The Blockchain Socialist Slavoj Zizek on Network States
Aug 17, 2025
Slavoj Zizek dives into the implications of network states, critiquing their ethical and political ramifications. He explores the intersections of corporate governance and digital identities while questioning the neo-colonial aspects of modern digital claims. Zizek also raises concerns about tech Zionism and advocates for a reimagined global governance focused on humanistic values. Additionally, the conversation touches on innovative alternatives like Fileverse that challenge traditional cloud storage models.
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Finding Zizek's Essay On Fileverse
- The host recounts discovering Zizek's paywalled Substack essay after it was reposted on Fileverse for free access.
- He used that opportunity to read and discuss key passages he highlighted for listeners.
Tech Elites And Authoritarian Ideas
- Zizek links network states to Curtis Yarvin and tech-authoritarian ideas, showing ideological overlap with Silicon Valley elites.
- He highlights how network-state thinking mirrors CEO-monarch governance preferences found in Yarvin's work.
Startup Logic Applied To Statecraft
- Balaji Srinivasan's Network State applies startup metaphors to statecraft, treating nations like scalable tech ventures.
- Zizek calls this a digital Platonism: first imagine a perfect state online, then impose it on territory.
