Slobodian Discusses Neoliberalism and the Rise of Techno-Feudalism
In a recent interview with Reset DOC, Professor Quinn Slobodian, Professor of International History at Pardee School of Global Studies shared his thoughts on the fringe ideologies within neoliberalism and the tech elite’s strong hold on American governance.
The exchange focused on how techno-optimism and extreme libertarianism together is making a case for a privatized regime, i.e., the removal of state-based administrations for corporatocracy. Slobodian further explained the burgeoning popularity around anarcho-capitalism and libertarianism, especially with the far right. This is the outcome of multiple political ideologies converging including managerialism (operating governments like businesses) favored by billionaire Elon Musk and perceptions of radical conservative entities like the Heritage Foundation that views the state as a “parasitic force” intending to enforce Marxist policies, defying American exceptionalism.
“Some lean toward embracing the state as the guarantor of order, while others emphasize a vision of stateless and ruthless social Darwinist competition,” commented Slobodian on the diverse far-right movements across the globe. “For now, they appear to be acting tactically rather than adhering rigidly to ideology, adapting their strategies as conditions change.”
The professor also acknowledged the possibility of America being in the nascent stages of techno-feudalism as billionaires have secured unwarranted power through tactics like rent-seeking and campaign financing. While the country is likely to experience seasons of political disarray, decentralization, and geoeconomic struggle, Slobodian concluded it’ll take a lot more for the anarcho-capitalists to fully realize their neo-medievalism agenda, largely due to the concrete legislative and civil societal structures.
To read the full interview, click here.
Quinn Slobodian is a Professor of International History at Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and a prolific political author. His next book Hayek’s Bastards: Race, Gold, IQ and the Capitalism of the Far Right is slated to release soon. Slobodian routinely contributes to prominent publications including New Statesman, New York Review of Books, and New York Times. To learn more about Prof. Slobodian, visit his faculty profile.