As human history progresses, it seems we are caught in a cyclical tug-of-war between the past and the future. From the dawn of civilisation to the rise of religion as a central governing force, followed by the advent of democracy, the political and social systems that have shaped our world are in a constant state of evolution.
Recently, we have begun to see the rise of a multipolar world, shifting away from the nearly unipolar system we were once accustomed to. This shift is altering the dynamics of traditional democratic institutions, contributing to the rise of authoritarianism, and increasing the influence of technology in our everyday lives.
So, what comes next for the world? What does the future hold for humanity as the structures of civilisation, religion, and democracy are being questioned and reshaped?
Historically, the first significant step in the development of human society was the formation of civilisation. This period, which began roughly 10,000 years ago with the advent of agriculture, marked the shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities. As people came together to form villages, cities, and eventually nations, they established social structures, economic systems, and governance frameworks that allowed for the development of trade, culture, and technology.
The rise of civilisations, whether in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, or the Indus Valley, was a direct response to humanity’s need to organise and manage the complexities of life in larger groups.
In the early stages, civilisations were built on hierarchical structures, where kings, rulers, or religious figures held the ultimate authority. These early political structures were often intertwined with religious beliefs, and societies typically relied on religion as a means of justifying the political order, creating a divine connection between rulers and the gods.
As societies grew more complex, religion became a cornerstone of civilisation. The idea that the ruling class derived their authority from divine will provided a stable foundation for governance. The rise of religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church in medieval Europe, or the caliphates in the Islamic world, offered a sense of order and meaning to people’s lives.
Then, religion dictated not only ethical and moral standards but also the very nature of political governance. Monarchs and emperors ruled by divine right, often with unquestionable power, and the church or religious clergy played an indispensable role in upholding the social order.
Overtime, religion’s role in governance started to erode as the world entered the Age of Enlightenment. The Enlightenment period of the 17th and 18th centuries saw a rise in rationalism, scientific thinking, and secular governance. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant began to challenge the idea that divine authority was necessary for legitimate rule. This intellectual movement paved the way for the rise of democracy and the gradual separation of church and state.
Fast-forwarding, the shift toward democracy, particularly during the American Revolution and the French Revolution, marked a radical departure from the systems of governance rooted in divine or autocratic rule. The Enlightenment philosophers argued for a system in which individuals had rights, and the government was accountable to the people. This ushered in the modern era of democratic republics, where governments were structured around elections, rights, and representation.
As many nations adopted democratic principles, expanding voting rights, strengthening civil liberties, and embracing the idea that power should lie in the hands of the people.
The 20th century saw democracy expand further, with movements for independence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America leading to the establishment of democratic governments in many previously colonised nations.
In the aftermath of World War I and World War II that led to the formation of League of Nations and later the United Nations emerged as champion for democracy, human rights, and self-determination.
In recent years though, democracy has faced a multitude of challenges. Rising populism, political polarisation, economic inequality, and more awareness, not disinformation as the West have argued that have put democratic systems under strain.
However, the emergence of nationalists or strong individuals that the West called authoritarian leaders that are promising and offering stability in a turbulent world, has brought into question the effectiveness and sustainability of traditional democratic models.
As we stand at the crossroads of history, the question arises: What comes next? Where are we headed as civilisations, and what will shape the future of human society? It’s clear that the world is at a moment of significant transition.
As an analyst recently pointed out, “The world has undergone a permanent shift, moving from a unipolar to a multipolar power structure.” According to the analyst, the world is now dominated by three superpowers: China, the United States, and Russia.
As we move away from civilisation as we once knew it, where religion and monarchy played central roles; and shift from the democratic structures that defined the 20th century, humanity stands on the precipice of change.
What’s next for the world? It’s up to us to shape that future, driven by not the values that humanity once held dearly, but our rediscovered interests and needs that would be driven by innovations to create them.
By Lucky George, Doctoral Mass Communication Researcher.