Curtis Yarvin is a political theorist, blogger, and software engineer best known for his role in the development of the "neoreactionary" (NRx) movement. Writing under the pseudonym Mencius Moldbug in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Yarvin criticized democracy and advocated for a form of authoritarian government that he calls "neocameralism," in which a state would be run like a corporation with a CEO-like sovereign. His work has influenced parts of the online right, including elements of the "Dark Enlightenment," a loosely connected intellectual movement that critiques liberal democracy and modern progressive values.
Key Beliefs of Curtis Yarvin
- Critique of Democracy – Yarvin argues that democracy is inefficient, corrupt, and destined for failure, advocating instead for a system where a single ruler (like a CEO) runs the government with absolute authority.
- "The Cathedral" – He coined this term to describe what he sees as an informal but hegemonic ideological alliance between mainstream media, academia, and government bureaucracy, which he believes enforces progressive ideology.
- Monarchism and Neocameralism – His proposed alternative is a system in which a state is run by a single ruler, much like a corporation with shareholders, to prioritize stability, efficiency, and order.
- Criticism of Progressivism – He argues that modern left-wing ideology is an extension of Puritanism and is inherently expansionist, imposing its values through cultural institutions.
- "Red-Pilling" the Right – Yarvin's work has influenced various online right-wing circles, encouraging skepticism toward mainstream political narratives and institutions.
Who Agrees With Him?
Yarvin’s ideas have had an impact on various groups and individuals, though not always in a fully aligned way:
- Silicon Valley Figures – Some tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists (like Peter Thiel) have reportedly engaged with or expressed interest in Yarvin's critiques of democracy.
- The New Right & Post-Liberal Thinkers – Some figures associated with the "New Right" and post-liberal political thought, such as those in nationalist and integralist circles, have drawn inspiration from his critiques.
- Dissident Right & Online Intellectuals – Parts of the dissident right, particularly in online spaces, have engaged with his ideas, though many diverge in their conclusions.
Criticism and Controversy
- Mainstream Conservatives & Libertarians – Many on the mainstream right reject his authoritarian leanings as impractical or undesirable.
- The Left – Progressives and left-leaning critics view his work as anti-democratic, elitist, and a justification for authoritarianism.
- Pragmatists & Political Realists – Even some who critique democracy see Yarvin’s ideas as too radical or unlikely to work in practice.
Comparisons
Curtis Yarvin’s political philosophy draws from various historical ideas but also diverges in unique ways. Here’s a comparison of his ideas with major political theories:
1. Classical Monarchism vs. Yarvin’s Neocameralism
- Classical Monarchism (e.g., Louis XIV, Hegel’s concept of the state) sees the monarch as divinely ordained or the natural sovereign of a people.
- Yarvin’s Neocameralism treats the state as a corporation, where the sovereign (akin to a CEO) runs the government efficiently like a business.
- Key Difference: Traditional monarchies relied on aristocratic traditions, national identity, and religious legitimacy, whereas Yarvin advocates a rationalist, technocratic form of monarchy.
2. Fascism vs. Yarvin’s Vision
- Fascism (e.g., Mussolini, Carl Schmitt) is an authoritarian ideology that emphasizes nationalism, militarism, and state unity under a strong leader.
- Yarvin’s Neocameralism lacks the nationalist and collectivist elements of fascism. He prefers a "shareholder" model of governance rather than mass mobilization or ideological unity.
- Key Difference: Fascism relies on mass politics and ideological fervor, whereas Yarvin is deeply anti-populist and seeks a depoliticized, technocratic rule.
3. Traditional Conservatism vs. Yarvin’s Radicalism
- Traditional Conservatism (e.g., Edmund Burke, Russell Kirk) values gradual change, respect for institutions, and moral order.
- Yarvin calls for a clean break with democratic institutions, arguing for an "exit" rather than reform.
- Key Difference: Conservatism aims to preserve institutions and values, whereas Yarvin wants to scrap democracy and replace it with something entirely new.
4. Libertarianism vs. Yarvin’s Corporate State
- Libertarianism (e.g., Ludwig von Mises, Robert Nozick) advocates for minimal government and individual freedom.
- Yarvin embraces state power but wants it to be wielded by a single, competent ruler rather than a bureaucracy or democratic process.
- Key Difference: Libertarians fear centralized authority, while Yarvin believes a centralized, well-run state is superior to democratic chaos.
5. Technocracy vs. Yarvin’s Vision
- Technocracy (e.g., Plato’s Republic, early 20th-century technocrats) seeks rule by experts and scientifically managed governance.
- Yarvin supports a similar efficiency-driven government but still believes in absolute executive power rather than a committee of technocrats.
- Key Difference: Technocracy often disperses power among experts, whereas Yarvin concentrates it in a single executive.
6. Communist Centralism vs. Yarvin’s Private Rule
- Communism (e.g., Lenin, Mao) centralizes power in the state but in the name of class struggle and collective ownership.
- Yarvin supports centralized power but with the state functioning as a private entity run for efficiency.
- Key Difference: Communism is ideological and collectivist, while Yarvin’s model is pragmatic and corporate.
Conclusion
Yarvin’s ideology blends elements of monarchism, technocracy, and corporate governance, but his strongest innovation is his anti-democratic, shareholder-state model. His vision is unique in that it sees governance as an engineering problem rather than a political or moral one. While some of his critiques of democracy resonate with libertarians, conservatives, and even some left-wing critics of liberalism, his proposed solutions remain controversial and untested.
Would you like a deeper look at how his ideas could play out practically?
ChatGPT, February 2025
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