The Dark Enlightenment: Tech Billionaires' Disturbing Vision for America's Future

A New Ideology Driving Authoritarianism

Forget the tired tropes of libertarianism. A chilling new ideology, the Dark Enlightenment (or NRx), is taking hold in Silicon Valley, whispering promises of a technologically driven authoritarianism into the ears of billionaires. This isn't about tax cuts; it's about a fundamental reshaping of American governance.

Thom Hartmann, author of "The Hidden History of Monopolies," argues that figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump aren't just dismantling institutions – they're laying the groundwork for an experimental form of authoritarian rule, one inspired by a surprising model: Singapore.

The Singapore Experiment: A Glimpse into the Future?

Hartmann recounts a personal experience in Singapore, where a simple mention of "political activism" resulted in a police search of his hotel room. This anecdote highlights Singapore's authoritarian nature, a system that prioritizes economic development over individual freedoms.

The Dark Enlightenment sees Singapore, with its suppressed dissent and controlled society, as a blueprint for America. Figures like Curtis Yarvin, Silicon Valley's resident neo-monarchist, admire the "efficiency" of such a system.

“For a new breed of right-wing thinkers, politicians, and activists, [Lee Kuan Yew's] approach to government is appealing," writes Robin Kaiser-Schatzlein for Mother Jones. This appeal lies in a vision of "a freedom without rights, a prosperity without disorder.”

Technocracy and AI: Replacing Democracy with Algorithms?

The ultimate goal isn't just corporate control. It's the replacement of democratic processes with a self-selected "elite" of technocrats, aided by artificial general intelligence (AGI). As AGI evolves, they envision government functions handled by algorithms, deciding who gets what, and bypassing the messy business of elections.

Rana Foorahar, writing in The Financial Times, explains that this philosophy sees democracy as inherently flawed, proposing instead a corporate model with a "CEO Monarch" at the helm. This echoes Yarvin’s call to "get rid of dictator phobia."

The Takeover in Progress: Project 2025 and Beyond

This isn't a distant dystopia; it's a takeover in progress. Project 2025, highlighted by Hartmann, outlines a roadmap for dismantling the federal bureaucracy. Simultaneously, a small group of billionaire families exerts disproportionate influence over elections, further consolidating power.

Robert Reich, former Labor Secretary, has noted the influence of figures like Yarvin, who envisions replacing democracy with "sovereign joint-stock corporations" controlled by powerful shareholders. Reich warns of these tech oligarchs' desire to create an "authoritarian regime replete with technologies they control."

A Call to Action: Waking Up to the Threat

Hartmann's urgent plea isn't just for awareness; it's a call to action. If we remain oblivious to the Dark Enlightenment's creeping influence, we risk losing our democratic freedoms, becoming subjects in a nation ruled by algorithms and an unelected elite. Hartmann's closing words resonate: "Pass it along… and get into the streets!"