Is social media wrecking democracy? Are Russian propaganda campaigns or click-hungry βfake newsβ businesses on Facebook tearing apart our shared reality? Network Propaganda, by scholars Yochai Benkler, Robert Faris, and Hal Roberts, dives deep into these topics that swelled to prominence around the 2016 election. Since Donald Trumpβs election in 2016, a lot of people […]
The concept of “flying monkeys” is a term that originates from popular culture, being invented in the 1900 novel by L. Frank Baum, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” — where the Wicked Witch of the West employs winged monkeys to carry out her malevolent deeds. It was much more broadly popularized by the 1939 film […]
Kamala Harris should be proud of the race she ran, an almost flawless sprint through the tape at a scant 108 days’ worth of time to make her pitch to the American voters — many of whom complained that they did not know her very well as a candidate. Disinformation continued relentlessly throughout the race […]
The trajectory of the U.S. national debt is a compelling narrative that mirrors the nation’s evolving priorities, polarities, challenges, and triumphs. From the nascent days of the republic, grappling with the financial aftermath of the Revolutionary War, to the expansive fiscal policies of the 20th century, each era offers a unique lens into the economic […]
Kakistocracyβa term that may sound esoteric but is disturbingly relevant todayβrefers to governance by the least qualified or most unscrupulous individuals. Derived from the Greek words “kakistos” (κάκιΟΟΞΏΟ), meaning “worst,” and “kratos” (ΞΊΟΞ¬ΟΞΏΟ), meaning “rule,” it literally translates to “government by the worst people.” Historical context of kakistocracy The concept of kakistocracy isn’t new. It […]
As the 2024 election season heats up, Kamala Harris’s policy platform has begun to shape a forward-thinking blueprint for what she calls an βOpportunity Economyβ and a “New Way Forward.” With an approach that blends economic pragmatism and social investment, her policy outline aims to strengthen the middle class while addressing the core issues faced […]
Ask not what your country can do for you, y’all. Here’s how to volunteer your time and energy to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz our next President and Vice President. Early voting has already started! Including in some of the swingiest swing states including Georgia. These final days will be crucial to accelerating our […]
In an era marked by unprecedented political, social, and technological upheavals, understanding the forces shaping our world has never been more urgent. From the dark currents of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and Christian nationalism to the shadowy influence of dark money and disinformation, weβre facing a web of interconnected threats that challenge the very foundations of democracy. […]
Today, weβre diving into the labyrinthine tale of Gamergateβan episode that unfolded in 2014 but echoes into todayβs digital sociology. What was Gamergate? It was a kind of canary in the coalmine — a tale of online intrigue, cultural upheaval, and for some, an awakening to the virulent undercurrents of internet anonymity. I. Origins and […]
The divine right of kings is one of historyβs most audacious power playsβa political theory that essentially says, βIβm in charge because God said so.β Monarchs throughout Europe wielded this doctrine like a holy scepter, justifying their absolute rule by claiming they were directly appointed by the Almighty. Forget elections, parliaments, or even the will […]
The Echo Chamber of Deceit: Right-Wing Media Outlets, Disinformation, and the Conspiracy Industrial Complex In an era where truth is increasingly under siege, disinformation has become a weapon of mass confusionβand no faction wields it with more fervor than the vast right-wing media machine. From fringe conspiracy theorists lurking in dark corners of the internet […]
Curtis Yarvin, born in 1973, is a software developer and political theorist whose controversial neo-reactionary views have rippled through both Silicon Valley and right-wing political circles. Writing under the pseudonym Mencius Moldbug, Yarvin gained notoriety for his influential blog “Unqualified Reservations,” where he advanced ideas that challenge the foundations of democracy and equality. Yarvin wasnβt […]
Disinformation is more than just false informationβitβs a calculated effort to deceive. Unlike misinformation, which spreads by accident or ignorance, disinformation is crafted with precision to manipulate public opinion and sow confusion. Its architects in the right-wing media ecosystem and elsewhere often exploit existing dividesβpolitical, social, or culturalβusing these cracks in the foundation of society […]
In the digital age, the line between fact and fiction is often blurred, and nowhere is this more dangerous than in the realm of political influence. The power to shape narratives, sway public opinion, and manipulate democratic processes is no longer just the domain of politicians and pundits β it’s a high-stakes game involving shadowy […]
The war in Ukraine is less “surprising” to some who’ve seen it raging since 2014. Although it escalated greatly in 2022, the Ukraine war timeline ultimately dates back all the way to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. To understand the backstory — which is now inextricably intertwined with our own presidential history […]