Curtis Yarvin is not only starting talks, but also a movement, in an era when politics is split andpeople are bored of institutions. Yarvin was once a minor figure in the tech blogosphere, but he is now an intellectual powerhouse behind a divisive idea: that American democracy is so weakened that it must be replaced by an all-powerful ruler, akin to a monarch. Young conservatives and Trump-era politicians are increasingly paying attention.
The King as CEO: Yarvin’s Vision for a New America
Yarvin envisions a government and in which a single, powerful executive, such as a company CEO, wields most of the power. He believes that America’s fragmented democracy is dysfunctional, ineffective, and unprepared to deal with issues in the twenty-first century. Yarvin recently told CNN’s Hadas Gold, “You need to concentrate that power in one person.” He believes that strong leadership and swift decision-making are more effective ways to run a country than elections.
This thought is not just a thought. Yarvin’s plan, which was previously articulated in acronyms such as RAGE (Retire All Government Employees) and DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), calls for significant changes to the way government operates and a total overhaul of how it is governed. In his ideal world, there would be no elections. Yarvin’s model predicts that the majority of the audience will simply watch.
The Link to Silicon Valley
Yarvin’s rise is particularly significant because it extends beyond the political fringe. Yarvin is recognized for his Urbit project, which aims to decentralize the internet. He has a long history of being involved in elite technology circles. Billionaires such Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen have endorsed or spoken out in support of his beliefs. Vice President JD Vance has mentioned Yarvin in interviews, and prominent right-wing individuals such as Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk have included him on their broadcasts.
Not everyone in this growing audience is a political veteran. There are many young people from Trump’s sphere there, and many of them are dissatisfied with traditional institutions, which they regard as failing. Yarvin’s newsletter, which is published on platforms like receives tens of thousands of subscribers. It contains unedited compositions that combine history, futurism, and a hint of authoritarian nostalgia.
Why Are Young Conservatives Paying Attention?
Yarvin’s criticism of “The Cathedral,” which he refers to as elite institutions like as colleges and media organizations that influence public discourse, attracts younger right-wing supporters. Many Generation Z members, particularly those who grew up during lockdowns, economic instability, and cultural warfare, see these institutions as gatekeepers of groupthink rather than protectors of democracy.
At a recent Harvard debate, lecturer Danielle Allen noticed how quickly tickets sold out for a student-hosted session featuring Yarvin. Some argue that his disputed beliefs appeal to a yearning for order, direction, and efficiency, virtues that some believe have vanished from politics.
The Risk of Soft Authoritarianism
However, experts warn that taking this path could lead to far worse consequences. Daniel Treisman, a UCLA political scientist, has demonstrated that autocracies typically begin with public support but end with corruption, stagnation, and civil unrest. “Absolute power inevitably corrupts,” Allen argued, citing centuries of political theory.
Although Yarvin dislikes Hitler and Stalin, he admires dictators such as El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, who imprisoned thousands of people without a proper trial. This raises the question of how much his “efficiency” theory actually costs.
People may regard Yarvin as a visionary or a threat, but one thing is certain: his ideas are gaining popularity at a critical juncture in American politics. Curtis Yarvin is no longer sitting on the sidelines as people lose trust in political procedures and become disillusioned. He is directing the conversation, particularly among those who may soon be in command.
Also read: Charles B. Rangel’s Great Legacy of Service, Justice, and Change
