Brussels, 17 March 2025
As Europe grapples with the evolving political landscape in the United States, the prevailing ideologies of key politicians and activists raise questions about the ease and feasibility of adapting to these changes. There is even speculation about whether the United States, as it has been known, will exist in the same form five years from now. This analysis draws upon comprehensive monitoring of public debates surrounding the U.S. Administration’s ideology and serves as a checklist to assess the trajectory of its policies.
What is Dark Enlightenment?
A returning buzzword in the debate is Dark Enlightenment, also known as the neo-reactionary movement (NRx). It is described as an anti-democratic and anti-egalitarian philosophical and political movement. It rejects the idea of progress toward greater liberty and enlightenment, instead advocating for a return to traditional forms of government, such as absolute monarchism. This ideology is often associated with techno-authoritarianism, where societies are governed like corporations with a hierarchical structure [1, 2].
Curtis Yarvin aka Mencius Moldbug
Curtis Yarvin, writing under the pen name Mencius Moldbug, is a key figure in the Dark Enlightenment movement. He is known for his critiques of democracy and his advocacy for a form of government that resembles a corporate monarchy. Yarvin argues that the current system is inefficient and should be replaced by a more authoritarian structure, where power is held by a CEO-like figure. He also popularized the concept of “the Cathedral,” which refers to the interconnected elite institutions that shape public opinion [1, 3].
“The Cathedral”
In Yarvin’s theory, “the Cathedral” refers to the network of influential institutions such as universities and the mainstream media, which he believes work together to promote progressive ideologies and shape public opinion. He argues that these institutions act similarly to religious authorities, disseminating their views as dogma to the masses [3, 4].
Peter Thiel and Elon Musk: Both are influential figures in Silicon Valley who have been associated with the Dark Enlightenment ideology. They have supported politicians like JD Vance, who is seen as part of this movement [2]. U.S. Vice-President JD Vance has been influenced by Yarvin’s ideas and is supported by tech billionaires like Peter Thiel [1].
R.A.G.E – Retire All Government Employees
R.A.G.E (Retire All Government Employees) is a concept associated with Curtis Yarvin’s ideas. It involves dismantling government agencies and replacing them with private corporations. This strategy aims to reduce the role of government and create a system where tech oligarchs and corporate interests have more control over society [5].
Key principles of the Dark Enlightment ideology
The Dark Enlightenment’s main principles include:
Rejection of Enlightenment Values
- The movement rejects the ideals of the Enlightenment, such as democracy, equality, and humanism. It argues that these values have led to societal decay and inefficiency [1, 6].
- Proponents believe that history does not inevitably progress toward greater liberty and enlightenment, instead advocating for a return to traditional forms of government like absolute monarchism [1, 4].
Critique of Democracy:
- Dark Enlightenment proponents argue that democracy is incompatible with freedom and that it leads to mediocrity and inefficiency [3 7].
- They often suggest that authoritarian systems, such as monarchies or corporate-run states, are more effective and stable [3 4].
Advocacy for Authoritarian Governance:
- The movement supports the idea of governance by a technological elite or a CEO-like figure, often framed as more efficient than democratic systems [1 7].
- This includes the concept of “gov-corps,” where small authoritarian entities compete with each other, allowing citizens to “vote with their feet” by moving if they are dissatisfied [1, 7].
Hostility to Modernity and Progressivism:
- Dark Enlightenment adherents oppose modern progressive values such as feminism, multiculturalism, and egalitarianism, viewing them as part of “the Cathedral,” a network of influential institutions that shape public opinion [1, 2].
- They often advocate for a return to traditional social structures and reject the idea of social progress [2 5].
Emphasis on Hierarchy and Elitism:
- The movement emphasizes the importance of hierarchy and the rule of the intelligent or capable, often citing biological determinism and “race realism” [2, 6].
- This includes a belief in the superiority of certain groups based on perceived intelligence or socioeconomic status [2 6].
Technological Utopianism:
- Some proponents of the Dark Enlightenment also embrace technological advancements, such as AI and surveillance, as tools for governance and social control [7].
Dark Enlightenment vs Traditional Conservatism
The Dark Enlightenment and Traditional Conservatism share some similarities but also have significant differences:
Similarities:
- Critique of Modernity: Both the Dark Enlightenment and traditional conservatism often critique modernity and the progressive values associated with it. They may argue that modern society has lost touch with traditional values and institutions.
- Rejection of Egalitarianism: Both ideologies tend to reject egalitarianism, though traditional conservatism may do so more subtly, emphasizing social hierarchy and order.
- Emphasis on Authority: Both emphasize the importance of authority, though traditional conservatism typically supports established institutions like the church or monarchy, while the Dark Enlightenment advocates for a more technocratic or corporate form of authority.
Differences:
- View of Democracy:
- Traditional Conservatism: While critical of certain aspects of democracy, traditional conservatism generally accepts democratic institutions as part of the established order. It seeks to reform or limit democracy rather than abolish it.
- Dark Enlightenment: This movement is overtly anti-democratic, advocating for the replacement of democratic systems with authoritarian or technocratic governance.
- Economic Views:
- Traditional Conservatism: Often supports free markets but also emphasizes the role of tradition, community, and social responsibility. It may be skeptical of unchecked capitalism.
- Dark Enlightenment: Advocates for a form of techno-authoritarianism, where societies are run like corporations, emphasizing efficiency and profit over democratic values.
- Philosophical Foundations:
- Traditional Conservatism: Draws from thinkers like Edmund Burke, who emphasized tradition, gradual change, and the importance of social order.
- Dark Enlightenment: Influenced by figures like Curtis Yarvin and Nick Land, who draw on a mix of libertarianism, futurism, and critiques of modernity, often incorporating elements of Nietzschean philosophy and cybernetic theory.
- Attitude Toward Progress:
- Traditional Conservatism: Generally skeptical of rapid social change and emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional institutions and values.
- Dark Enlightenment: While also skeptical of progressive ideologies, it often embraces technological advancement and futurism as tools for reshaping society in a more authoritarian image.
In summary, while both ideologies critique modernity and egalitarianism, the Dark Enlightenment is more radical in its rejection of democracy and its embrace of techno-authoritarianism, distinguishing it from traditional conservatism.
Conclusion
The Dark Enlightenment ideology is fundamentally incompatible with the human rights and democratic principles of the European Union. The EU is founded on values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, as outlined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). In contrast, the Dark Enlightenment advocates for authoritarian governance, rejects democracy, and emphasizes hierarchy and elitism, which directly oppose these EU values.
Source: Insight EU Research