In light of the perceived ascendance of China-style authoritarianism, there is a growing question about the validity of Fukuyama's ideas. The possibility that there is no single model that truly works is considered, suggesting that China's apparent success could be more circumstantial. The narrator delves into the notion of 'steelmanning' authoritarianism's potential triumph in the 21st century by examining the shift in the strength of liberalism. The only significant change identified is the internet, which is viewed as a factor that could turn liberalism's historical strength into a vulnerability.
What if the information anarchy of the internet spells the downfall of liberalism?
Economist Noah Smith and Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin join us for a fascinating discussion on why Authoritarianism might be the answer to the current information warfare. Yes, you heard that right.
We start the episode by defining liberalism, how it has brought excessive polarization and why totalitarianism might be the only solution left. We then steelman the case against this same argument and how blockchains and crypto could play a role in all this.
0:00 Intro 8:53 Defining Liberalism 21:50 Information Warfare 42:17 Summarizing the Argument 55:09 Could the Thesis be Wrong? 1:11:12 Information Leviathans 1:34:13 The Role of Blockchains 1:38:22 Closing & Disclaimers