From democracy to technocracy: The rise of the dark enlightenment

Observer

04-03-2025

Like a bird in the palm of a child — unaware of its suffering — Europe finds itself trapped by the whims of the current US administration. This imagery, drawn from the ancient Arab poet Qais Ibn Al Mulawwah, captures the fragile state of global democracy today.
At the heart of this crisis lies the rise of the Dark Enlightenment movement, a radical ideology threatening to reverse centuries of democratic progress.
The Dark Enlightenment, also known as the 'Neo-Reactionary Movement' (NRx), emerged in the early 2000s through the writings of Curtis Yarvin, who wrote under the pseudonym Mencius Moldbug. Yarvin and his followers argue that democracy is inherently flawed and advocate for a return to authoritarian governance led by a technocratic elite. Once confined to obscure Internet forums, this ideology now influences mainstream politics and figures with significant global reach — including US President Donald Trump and techofeudalists like Elon Musk of Starlink and Neurolink, and Peter Thiel of the genocide enabling software company Palantir.
Far from being an abstract intellectual exercise, the Dark Enlightenment is already reshaping global politics. In the US, this movement fuels a bullying-based foreign policy that pressures and undermines its allies. Europe is a prime example, as it struggles with growing US economic and political coercion. This influence extends beyond America's borders, shaping political landscapes in ways that challenge democratic norms and foster authoritarian tendencies.
The recent German elections illustrate this trend. With a voter turnout nearing 84 per cent, the conservative Christian Democrats Union (CDU) claimed victory, while a far-right, xenophobic party surged into second place. This shift reflects broader European anxieties — rising living costs, immigration and integration challenges, unemployment, and the complexities of the energy transition. The Dark Enlightenment's message, amplified by Eurocentrism's exploitation of fear and distrust, has emboldened manipulative far-right movements and deepened social divides.
Europe's historical contributions to the modern world — ranging from the nation-state model to the values of the French Revolution — have long made it a symbol of cultural and political progress. The honesty of the Dutch, the creativity of Italians, the warmth of Spanish culture, the precision of Germans and the hospitality of Eastern Europeans all reflect a continent rich in diversity and innovation. Yet, Europe's legacy is also marred by the darker chapters of colonialism and world wars — reminders of how quickly societies can descend into chaos. Learning from these lessons is essential to prevent a repeat of history.
The Dark Enlightenment poses a direct challenge to these hard-earned values. By advocating for the concentration of power in the hands of a manipulative elite, it seeks to dismantle the democratic ideals of mutual respect, equality, and shared governance. Its proponents argue that modern societies are too complex for the general public to manage — a dangerously regressive view that risks undermining the freedoms that define decent life.
Addressing this threat requires global awareness and collective action. Education is the first line of defence — understanding the ideological underpinnings of the Dark Enlightenment and recognising its manifestations in policy and rhetoric. Beyond awareness, there is an urgent need for civic engagement: speaking out against injustice and defending democratic institutions. Only through collective awareness can we preserve the values that sustain a just and equitable society.
The world is more interconnected than ever, and the consequences of inaction will be felt across every region. For the Sultanate of Oman and the GCC, the spread of unilateralistic ideologies could disrupt the delicate balance between modernisation and cultural heritage. A weakening of global democratic norms might embolden external powers to exert greater influence over the region's political and economic landscapes. Furthermore, as energy transitions accelerate, the region's economic stability hinges on maintaining cooperative, rules-based international frameworks. If the Dark Enlightenment's ethos of unilateralism prevails, the GCC's ability to navigate global markets and preserve sovereign decision-making could be severely compromised.
As a believer in our shared duty to defend what is right, I call on every individual to take meaningful action. Let us not be like the child who smothers the bird out of ignorance. Instead, let us be the guardians of freedom — ensuring that democracy, like the bird, can soar once again. The challenge is formidable, but in unity lies our strength and the promise of a brighter future.
The writer is an innovator and an insights storyteller