional free markets.
- Communism will fail due to its inability to adapt to technological innovation.
Instead, a new “scientific elite” will emerge, controlling resources, knowledge, and governance.
Brzezinski’s Influence & Controversy
The Book’s Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy
Brzezinski later became National Security Advisor under President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981). His ideas in Between Two Ages directly influenced U.S. strategy:
- The Trilateral Commission (1973): Brzezinski co-founded this elite group to strengthen U.S., European, and Japanese cooperation in shaping a global economic system.
- Cold War Strategy: His policies emphasized covert intervention rather than traditional military conflict (e.g., supporting Afghan Mujahideen against the Soviet Union).
- Globalism & Free Trade: His ideas contributed to the rise of economic globalization in the 1990s and 2000s.
The “Technocracy” & Criticism of Elite Control
Critics argue that Brzezinski’s vision is a blueprint for an unelected global elite to control society through technology and social engineering.
- Concerns about surveillance and AI control have become real in the modern age (e.g., China’s social credit system, NSA mass surveillance).
- His dismissal of democracy in favor of expert rule has led some to compare his ideas to Orwellian dystopias (1984, Brave New World).
- The rise of global institutions like the World Economic Forum (WEF) aligns with his predictions about a technocratic elite shaping policy beyond national governments.
Relevance Today: How Accurate Was Brzezinski?
Brzezinski’s predictions have largely come true in the modern world:
- Technological dominance: AI, automation, and digital surveillance are at the heart of global power.
- Globalism vs. Nationalism: The struggle between centralized global institutions (UN, WEF, IMF) and national sovereignty (Brexit, Trump’s America First) is a major political issue.
- Mass Media & Social Control: The rise of social media, censorship, and psychological manipulation in politics aligns with his warnings.
- Decline of Ideological Conflicts: The world is shifting from old Cold War battles (communism vs. capitalism) to technocratic governance and economic control.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Road to the “New World Order”?
Brzezinski’s Between Two Ages is one of the most influential books on global politics, technology, and power. Whether seen as a roadmap for elites or a warning about technocratic control, it has shaped modern history.
- Some view Brzezinski’s ideas as a necessary evolution for humanity, pushing us toward global cooperation and technological progress.
- Others see it as a justification for the rise of an unelected elite, where AI, mass media, and surveillance replace democracy.
Either way, Brzezinski’s technetronic era is now a reality. The question remains: who will control it—the people or the elites?
