Mexican author Pedro Salazar’s new book, "Totalitarian Total," explores the accelerating consolidation of power driven by artificial intelligence. In an interview with BBC Mundo, Salazar argues that AI is not simply a tool, but a force reshaping the global power dynamic. He posits that this technology uniquely enables unprecedented levels of control and surveillance. The book contends that this trend presents a significant challenge to liberal democracies, potentially ushering in an era resembling totalitarianism. Salazar's analysis highlights a concerning shift towards concentrated authority facilitated by AI’s capabilities. The interview also references a prediction by Putin that appears to be materializing, though specifics aren’t detailed in this excerpt.