Yuval Noah Harari Warns of AI's Dual Crises

At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari delivered a stark assessment of artificial intelligence's future impact. The author of the bestselling book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind argued that AI technology is not merely a tool but a force that will fundamentally reshape societies.

During his talk on AI and humanity, Harari outlined two specific crises he believes every country will soon face. These challenges, he explained, stem from the very nature of AI and its relationship to human value systems. The implications extend beyond economics into the core of what it means to be human.

The first crisis Harari identified is a profound identity crisis. For centuries, humanity has placed immense value on our capacity to think, reason, and create. This cognitive ability has defined our unique place in the natural world and our self-worth as individuals and societies.

However, Harari noted that AI is rapidly advancing to the point where it will potentially outperform humans on this very task. When machines can think better than we can, the foundation of human identity begins to crumble. This shift forces a reevaluation of what makes human life valuable.

We have come to value ourselves based on our capacity to think, but AI will potentially outperform us on this task soon.

The psychological and social implications of this shift are immense. If thinking is no longer humanity's exclusive domain, we must find new sources of meaning and purpose in a world where our most prized trait is no longer unique.

Harari's second prediction centers on a new form of immigration crisis. He drew a direct comparison between AI systems and human immigrants, noting that both bring significant benefits alongside inherent disruptions. AI, like immigrants, can bring valuable skills to a nation's economy.

For example, AI systems could introduce advanced capabilities in fields like medicine and teaching. Yet, these benefits come with parallel challenges that every government must prepare to manage. The disruption is not hypothetical; it is an inevitable part of integration.

• Job displacement in key sectors
• Cultural shifts driven by non-human entities
• Questions of political loyalty and allegiance

Harari directly addressed common concerns about immigration, applying them to the digital realm. He stated that while the impact of human immigrants is often debated, the effects of AI will be definitive and transformative.

Harari posed critical questions to the audience about the legal and social status of artificial intelligence. He asked whether nations should allow AIs to be recognized as legal persons with specific rights. This recognition would fundamentally alter the legal landscape.

If granted such status, AI entities could theoretically start businesses, form and preach their own religions, or even befriend children on social media platforms. These possibilities are no longer confined to science fiction but are becoming pressing policy questions. The decisions made today will shape the trajectory of human civilization.

If you want to influence where humanity is going, you need to make a decision now.

The urgency in Harari's message underscores the speed of technological development. Waiting to react is not an option; proactive governance is required to navigate these uncharted waters.

Yuval Noah Harari is a distinguished research fellow at the University of Cambridge's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk and a history professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His analysis is informed by years of studying human history and future trajectories.

His 2015 book, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, explored the existential threats posed by AI, making his current warnings a continuation of his long-standing research. He is not the only industry leader to use the term "AI immigrants."

Earlier in the month, Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, also referred to robots using this terminology. Huang suggested that AI immigrants would assist humans with work they no longer wish to perform, such as manufacturing jobs. This shared vocabulary among experts signals a growing consensus on the nature of AI's integration into society.

The warnings from Davos highlight a pivotal moment in technological history. The dual crises of identity and immigration are not distant possibilities but imminent challenges that require global attention. The conversation has moved from speculation to policy formulation.

As AI continues to evolve, the definitions of work, culture, and humanity itself will be tested. The decisions made by governments, corporations, and societies in the coming years will determine whether this transition is managed with foresight or chaos. The time to prepare is now.