The New Right-Wing Tech Intelligentsia
7 hours ago
- #tech-politics
- #right-wing
- #silicon-valley
- The Bay Area's tech publication scene is experiencing a shift towards the political right, with left-liberals and nationalists mingling at events.
- Kernel Magazine represents a 'progressive, techno-optimist' perspective, funded by libertarian and billionaire interests, yet tries to critique tech's failings.
- Asterisk Magazine, aligned with effective altruism, focuses on AI risks and existential threats, funded by tech billionaires like Dustin Moskovitz.
- Palladium Magazine, suspected to be backed by Peter Thiel, promotes monarchist and white supremacist views under the guise of governance discussions.
- Arena Magazine champions militaristic nationalism, advocating for American dominance in tech and warfare, with ties to defense tech startups.
- The techlash of the late 2010s, which saw tech workers politicize against Silicon Valley, has waned, leaving room for right-wing narratives to dominate.
- Tech publications like Logic Magazine, which once supported anti-capitalist and labor movements, have rebranded or faded, signaling a broader ideological shift.
- The rise of defense tech and militaristic nationalism in Silicon Valley reflects a broader embrace of lethal technologies and Cold War rhetoric.
- Reactionary tech publications serve as tools of class power, promoting elite interests and attempting to shape public discourse around technology and nationalism.
- The overlapping communities and ideologies of these publications create a cohesive right-wing tech intelligentsia, blurring lines between liberalism and fascism.