{
  "id": 11888353,
  "title": "AI, War and Civil Unrest: Why the Rich Are Getting Their Bunkers Ready",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/ai-war-and-civil-unrest-why-the-rich-are-getting-their-bunkers-ready",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-04T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/ai-war-and-civil-unrest-why-the-rich-are-getting-their-bunkers-ready-12518873"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cory Hubbard, co-owner of DEFCON Underground, a U.S.-based manufacturer of bomb shelters, believes that the world has become a worse place in his lifetime. His company caters to a growing market of consumers seeking protection from worst-case scenarios. The industry offers various designs, locations, and price points, with business booming due to increased geopolitical and technological upheaval.\n\nMichael Brait, CEO of Bunker Building Consulting LLC, has noticed a sharp rise in inquiries and website traffic. People are moving from curiosity to real planning faster than ever before. Naomi Corbi, partner and director of operations at Strategically Armored & Fortified Environments (SAFE), says that civil war is now a common concern among customers due to the U.S. becoming increasingly divided. Andrew Yoon, head of research at AI safety-focused nonprofit CivAI, warns that powerful, out-of-control AIs are a genuine concern despite being overblown.\n\nAI has joined the list of topics being raised by would-be subterraneans, reflecting contemporary fears. Ron Hubbard, CEO of Atlas Survival Shelters, attributes part of the booming business to factors such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, the Iran war, and illegal immigration. He adds AI to the list, stating that it could lead to a \"cocktail for disaster in the future with no letup in sight.\"\n\nThe United Kingdom-based Bunker Safe Ltd. has also seen a significant increase in inquiries for both nuclear and non-nuclear shelters. Dante Vicino, executive director at Vivos, a survival shelter outfit, reports a notable increase in inquiries recently. Vivos aims to create a global network of underground community shelters capable of withstanding various threats, including nuclear war, economic collapse, and a global tsunami.\n\nGlobal political tensions and rising concerns about AI are at a near-breaking point, with some people believing the world is at the brink of World War III. These factors are driving demand for bomb shelters and fortified facilities. Despite the high costs, the industry refuses to cater exclusively to the super-rich. Inquiries come from various backgrounds, including the general public, private individuals, serious approaches from major companies, and overseas parties.",
  "summary": "Preparing for disaster has become a \"mainstream conversation among people with the means to act on it,\" a developer told Newsweek.",
  "key_points": [
    "Demand for bomb shelters surges due to geopolitical tensions and AI concerns",
    "Civil war and AI risks cited as primary fears by customers",
    "Industry caters to diverse clientele, not exclusively the super-rich"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}