Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University historian and author, dives deep into the intersection of capitalism and democracy in this insightful discussion. He examines how Silicon Valley influences politics, particularly during Trump’s second term. Topics include radical tech billionaires' impact, the concept of 'startup societies,' and the troubling relationship between democracy and capitalism. Slobodian also analyzes the effects of the pandemic on political fragmentation and the rise of autocratic governance, painting a stark picture of contemporary challenges.
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insights INSIGHT
Seasteading and Exit
Peter Thiel believes democracy and freedom are incompatible, advocating for "exit" strategies.
He funds seasteading, envisioning numerous autonomous polities for capital hiding and experimentation.
insights INSIGHT
Reshaping the US
The Silicon Valley elite's focus has shifted from creating new polities to influencing the US government.
They aim to reshape the US into a decentralized system for their benefit.
insights INSIGHT
Decentralization
The US is viewed as a collection of diverse jurisdictions rather than a centralized entity.
Trump and the tech elite aim to decentralize power, promoting competition among states for resources.
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In 'Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism,' Quinn Slobodian challenges the common perception that neoliberals aim to shrink government and abolish regulations. Instead, he argues that neoliberalism emerged to redeploy government and regulatory frameworks at a global level to protect and expand capitalism. The book follows a group of thinkers from the ashes of the Habsburg Empire to the formation of the World Trade Organization, highlighting their efforts to create supranational institutions that insulate global markets from national governments and democratic demands. Slobodian's work provides a nuanced analysis of the 'Geneva School' of neoliberalism and its impact on global economic integration and democracy[1][2][5].
Crack-Up Capitalism
Quinn Slobodian
The Sovereign Individual
Mastering the Transition to the Information Age
James Dale Davidson
William Rees-Mogg
The book explores the greatest economic and political transition in centuries, predicting the shift from an industrial to an information-based society. Davidson and Rees-Mogg argue that this transition will liberate individuals, alter the power of government, and lead to the rise of digital currency and cyberspace. They foresee a future where individuals will be freed from government oppression and prejudice, and where states will struggle to collect taxes due to the ease of transferring assets electronically. The authors also discuss the potential for prosperity and renewal in the face of radical changes in human history as we move into the new millennium[1][2][4].
The End of History and the Last Man
Francis Fukuyama
In this book, Francis Fukuyama posits that human history is moving towards a state of idealized harmony through the mechanisms of liberal democracy. He argues that liberal democracy is the final form of human government, driven by two powerful forces: the logic of modern science and the struggle for recognition. Fukuyama draws on the philosophical ideas of Hegel and Kojeve, suggesting that liberal democracy meets the economic and psychological needs of humanity, including the desire for recognition and dignity. The book explores the implications of this thesis, including the potential paradox that the satisfaction of basic needs might lead to a lack of outlets for human striving and recognition[2][3][5].
In this Money Talks: Historian Quinn Slobodian’s 2023 book Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy explored the dark reality that many extremists seek a purely capitalist society free of democracy. Now, with the Silicon Valley elite playing such a large role in Trump’s second term, Quinn's work is more relevant than ever. In this episode, Quinn joins Felix Salmon to discuss the relationship between radical tech billionaires and the Trump administration, and its potential consequences for our democracy.
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