2026 could well be memorable,

We look forward to the year with hope and dread in equal measures. Hope because human inventiveness could bring exciting breakthroughs, and despair because, well, humans are involved. By J Brooks Spector

- J Brooks Spector

There is the old adage that says predicting the future is harder than predicting the past. Nevertheless, I was again tasked with this challenge for 2026.

I have consulted a Ouija board, observed a scratched and banged-up crystal ball, looked at two cups of tea leaves, had a palm reading and was dealt a hand of tarot cards. So we take a deep breath ... and here we go.

Global trends

AI boom or bust? Despite the massive rush to insert artificial intelligence (AI) into almost every aspect of business and professional activities, and with the way more and more routine work (and people who do it) is being replaced by various AI functions, a classic speculative boom among the companies in the field is coming.

The use of AI will continue to grow, but the bubble is as certain as the sun rising in the east, as less expensive and ever-simpler-to-use versions come on stream. In 2026 we may well learn how the last person in the buying queue during the great tulip bubble felt the morning after that collapsed. Investment advisers beware — and investors too.

Autonomous warfare? In conflict zones around the world, a revolution in kit is just over the horizon, encouraged by vicious yet unsettled conflicts and rapid technological development. The first intelligent autonomous weapons systems are likely to make their appearance in 2026.

They will replace or supplement drones controlled by human operators, despite fears that such weapons systems will - or could - operate beyond human intervention or adherence to any version of morality or norms of warfare.

The race will be on to deploy such devices because they will become increasingly inexpensive and easy to manufacture, replacing human warriors. This could well make conflicts more likely wherever unresolved tensions could break into open warfare.