Margaret O’Mara, a historian and professor at the University of Washington, delves into the rise of the 'broligarchy' — a blend of wealth, right-wing ideals, and anti-establishment fervor. She examines terms like techno-fascism and authoritarian technocracy, exploring their implications in today's political landscape. O'Mara links the shift in Silicon Valley's political affiliations to the influence of tech leaders on governance, critiquing techno-optimism and the evolving role of technology post-Obama. A fascinating insight into the crossroads of tech and power!
The concept of the broligarchy illustrates how wealthy tech leaders are increasingly merging political power with anti-establishment sentiments, suggesting an emergence of techno-fascism.
The ideology of techno-optimism promotes a belief that technological innovation should be free from government oversight, overlooking the crucial role of regulation in fostering responsible advancements.
Deep dives
The Concept of Seasteading
Seasteading is the idea of creating autonomous ocean communities that prioritize technological progress without constraints imposed by government regulations. Peter Thiel, a prominent tech billionaire, has been a key proponent of this movement, having invested in the Seasteading Institute, which aimed to establish libertarian-style start-up countries, though these plans never materialized. The seasteading ideology emphasizes that innovation should not be hindered by societal responsibilities or governmental oversight, reflecting a broader belief that tech leaders should hold power over traditional elected officials. Despite failed attempts at creating tech islands, the overarching philosophy persists among tech elites who seek avenues to escape regulatory environments.
Broligarchy and Political Influence
A group of tech moguls, referred to as the 'broligarchy', has been gaining political power, blurring lines between the tech industry and government. This has sparked a conversation around various terms such as techno-fascism, authoritarian technocracy, and cyber populism, which aim to categorize the shifting political landscape influenced by tech leaders. An analysis of these terms reveals the tension between a desire for expert-driven governance and a rising anti-establishment sentiment within the tech community. As these leaders find themselves in influential positions, questions arise about their commitment to public service versus the pursuit of unchecked innovation.
The Rise of Techno-Optimism
Techno-optimism is an ideology that champions technology as a primary driver of good in society and seeks to limit government intervention. Mark Andreessen, a major figure in Silicon Valley, advocates for a vision where technology prevails over bureaucratic oversight, framing regulations as impediments to progress. His beliefs are reflected in the Techno Optimist Manifesto, which dismisses the need for ethical regulations and social responsibility in favor of a free market free from government obstruction. This perspective fosters a culture that broadly disregards the necessity for regulations that protect social interests, illustrating the potential dangers of prioritizing technological advancements over ethical considerations.
The Historical Context of Innovation
The narrative of Silicon Valley's success is often misattributed to a lack of government involvement, yet history demonstrates that government policies have played a crucial role in facilitating technological advancements. Historical examples, such as the antitrust actions against AT&T, show how government regulation fostered key innovations like the transistor, which laid the foundation for modern computing. Understanding this relationship challenges the myth that innovation flourishes in a purely deregulated environment and highlights the importance of balanced governance. As the tech industry continues to evolve, acknowledging the interplay between regulation and innovation is vital for shaping a future that responsibly integrates technology into societal frameworks.
The ”broligarchy” didn’t come together in a vacuum — this combination of extreme wealth, right wing leanings, and an anti-establishment point of view has been brewing for decades. There are lots of names for this ideology coming up in the news: techno-fascism, techno-feudalism, tech oligarchy, cyber-populism, authoritarian technocracy. What does it all mean? As tech business leaders align with the president, and Elon Musk leads the dismantling of federal agencies, what is the best way to describe what is going on in our country right now? In the second part of our two-parter on the “broligarchy,” Morgan speaks with historian and University of Washington professor, Margaret O’Mara, to discuss techno-fascism and other terms to see what really fits to describe our current reality.
Guest:
Margaret O’Mara, Historian and Professor at the University of Washington
This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung. Our Producer is Maya Cueva. Chris Egusa is our Senior Editor. Additional editing by Jen Chien. Sound design by Chris Egusa. Original music by Chris Egusa, with additional music from APM. Mixing and mastering by Brendan Willard, Katherine Monahan, and Chris Egusa. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad and Alana Walker. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Holly Kernan is our Chief Content Officer.
