This book, the second of two volumes, examines the evolution of humanity and development global economic systems to provide insight into the advances and challenges they have created. By placing modern technology and global crises within the context of long-term human development, it evaluates the threat of climate change on future generations by showing how past civilizations have survived and succumbed to climate events. The potential for artificial intelligence, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, and biotechnology to combat the current global challenges is explored, alongside possibilities of new technologies exacerbating poverty, inequality, and social division.

This book highlights the consequences of human cognition and the constant desire for economic growth and evaluates whether they have been a net positive for human society. It will be of interest to students and researchers working on political economy and global challenges.