The Political Scene | The New Yorker cover image

The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Elon Musk’s A.I.-Driven Government Coup

Feb 20, 2025
Kyle Chayka, a Staff Writer for The New Yorker and author of "Elon Musk’s A.I.-Fuelled War on Human Agency," discusses the rise of techno-fascism linked to Elon Musk's influence in U.S. governance. He questions the reliability of AI in political decision-making, highlighting the risks of authoritarian outcomes. The conversation delves into the conservative shift in the tech industry and the evolving relationship between tech giants and political power, raising concerns about individual autonomy and the implications of advanced technology on society.
38:35

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Elon Musk's initiatives, particularly through the Doge project, exemplify the intersection of technology and authoritarian governance, raising concerns about democracy.
  • The reliance on AI in government operations threatens human decision-making and accountability, showcasing the potential dangers of emerging techno-fascism.

Deep dives

Understanding Techno-Fascism

Techno-fascism is defined as the integration of government and radical technology, particularly through authoritarian means facilitated by advancements like artificial intelligence. This concept extends beyond traditional fascism to include technocratic governance, where experts and technocrats influence decision-making rather than elected officials. The discussion highlights Elon Musk's role in promoting this ideology, particularly through initiatives like Doge, which appears to replace the federal workforce with tech personnel and AI. Such actions signify an infiltration of Silicon Valley's ideologies and practices into governmental structures, raising concerns about the implications for democracy and human agency.

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