Panoptica Logo

World War AI

Ben Hunt

November 21, 2025·23 comments

The promises haven't materialized. People aren't working less, goods aren't cheaper, and young people aren't more hopeful about an AI-driven future. When incentives stop working, institutions move to coercion. When the positive narrative fails, they build a new one around existential threat. The question isn't whether they'll try this shift. The question is what actually happens to ordinary people's lives when they do.

•        History Provides an Uncomfortable Comparison. We're about to allocate a percentage of GDP to infrastructure buildout that has only been matched once before. Understanding what happened to ordinary citizens during that mobilization might change how you think about the current one.

•        The Consumer Economy Is Already Under Pressure. Credit rejections are hitting levels nobody expected. People who would normally refinance their mortgages are being denied. Something fundamental about how capital flows through the economy has shifted.

•        There's an Energy Problem Nobody's Being Honest About. Datacenter power consumption is projected to grow exponentially. The math on where that electricity comes from doesn't add up the way executives claim. There's a gap that has to be filled somehow.

•        The Scale of This Reallocation Is Being Deliberately Obscured. The narrative focuses on innovation and progress. But beneath that are decisions about who gets capital and who doesn't. Those decisions have winners and losers, and most of us are on the losing side.

•        Understanding the Real Trade-Offs Requires Looking Beyond the Headlines. What's actually being traded off? Whose interests are being prioritized? And what would need to happen for that calculus to change?

The Why of Epsilon Theory

  • Make more informed decisions as an investor and citizen.
  • See through the nudges of Big Politics and Big Media.
  • Become a better consumer of news.
  • Maintain your autonomy of mind in a swarm of narratives.
  • Join a community of more than 100,000 truth-seekers.

Unlock instant access to this and hundreds of other evergreen essays that explore the world of narrative through hard science and human wisdom.

Subscribe to Premium
Already a member? Log in

Looking for Deeper Insights?

Unlock exclusive market intelligence, trade ideas, and member-only events tailored for investment professionals and active investors with Perscient Pro.

VISIT PRO
Spiral

DISCLOSURES

This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

The Latest From Panoptica