C1–C2 • Global Ethics, Technology & Decision-Making
The Future Council on Global Innovation (FCGI) gathered last month to evaluate how emerging technologies might influence global stability in the coming decades. This high-level council, composed of diplomats, scientists, and ethics specialists, reviewed scenarios showing that delayed cooperation or unchecked innovation could reshape the world in unpredictable ways.
During the opening session, some members argued that if governments had collaborated earlier, the world would not be facing today’s conflicts surrounding unregulated artificial intelligence. They claimed that unified action years ago might have prevented the ethical debates dominating today’s global discussions. Others warned that even if nations were to agree on ethical principles now, they might still struggle to control corporations operating beyond regulatory reach. Balancing national sovereignty, corporate influence, and the global good remains a central challenge.
1. What is the primary concern raised by the FCGI?
2. What missed opportunity is mentioned?
3. Why might ethical agreements still be ineffective?
4. “Reshape our political and social landscapes unpredictably” means:
5. What key tension is highlighted?
A major concern during the council’s review involved quantum communication systems, which promise extremely secure encryption. Analysts warned that if a single country were to monopolize this technology, it would have gained overwhelming strategic advantage. Such dominance could destabilize diplomatic relations and alter existing security alliances, creating an era of geopolitical imbalance.
Not all projections were negative. The council noted that if climate-prediction models had been integrated into agricultural planning earlier, global food insecurity would be decreasing today. The comparison highlights how proactive governance can transform future outcomes.
6. What key feature makes quantum communication systems so powerful and potentially risky?
7. What happens if one nation monopolizes quantum tech?
8. “Geopolitical imbalance” suggests:
9. The positive scenario discussed is:
10. These scenarios highlight:
The final session explored human enhancement technologies, including cognitive implants and advanced biomechanical augmentations. These developments raise concerns not only about capability but also about identity. The council noted that if societies were more open to difficult conversations about enhancement, current polarization surrounding the topic would be far less severe.
The concluding report emphasized that progress relies on transparent ethical frameworks. It argued that future generations will benefit only if policymakers establish systems that balance innovation, accessibility, and safety. Without such foundations, enhancement technologies risk deepening social divisions instead of improving human potential.
11. Which two enhancement technologies are mentioned?
12. What could reduce polarization?
13. “Quandary” means:
14. What condition ensures future benefit?
15. Without ethical governance, enhancement may:
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