By: Louis M.
In a world where technology has redefined traditional power structures, Omniviolence presents a gripping near-future scenario that feels eerily close to reality. This thought-provoking book delves into the consequences of decentralized power, cancel culture turned lethal, and the rise of “democratized violence.” We sat with the authors to discuss their inspirations, predictions, and the alarming parallels between fiction and our present world.
The concept of Omniviolence, originally coined by political scientist David Deudney, describes a reality where non-state actors—ordinary individuals—can wield technological power previously reserved for governments. The authors were introduced to this idea through an article shared by a friend, sparking a deeper examination of how AI, 3D printing, and cryptocurrency shift the balance of power.
“Average people with little comprehension of the power in their hands now have access to AI, 3D printing, and cryptocurrency,” they explain. “All while being overwhelmed with rhetoric suggesting one group or another is the enemy.” This realization led them to craft a world where traditional institutions collapse under the weight of unregulated technological advancement and social upheaval.
One of the most chilling aspects of Omniviolence is its depiction of a world where government has been rendered obsolete, and cancel culture has escalated to murder. When asked whether this serves as a warning or an inevitability, the authors are firm in their response:
“Cancel culture has already turned deadly. The murder of a CEO in New York—to thundering applause—shows how we already deem it acceptable. Whether or not the individual had committed crimes isn’t the point. Somebody didn’t like how someone else conducted business, killed them for it and was hailed as a hero.”
Beyond isolated incidents, they point to the rise of violence stemming from online confrontations, with teenagers orchestrating physical attacks over social media disputes. The book asks a haunting question: If we are already witnessing these trends, how far are we from a world where retribution is crowdsourced, and power belongs to those who wield technological influence?
The book’s premise is rooted in an unsettling truth: violence is becoming increasingly accessible. Drone warfare, cyberattacks, and digital vigilantism are no longer the realm of nation-states alone.
“We are already on this path, no question,” the authors state. “Anonymous, for instance, is a group feared for its ability to dismantle organizations they deem corrupt. 3D-printed firearms are now commonplace. Drones can be created with little expertise. Social media is flooded with death threats.”
Perhaps most terrifying, they argue, is the advent of agentic AI—artificial intelligence capable of autonomous decision-making.
“Imagine a simple prompt: ‘Connect to these drones and detonate the attached explosive at all targets that meet X description.’ The AI can do it, analyze its effectiveness, and improve itself. The human just said something once, perhaps in anger. Job done.”
While Omniviolence explores these dystopian themes, it is ultimately a human story. The protagonists, Joe and Jackson, embody two opposing worldviews, each shaped by their environment and beliefs.
“Technology isn’t inherently bad; it’s how it is wielded that changes the world for better or worse,” the authors note. “The human capacity for kindness is as strong as it is for violence; our social conditioning drives which one we choose.”
Joe and Jackson’s journey is a testament to the possibility of change. “Research shows that having your beliefs challenged triggers a response similar to being physically attacked. It takes effort to overcome that instinct and consider another perspective—but it’s possible.”
While Omniviolence is a work of fiction, its foundations are deeply rooted in real-world technological trends.
“We do a lot of research, and everything is based on what’s happening now. It took us three years to write, edit, and secure a publisher. In that time, we have watched things we wrote about come to pass—near-perfect deepfakes, 3D-printed weapons, drone attacks, cyberbullying, violent cancel culture, and murder as an acceptable recourse.”
Despite the alarming accuracy of their predictions, they emphasize that there is still hope. “We pushed the envelope with one aspect, perhaps to ensure that the whole book feels somewhat fictional and to suggest that maybe there is still a chance for humanity.”
Omniviolence is more than a speculative thriller—it’s a wake-up call. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, the lines between governance, personal accountability, and unchecked power blur. Whether we heed the warning or hurtle toward a world of decentralized violence remains to be seen.
As the authors put it, “The future is unwritten, but we all play a role in shaping it.”
Get a Copy of Omniviolence on Amazon Today!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and discussion purposes only. The views expressed by the authors of Omniviolence do not necessarily reflect those of the publication. Discussions on technology, violence, and societal trends are speculative and should not be interpreted as predictions or endorsements. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the subject matter and seek diverse perspectives.
Published by Stephanie M.
