‘Heteropolarity’ Is Here: How Big Tech Is Challenging The Power Of Nations | BRICS ROUNDTABLE

At the BRICS Roundtable 2026, BJP National Vice President Ram Madhav spoke about the emergence of ‘heteropolarity’ and how power in the global system is no longer concentrated only in nation-states. He pointed to the growing influence of big tech and deep-tech companies, powerful individuals and other non-state actors, arguing that their financial resources, technological capabilities and global reach are becoming significant enough for countries to take their activities seriously. Madhav cited the scale of investment in artificial intelligence and the rapid development of humanoid robots to illustrate how technology could reshape global power equations. He also raised concerns around the potential risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems and the implications for humanity and governments. The discussion was moderated by Marya Shakil and Sweta Singh at the BRICS Roundtable 2026