Tech Billionaires' Shift to Political Influence

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The chapter delves into the evolving political power of tech billionaires, discussing their move towards actively influencing government policies and preparing for potential disruptions in democracy. It highlights the actions of prominent figures like Elon Musk and their push towards right-wing ideologies in the tech industry, exploring their vision for a post-democratic world governed by sovereign mini-nations.

Paris Marx is joined by Gil Duran to discuss Balaji Srinivasan’s plan to implement “tech Zionism” in San Francisco and the threat posed by Silicon Valley's growing opposition to democracy.

Gil Duran is an independent journalist and former editorial page editor for the Sacramento Bee.

Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.

The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Gil has written about Balaji’s Network State, Garry Tan of Y Combinator, and the plan to build a tech city in Northern California.
Paris wrote about Marc Andreessen’s Techno-Optimist Manifesto.
Peter Thiel no longer feels “freedom and democracy are compatible.”
Elon Musk claimed he sent ventilators to hospitals. They received biPAP and CPAP machines.
Gil mentioned Quinn Slobodian’s “Crack Up Capitalism.”

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