“Power — a guide for the perplexed” by djbinder

LessWrong (30+ Karma) · Oct 24, 2026 · 21m

Whether AI systems could take power from humans matters a great deal for how much risk we face from them. Answering that requires a correct picture of how power works, which is what this guide tries to give.

In short, power rests on self-reinforcing expectations. A ruler has power if everyone expects everyone else to enforce their commands, even if this is bad for almost everyone involved. But expectations can also shift suddenly, and when they do, change is rapid and chaotic. This can sometimes allow small, coordinated groups to seize control over much larger societies.

Almost any rule can…