Dark Enlightenment

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Enlightenment

The Dark Enlightenment and Peter Thiel’s Role

The Dark Enlightenment (also called Neo-Reactionary Movement or NRx) is an anti-democratic, authoritarian ideological movement that emerged in the early 2000s. It was popularized by Curtis Yarvin (aka Mencius Moldbug) and Nick Land. The movement is deeply critical of democracy, egalitarianism, and modern liberalism, advocating for a return to hierarchical, technocratic rule—often envisioned as a corporate, monarchy-like governance structure.

Core beliefs include:

• Rejection of Democracy: The belief that democracy is inherently flawed and leads to societal decay.

• Techno-Monarchy or Corporate Rule: The idea that governance should be run like a corporation, with power concentrated in the hands of an elite ruling class (e.g., Silicon Valley billionaires).

• Inegalitarianism: The belief that not all people are equal or should have political power.

• Exit Over Voice: Instead of reforming broken systems, adherents believe in seceding from them (e.g., charter cities, sovereign tech communities).

Peter Thiel’s Role & Accomplices

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, has been a key financier and ideological backer of the Dark Enlightenment. His views on democracy have been explicit, once writing in Cato Unbound (2009):

"I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible."

Thiel’s influence manifests in multiple ways:

• Funding Authoritarian and Libertarian Experiments:

  • Seasteading: Funding floating city projects that exist outside national regulations.

  • Charter Cities: Investment in private, corporate-controlled cities with special legal zones.

  • Palantir: A company specializing in mass surveillance, working with governments and military institutions to enable predictive policing and state control.

• Backing Right-Wing and Authoritarian Figures:

  • Bankrolling Donald Trump (2016, 2024) and far-right candidates.

  • Financially supporting anti-democratic movements.

• Ideological Networking:

  • Ties with Curtis Yarvin (Mencius Moldbug), who has written extensively about dismantling democracy.

  • Involvement in tech-libertarian think tanks and networks that promote corporate governance over democratic rule.

J.D. Vance: Thiel’s Trojan Horse in American Politics

One of the most dangerous inroads for the Dark Enlightenment into mainstream politics is J.D. Vance, who has been carefully positioned as a palatable public figure while advancing anti-democratic ideals. Thiel heavily funded Vance’s Senate campaign, and Vance’s rapid political rise is a direct result of Thiel’s backing.

• The Deceptive Narrative of Hillbilly Elegy:

  • Vance’s memoir was marketed as an honest portrayal of Appalachian poverty, but it serves as a political rebranding to position him as a relatable, moderate figure while hiding his deeply reactionary views.

  • The book blames personal failure rather than systemic issues for poverty, reinforcing right-wing libertarian ideology.

• Vance as a Tool for Subverting Democracy:

  • After being elected to the Senate, he has promoted Trumpist policies aimed at eroding democratic institutions.

  • He has openly supported the idea of a strongman leader, stating that democracy might not be sustainable.

  • His alignment with Thiel suggests he is being groomed for a higher leadership role, possibly a vice-presidential or presidential candidacy.

Vance represents the normalization of authoritarian rule, cloaked in false populism. His ascension within the GOP signals a larger strategy to infiltrate and dismantle democratic systems from within.

Other Key Figures and Their Roles

• Elon Musk: The Chaos Agent

  • Musk's acquisition of Twitter (now X) has facilitated the spread of authoritarian and reactionary ideas under the guise of "free speech absolutism."

  • By reinstating banned far-right figures and undermining mainstream media credibility, Musk aids in eroding trust in democratic institutions.

  • His advocacy for minimal government oversight aligns with the Dark Enlightenment's desire for corporate rule.

• Marc Andreessen: The Accelerationist Venture Capitalist

  • Andreessen has promoted a vision of technological authoritarianism, where AI and advanced tech replace traditional governance structures.

  • He funds projects and startups that align with the Dark Enlightenment's push for elite-controlled systems.

  • His writings encourage an aggressive break from democratic institutions, arguing for a rapid transition to centralized, technocratic rule.

• Curtis Yarvin (Mencius Moldbug): The Ideological Architect

  • Yarvin provides the intellectual foundation for the movement, advocating for dismantling democracy in favor of a monarchy-like corporate governance.

  • He has ties to various Silicon Valley elites, influencing their political philosophy and strategic moves.

  • His ideas have been directly referenced by Thiel-backed politicians, indicating real-world application of his vision.

• Blake Masters: The Thiel-Backed Political Operative

  • Masters, another Thiel-funded figure, ran for Senate in Arizona, promoting hard-right policies that align with Dark Enlightenment ideals.

  • His campaign focused on nationalism, anti-immigration rhetoric, and deregulation—key tenets of Thiel’s broader strategy.

  • Though he lost his Senate race, he remains a rising figure in the movement’s political ambitions.

These individuals and their networks represent a coordinated effort to reshape governance, concentrating power in the hands of a self-anointed elite while dismantling democratic institutions piece by piece. The movement operates under the guise of innovation, libertarianism, and populism, but its ultimate goal is authoritarian rule.