What will Russia and the world look like in 2038? For Meduza’s 12th anniversary, we asked 12 people to share their hopes and predictions.
Meduza is 12! When we were just starting out in 2014, the world was a very different place — no COVID, no President Trump, no mass exodus of Russians. Russia’s war against Ukraine had already begun, though, and of course there was Putin (who had been in power long before that). What will the world and Russia be like in 12 years? And what would you like them to be like? We put these questions to…
In 12 years, Russia could look drastically different from its current state. Galina Timchenko, co-founder of Meduza, is skeptical about the future, stating that "nobody knows" what it will be like. She acknowledges the numerous variables and potential catastrophic outcomes, but emphasizes the hope that future predictions will be forgotten.
Meanwhile, musician Boris Grebenshchikov is equally uncertain, but hopes for a "bright" future as he sees in the mirror. Lyubov Sobol, a politician, envisions a Russia free from wars and restrictions, with elected leaders focused on improving citizens' lives through advanced technology, high-quality healthcare, education, and environmental protection.
She emphasizes that Russia should not become a satellite of either the West or China, but instead forge its own path based on learning from the mistakes and successes of other nations. Journalist Maria Kolomychenko, who covers technology and internet restrictions, predicts that by 2038, the difference between how democracies and autocracies regulate the internet will blur.
She warns that current trends may lead to a loss of truly anonymous and free internet access, not just in Russia, but in Europe and the U.S. as well. AI and government surveillance are expected to play significant roles in shaping the future, with Russia potentially leading the way in mass surveillance using AI. Rocket launch analyst Georgy Trishkin highlights the rapid advancements in satellite internet and reusable rocket launches, which could make high-speed internet ubiquitous and air travel a thing of the past.
He also anticipates the militarization of space and the return of astronauts to the Moon, with the possibility of future missions to Mars. Film critic Anton Dolin seems to channel the spirit of David Lynch, expressing his optimism for a bright future despite the uncertainties. Finally, architecture journalist Asya Zolnikova highlights the U.N.'s projection that two-thirds of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2038, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
