283. Nerds of the Lowest Order (ft. Quinn Slobodian)
Sep 14, 2023
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Quinn Slobodian, author of Crack-Up Capitalism, discusses how fringe beliefs of anarcho-capitalists are gaining mainstream influence. The podcast explores the relationship between neoliberalism, law, and the state, as well as the colonial mindset of ultra wealthy individuals like Musk and Bezos. The need for dialogue between left and right anarchists, the racially and culturally homogenous nature of suburbs and gated communities, and the connection between economics and race science are also discussed.
Anarcho-capitalists advocate for dismantling the state and prioritizing personal liberty and property rights above all else.
Rothbardian thought influences the rise of gated communities and homogenous suburbs, reflecting a desire for exclusivity and protection.
Ultra-wealthy individuals' obsession with space travel stems from a colonial mindset of ownership and conquest.
Deep dives
The Ideology of Anarcho-Capitalism and Libertarianism
Anarcho-capitalists like Murray Rothbard and David Friedman advocate for the dismantling of the state and the privatization of all services, promoting a society based on voluntary contractual relationships. They see rules and regulations as necessary to maintain order and enforce property rights. Their ideology is based on an extreme form of individualism and prioritizes personal liberty and property rights above all else. Rothbard specifically views the settler colonial imagination as a model for the ideal society, where shared ethnicity and culture are seen as economic advantages.
The Rationality of Extremist Means
Rothbard and others adopt a utilitarian view of politics, where the end goal justifies any means necessary. They are willing to align with figures like Pat Buchanan or promote racial nationalism if it serves their ultimate objective of undermining the state and creating chaos. They believe in a transitional demand, using disruptive tactics to bring about a stateless society or an ungovernable America. Their rationality makes their extremist views more powerful and appealing to those seeking radical change.
The Legacy of Neoliberalism and Suburban Enclaves
The influence of Rothbardian thought can be seen in the rise of gated communities and homogenous suburbs, where like-minded individuals barricade themselves against perceived threats to their property and way of life. These communities reflect the desire for exclusivity and protection from external influences. The ideology of extreme individualism and property rights preservation permeates these enclaves, shaping the daily lives and interactions of their inhabitants.
The Obsession with Space and Colonial Mindset
The podcast explores the idea that ultra-wealthy individuals like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are obsessed with space travel and going to Mars because they cannot conquer or settle new lands on Earth. This longing for power and control stems from a colonial mindset of ownership and conquest. Despite presenting space exploration as a grand futuristic venture, it is argued that it is essentially a form of solar colonialism, lacking originality or imaginative politics.
Soft Secession and Alternative Forms of Governance
The podcast highlights the concept of soft secession, which involves building alternative communities and governance systems within the existing nation. Examples of soft secession include gated communities, homeschooling, and alternative forms of higher education. The goal is to create spaces that provide selective access and enforce specific rules and ideologies. Soft succession is also seen in the embrace of gold-backed currency and cryptocurrencies as a way to challenge the existing economic order. Ultimately, these forms of soft secession aim to create alternative spaces that cater to specific ideological and economic interests.
We are joined by Quinn Slobodian — author of Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy — to discuss the libertarian extremism that forms the intellectual foundation for right-wing movements. We can see how the fringe beliefs of anarcho-capitalists — like Murray Rothbard (neo-confederate secessionist) and David Friedman (medieval LARPer) — are gaining broader influence, even becoming mainstream. On one hand, they are raving lunatics, ideological zealots, and explicit racists. On the other hand, the utopias they desire can be found manifested in the zones and policies — like gated communities and gutted education systems — that have been surging for decades.
••• Quinn’s book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250753892/crackupcapitalism
••• Quinn’s twitter: https://twitter.com/zeithistoriker
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Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (www.twitter.com/jathansadowski) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.twitter.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (www.twitter.com/braunestahl)
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