The Nation Podcasts Digital Sovereignty in a Time of Rising Fascism | Tech Won't Save Us
Apr 17, 2025
In a thought-provoking talk, Paris Marx examines the troubling alliance between Silicon Valley and extreme right politics, highlighting figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. He emphasizes the need to reassess our reliance on American tech amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. The discussion advocates for digital sovereignty and regulatory frameworks to counter corporate dominance. Marx calls for grassroots initiatives and state intervention to create a sustainable and equitable digital future.
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Financialized Tech Shaped Today's Giants
- Tech development has been financialized, prioritizing rapid scale and IPO-driven value over public purpose.
- That financial model produced today's billionaire executives and shaped company behavior.
Public Backlash Brought Regulatory Pressure
- A public backlash has produced regulation and antitrust pressure against big tech.
- Marx notes founders now face accountability after decades of evading regulation via positive narratives.
Two-Pronged Defensive Strategy From Tech
- Big tech's response uses two strategies: create new external threats and align with the political right.
- Marx describes both distraction tactics and courting conservative power to avoid constraints.
