Israel Centeno

We live in an era where the common citizen is caught in a world dominated by global powers that consolidate their influence through sophisticated surveillance systems. The ability to respond to this reality largely depends on the environment in which one operates. Some spaces still uphold certain principles of the rule of law, though we do not know for how long. While these conditions persist, it is urgent to explore strategies to resist the growing centralization of control, especially after the suppression of financial resources for non-governmental organizations, independent journalism, and various civil initiatives.

Building Local Alternatives

In response to the financial suffocation imposed on independent entities, the only viable alternative lies in the construction of local and decentralized responses. It is within small communities that the foundations of effective resistance can be laid: each community must organize itself to strengthen its autonomy, avoiding dependence on either the state or emerging economies based on cryptocurrencies or other financial systems imposed by global institutions.

This network of self-sustaining communities must be built on local cooperation, the recovery of community values, and the creation of structures that can resist external interference. It is crucial to avoid the mistake of trusting traditional political parties, which have long ceased to represent the interests of citizens. In both the Americas and Europe—as well as in Canada—common citizens have lost their voice in dominant political spaces.

The Challenge of Independent Communication

The central question is: How can the citizen reclaim their voice in a world where discourse is monopolized by corporations and governments? The answer lies in the creation of independent media that operate with minimal resources but have the ability to break through the algorithmic barriers controlling access to information.

This endeavor will require ingenuity, collaboration, and adaptability to a hostile digital environment. However, the goal is not direct confrontation with power structures—a battle that, in practical terms, is already lost—but rather the establishment of parallel information networks that can reach people directly.

A key step in this process is encouraging citizens to disengage from their constant activity on social media. These platforms not only surveil and control users but also determine their access to employment and livelihood. Dependency on these platforms is a strategic vulnerability that must be minimized whenever possible.

The Dilemma of Digitalization and the Need for Literacy

Paradoxically, digital technology has brought undeniable advancements while simultaneously disconnecting individuals from what it means to be human. To regain intellectual and cultural independence, education and literacy must be strengthened in a profound sense.

Mere literacy is not enough—true literacy involves developing discernment and critical thinking, both of which have been eroded by the fragmented consumption of information on social media. Today, the culture of many generations has been reduced to the immediacy of 147-character tweets, fleeting TikTok videos, and Instagram or Facebook posts that are barely read in their entirety. Education must once again prioritize deep study, reflection, and intellectual engagement.

Recovering the Transcendent: The Role of God in the Equation

Amid this landscape, reconnecting with the transcendent is essential. The idea that human beings can be the sole creators of their own existence is a trap that leads to a dead end. This is the path we are heading down with the development of quantum computing and biotechnology, which threaten to create a “Human 2.0”— a biotechnological version of humanity that could result in an existential disaster.

The only way to prevent this dehumanization is to restore the link with what does not change: the eternal, the immutable, the divine. In this sense, God is a fundamental part of the equation. Without a transcendent foundation, human beings are left at the mercy of forces that reduce them to mere objects of control and manipulation.

Conclusion: No Definitive Answers, But Clear Directions

There is no single or immediate answer to the challenges we face. However, it is imperative to begin exploring ways to build independent information networks, free from digital surveillance and oriented toward the reconstruction of true community.

This effort does not require major confrontations but rather intelligence, organization, and a long-term vision. The key lies in what is small, what is local, in the revaluation of knowledge, and in the recovery of what is transcendent. Only in this way can we resist the advance of an increasingly controlled and dehumanized world.