#63: How Networked Tribes Govern Through Alignment | John Robb
Nov 5, 2020
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John Robb, a strategic analyst and publisher of the Global Guerrillas Report, shares his insights on the intersection of war, politics, and technology. He delves into the concept of 'networked tribes' and how modern communication affects societal decision-making. Robb discusses the evolution of networking, the role of empathy in tribalism, and the complexities of governance in chaotic times. He emphasizes the need for diverse viewpoints and the impact of social networks on perceptions of conflict, urging listeners to navigate their understanding of collective dynamics.
Networked tribes have redefined decision-making processes in society, highlighting the shift from traditional structures to social networking dynamics.
The concept of governance through alignment reflects how networked tribes enforce conformity, impacting behaviors across societal sectors like corporations and governments.
Tribal empathy fosters a divide between in-group and out-group members, generating intense ideologies that complicate constructive dialogue and increase social polarization.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding Networked Tribes
Networked tribes are defined as social decision-making systems that operate through social networking, enabling groups to make collective decisions. Traditionally, decision-making systems included market mechanisms and bureaucratic structures, but the rise of social networking has transformed this paradigm. This transformation has led to a re-wiring of how individuals think, process information, and make decisions collectively as a society. By examining the dynamics of networked tribes, one can better understand the complexities of modern political and social environments.
Tribally Driven Governance and Its Impact
The concept of governance through alignment posits that networked tribes are not simply influencing but actively governing decision-making processes within society. This governance occurs through a mechanism where individuals and organizations adopt the values and behaviors of prevailing networked tribes. This results in the alignment of actions across various societal sectors, including corporations and governments, often leading to punitive measures against those who deviate from the accepted norms. The implications of such alignment extend beyond mere influence, creating a societal structure that enforces conformity and can result in widespread cancellations and ostracism.
Patterns of Behavior and Tribal Empathy
Tribal empathy can lead to a clear division between in-group and out-group members, where individuals feel profound connection and loyalty to those within their tribe while seeing those outside as threats. This selective empathy can turn benign social interactions into intense rivalries and hostilities, mirroring the dynamics often observed in warfare. As network tribes form around shared beliefs and common foes, the potential for conflict emerges, further solidifying the lines drawn between differing ideologies. This fracturing complicates the ability to engage in constructive dialogue across different perspectives.
The Dangers of Social Credit Systems
The implementation of social credit systems, like the one seen in China, exemplifies how network tribes can govern by enforcing behavioral compliance through a system of rewards and penalties. Such systems assess individuals based on their adherence to specific tribal norms and can lead to significant repercussions for those who score low due to associations or past actions. This model promotes conformity at a societal level, creating environments where maintaining a positive score becomes imperative for success in various aspects of life, from employment to social interaction. The broader implications of this type of governance raise concerns about personal freedoms and the extent to which conformity is prioritized over individual autonomy.
Navigating Political Polarization and Individual Agency
As political discourse becomes increasingly polarized, making sense of issues such as war and governance becomes challenging. The inability to reach a consensus on what anti-war or pro-war means illustrates the impact of networked tribal thinking that inhibits shared understanding. In this environment, individuals are encouraged to seek diverse insights to combat the narrowing of perspective that comes from tribal alignment. Taking proactive steps, such as engaging with differing beliefs and critically evaluating one's own convictions, can mitigate the confusion and anxiety prevalent in today's complex political landscape.
John Robb publishes the Global Guerrillas Report at https://www.patreon.com/johnrobb. The report covers the intersection of War, Politics, and Technology. Its goal is to provide you with the frameworks (orientation) needed to make sense of (and survive) our occasionally chaotic world.