The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-First Century's Greatest Dilemma is a compelling exploration of the unprecedented risks posed by artificial intelligence and other rapidly evolving technologies. This New York Times Bestseller serves as a vital warning about how left unchecked, these innovations can disrupt global order and lead to catastrophic consequences. Written by Mustafa Suleyman, a co-founder of the AI company DeepMind and the current CEO of Microsoft AI, the book captures the urgency of our situation, urging readers to recognize the critical moment we are approaching in human history.

As we stand on the brink of a transformation, Suleyman paints a vivid picture of a world where artificial intelligences will manage our lives, oversee businesses, and influence government operations. He explores an era filled with advanced technologies, such as DNA printers, quantum computers, and autonomous weapons, raising questions about our preparedness for such change. The book delves deep into the immense wealth that these technologies could generate, countering it with the looming threats to the nation-state as a pillar of global stability. With governments seemingly oblivious to the gathering storm, Suleyman presents the containment problem as the defining challenge of our time—how to retain control over groundbreaking technologies while navigating between the dangers of their misuse and the risks of invasive surveillance. His insights provide a roadmap for understanding and managing the complexities of this technological revolution and advocate for thoughtful approaches to avoid drifting into disaster or dystopia. This essential read is not just a commentary on the future but a call to action, urging us to confront these challenges head-on.