What is techno-fascism?
What is techno-fascism?
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Techno-Fascism is an authoritarian system where technological elites, often engineers and corporate leaders, consolidate power by merging state authority with industrial and technological infrastructure. It emphasizes efficiency, surveillance, and control through digital means, undermining democratic norms while advancing corporate and governmental agendas. The term describes a shift where technological innovation becomes a tool for centralized governance, often bypassing traditional democratic processes and public accountability.*
"Techno-Facism" (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer
To paraphrase: The nightmarish "move fast and break things" actions of DOGE under Elon Musk and President Donald Trump starting in early 2025 represents a radical shift in U.S politics to embrace techno-facism.
Helpful Media
Helpful Media
Applebaum, A. (2025, February 13). There’s a term for what trump and musk are doing. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/doge-civil-servant-purge/681671/ (Paywall free link: archive.ph)
Chayka, K. (2025, February 26). Techno-fascism comes to america. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/techno-fascism-comes-to-america-elon-musk (Paywall free links: archive.ph - PDF)
Duran, Gil. The nerd reich | silicon valley tech extremism. (2025, March 3). The Nerd Reich. https://www.thenerdreich.com/
Gault, M. (2025, February 14). Welcome to the nerd reich. https://angryplanetpod.com/p/welcome-to-the-nerd-reich (PocketCasts link)
Levitsky, S., & Way, L. A. (2025, February 11). The path to american authoritarianism: What comes after democratic breakdown. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/path-american-authoritarianism-trump (Paywall free link: archive.ph)
* This definition was generated by Wes Fryer using ChatGPT and the Chayka article in The New Yorker linked above. (conversation archive)
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