His works ranged from an analysis of the shadowy world of 12th-century assassinations, abductions, treason and sabotage (Special Operations in the Age of Chivalry) to a cultural study of soldiers' experiences (Renaissance Military Memoirs: War, History and Identity).
He seemed destined to be a respected-even if relatively obscure-military historian, admired in academic circles.
Then Sapiens happened. Originally a compilation of his world history lectures at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the book elevated him to the status of a transdisciplinary philosopher-historian. Over the past decade, Harari has published thought-provoking works exploring humanity's past and future.
His most recent book, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, marks a partial return to his military history roots. He says the rise of artificial intelligence-currently dominated by the US and China-could result in countries creating their own digital spheres, "each influenced by different political, cultural and religious traditions". "Instead of being divided between just two global empires, the world might be divided among a dozen empires," he writes. "The more the new empires compete against one another, the greater the danger of armed conflict."
Harari has embarked on a worldwide tour warning that AI can make the world "more Kafkaesque than Terminator". In Mumbai, he spoke to THE WEEK about Al's implications for India and the choices everyone must make in response to its rise. Edited excerpts:
Q/ Mumbai is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, with the highest concentration of high net worth individualsthose with assets over $1 million. Still, more than 40 per cent of the city's population live in slums. Do you think AI will worsen this inequality?
This story is from the March 30, 2025 edition of THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 30, 2025 edition of THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STRATEGIC RETREAT
VOLATILE TIMES ARE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INVESTORS TO REVIEW THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS AND RISK TOLERANCE
Suni and Butch will do great
They were trained as test pilots and then as astronauts and that put them in a wonderful position to deal with an extended stay in space 101 open
Confusion reigns
BSP's support on the ground remains intact, but it does not translate to votes because of the uncertainty in the party
READING BETWEEN THE LIT FESTS
Cities and towns across India are hosting literature festivals, bridging the gap between the reader and the writer and giving a platform to regional writers and their work
Something for everyone
From beautiful beaches to majestic mountains, varied architecture and cuisine, Montenegro is a traveller's delight
Born to die
Life was uncomplicated when I was young. If we did not have something, there was no fear of missing out. If we did have something, it was ours to enjoy, cherish and safeguard. For ever.
Subordinate alliance
Prolonged dependence on RJD has rendered Congress electorally fragile and organisationally weak
INDIA CAN'T AFFORD TO LEAVE AI TO THE CHINESE OR THE AMERICANS
Before 2014, when Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind catapulted him to global fame, Yuval Noah Harari was primarily known as a scholar of medieval military history.
A diplomatic sixer
India's victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai this month was reason enough for massive celebrations.
If we are not building up the cadre, the problem lies with us
Q/ Congress has seen a massive decline in grassroots presence in Bihar. What efforts are being made to strengthen the organisation?
