Techdirt

Saving Democracy From Fascism

9 snips
Nov 12, 2025
Mike Brock, a writer and commentator focused on democracy and technology, dives deep into the threats facing democracy today. He discusses the recent elections, highlighting how cultural narratives shaped voter behavior. Brock argues for reconciling liberal policies with progressive voices to combat economic power hoarding. He warns of Silicon Valley's concerning alignment with authoritarian interests and the urgent need for regulatory actions that ensure public accountability. This insightful conversation illuminates the path to safeguarding democracy in a precarious landscape.
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ANECDOTE

From Dinners To A Warning Piece

  • Brock traced his concerns to conversations in Silicon Valley and encounters with neo-reactionary thinkers.
  • He realized those ideas had real funding and political ambitions, leading to his 'plot against America' piece.
INSIGHT

Narratives Collapsed After The Election

  • The election shattered multiple political narratives and exposed the collapse of curated reality bubbles.
  • Small-l liberalism — rule of law and human dignity — gained renewed political traction last week.
INSIGHT

Mamdani Defied Technocratic Assumptions

  • Zoran Mamdani's win undermined technocratic centrist assumptions about electability.
  • Voters responded to a politics emphasizing dignity and inclusion rather than merely technical competence.
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