Understanding Muskism: The New Operating System of Capitalism

In their book, "Muskism," authors Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff explore the phenomenon surrounding Elon Musk, positing that the focus should not solely be on Musk as an individual but rather on what he represents within the broader context of contemporary capitalism. They introduce the term "Muskism" as a modern counterpart to "Fordism," suggesting that while Fordism was characterized by mass production and consumption, Muskism embodies a new paradigm centered on "sovereignty through technology." This concept implies that individuals and states can achieve self-reliance through Musk's technological infrastructure, though the authors argue that this leads to increased dependence on Musk himself.

The GuardianDoes ‘Muskism’ mean anything?

Slobodian and Tarnoff trace the roots of Muskism back to Musk's upbringing in apartheid South Africa, which they describe as a "reactionary technocracy." They argue that Musk's early experiences shaped his belief in engineering as a form of governance and fostered a mindset that conflates racial purity with civilizational survival. This historical backdrop is crucial for understanding the ideological underpinnings of Muskism, which the authors contend is not merely a reflection of Musk's personal ambitions but a continuation of systemic issues that may persist beyond his influence.

The GuardianDoes ‘Muskism’ mean anything?

Muskism is characterized by a symbiotic relationship between state and technology, where Musk's ventures, such as SpaceX and Tesla, play pivotal roles in national security and transportation. SpaceX, for instance, has become a dominant provider for the Pentagon and NASA, while Tesla's electric vehicles promote a narrative of autonomy that ultimately ties consumers closer to Musk's ecosystem. The authors highlight how Musk's governance style, often likened to debugging a codebase, clashes with the complexities of managing a state that supports millions of lives.

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Critics of Muskism point to the potential dangers of concentrating power and resources in the hands of a single individual. The authors note that Musk's rhetoric often reduces complex societal issues to computational metaphors, framing empathy and tolerance as "bugs" to be fixed. This perspective raises concerns about the implications of algorithmic governance and the exclusionary practices that may arise from such a worldview.

The Guardian

While the book does not serve as a biography, it provides well-sourced insights into Musk's life and the socio-political environment that shaped his worldview. The authors argue that the logic of Muskism—characterized by state-tech symbiosis and algorithmic governance—may continue to influence society even in Musk's absence.

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• “Unlike Fordism, it does not aim to distribute its rewards widely.” — Quinn Slobodian, Historian

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• “Its central promise is “sovereignty through technology”: the fantasy that, in an increasingly unstable world, states and individuals can become more self-reliant by plugging into Musk’s infrastructure.” — Ben Tarnoff, Tech Writer

The Guardian

• “Apartheid South Africa, they argue convincingly, was the nursery of Muskism.” — Quinn Slobodian, Historian

The Guardian

• “In his view, empathy is an “exploit”, society is “corrupted code”, and tolerance is a bug to be patched.” — Ben Tarnoff, Tech Writer

The Guardian

"Muskism" offers a compelling examination of how the concentration of resources and power in Musk's hands shapes the future of capitalism. The authors suggest that while Musk's influence may be profound, the systemic issues he embodies could persist, potentially paving the way for others to follow in his footsteps. As society grapples with the implications of Muskism, it raises critical questions about governance, technology, and the distribution of power in the modern world.

The Guardian