The Dangers of Technofascism: A Global Perspective on Democracy’s Erosion
The article discusses the influence of technofascism and extreme individualism on democracies, using recent events in Argentina, the US, and the UK as examples. It critiques the erosion of democratic values through social media and highlights the alarming rise of authoritarianism and misogyny, particularly under Javier Milei’s presidency. The call for global collective action against these challenges is emphasized as essential for preserving democracy.
On January 18, 2024, Elon Musk made a provocative post on X, showcasing a couple engaged in sexual activity while ostensibly praising Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei. Musk’s illustration aimed to signify their shared ideology of extreme individualism, with his post garnering nearly a million likes. This incident reflects a troubling trend where social media validations outweigh genuine electoral participation in weakening democracies, blurring the lines between genuine democracy and authoritarianism.
Recent events in North and South America demonstrate how elections can be won, yet the electoral process can be undermined. For instance, following his return to power, Donald Trump released many involved in the January 6 insurrection. Similarly, in Brazil, an attempted coup aimed to prevent Luiz “Lula” de Silva from assuming office. These occurrences highlight the ripple effects of one nation’s political turmoil on others.
Technofascism, defined by the manipulation of technology to influence political power, poses a significant threat to democratic systems. Musk’s public support for the far-right Alternative for Germany in the lead-up to the German elections exemplifies this trend. Critically, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned external interference in democracy, a sentiment echoed amidst rising nationalist sentiments in the UK, where Musk made alarming predictions about civil unrest.
While Argentina and the UK are vastly different, both face the pervasive impacts of technofascism. The relationship between wealthy individuals and political maneuvering creates an environment where democratic principles are eroded by self-serving interests. Musk, identified as a key player in normalizing far-right ideologies, also fosters divisions by misrepresenting serious societal issues for political leverage.
During his address at the World Economic Forum, President Milei denounced marginalized groups, prompting widespread public outrage and protests both domestically and internationally. Two million Argentinians participated in these demonstrations, signaling that collective action against extreme right ideologies has a global dimension. Such responses underlie the need for coordinated international efforts to combat growing misogyny and authoritarian practices.
The extreme right’s tactics leverage the pain caused by gender-based violence to further engender hatred and diminish protective measures for women. Milei’s administration took alarming steps to dismantle support structures for gender issues and women’s rights, including the closure of the Ministry of Women, Gender, and Diversity. Argentina’s dissenting vote against a UN resolution addressing online violence against women signifies the troubling trajectory of Milei’s governance.
On February 14, 2024, Milei endorsed a new cryptocurrency, achieving a valuation peak but subsequently crashing, leading to investigations for potential fraud. This scenario emphasizes the potential legal implications of social media posts regarding governance, raising further questions about the integrity of democratic processes. The intertwining of technology, fraud, and governance erodes the traditional electoral system where algorithms could overshadow voters.
Movements like Ni Una Menos have originated from social media, highlighting the potency of digital discourse in mobilizing action. However, the distortion of digital communications for cynical purposes threatens the foundational principles of democracy. The threat extends beyond mere political influence; it involves redefining the democratic framework such that algorithmic choices replace electoral votes, posing the question – can true democracy exist in such a landscape?
The interplay of extreme individualism and technofascism serves as a critical challenge to genuine democratic practices across the globe. The experiences of Argentina and other nations reveal the fragility of democratic processes under the influence of powerful individuals and technology. Increasingly, social media platforms shape political narratives, often prioritizing algorithmic outcomes over democratic participation. It is essential for societies to recognize and confront these threats to ensure a robust defense of democratic principles and human rights.
Original Source: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
