Conspirituality Podcast Episode Summary: "Manners, the Machine, and Malaparte’s Technique de Coup d’État"

Release Date: February 24, 2025

Hosts: Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker

Introduction and Context

In the bonus episode titled "Manners, the Machine, and Malaparte’s Technique de Coup d’État," the hosts of Conspirituality—Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, and Julian Walker—delve into the intricate dynamics between contemporary fascism and technological influence. This episode dissects how modern authoritarian movements intertwine ideological fervor with technological prowess, creating a potent blend that threatens democratic institutions and public discourse.

Case Study: Marco Elles and Elon Musk’s Influence [00:03 - 02:30]

The episode opens with an exploration of the controversial figure Marco Elles, a 25-year-old known as the "Doge Bro." Elles faced resignation following revelations by The Washington Post about his connections to far-right online communities and his dissemination of racist content. This incident serves as a springboard to examine the role of influential tech leaders in shaping public opinion and political outcomes.

Matthew Remski poses a critical question: "Did you notice what Musk did?" referring to Elon Musk's response to the uproar surrounding Elles' resignation. Instead of taking a clear stance against the backlash, Musk opted to engage his audience through a poll on his platform regarding Elles' reinstatement. This move sparked significant debate, with prominent figures like JD Vance advocating against "ruining young men's lives," thereby fueling discussions around cancel culture and white victimhood.

Remski highlights the impact of Musk's actions: "Of 400,000 responses to Musk's Totally Scientific X poll, 80% said that he should be rehired." This overwhelming support underscores the influence tech moguls wield in shaping narratives and public sentiment, often blurring the lines between personal beliefs and corporate responsibilities.

The Dual Prongs of Emergent Fascism: Manners and Machine [02:31 - 04:58]

The hosts introduce the central thesis of the episode: the concept of "Manners and Machine" as two foundational pillars of emergent fascism. This framework draws inspiration from a century-old thesis by an original fascist thinker, Malaparte, emphasizing that totalitarian regimes thrive when both ideological allure and technological control converge.

1. Manners of Fascism: Ideological and Aesthetic Dimensions

Drawing from Robert Paxton's seminal work, Anatomy of Fascism, Remski articulates:

"Fascism is a form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victimhood, and by compensatory cults of unity, energy and purity." [03:15]

This definition encapsulates the core emotional and psychological manipulations employed by fascist movements. The hosts enumerate various manifestations, including:

• Bigotry and Racism: Embracing theories like the Great Replacement and promoting white pronatalism.
• Conspiracy Theories: Utilizing narratives that scapegoat minority groups, fueling antisemitism as a means to divert societal frustrations.
• Cultural Fetishes: Supporting movements like the tradwife phenomenon and raw milk advocacy, which often mask deeper ideological agendas.
• Anti-QUIER/TRANSGENDER Sentiments: Propagating hatred and exclusion towards LGBTQ+ communities.

The aesthetic component is equally significant, with Paxton noting that each fascist iteration boasts a unique visual identity. The hosts compare historical movements, from the Nazis to the Italians and Vichy France, to modern equivalents like the eclectic style of MAGA supporters. They observe:

"We can detect a coherent Americana vibe in the mishmash of red hats, cargo shorts, ill-tailored suits, normie haircuts. But most of all, I think how elite MAGA women have to conform to Texas beauty pageant standards." [04:30]

This blend of traditional and contemporary styles serves to normalize extremist ideologies within mainstream culture.

2. Machine of Fascism: Technocratic and Authoritarian Control

The "Machine" refers to the technological and administrative mechanisms that facilitate authoritarian control. In the digital age, this involves leveraging social media platforms, data analytics, and algorithmic manipulation to spread propaganda, monitor dissent, and orchestrate coordinated disinformation campaigns.

Remski discusses Elon Musk's role as a technocrat, questioning:

"Is he a Nazi or a hacker? Or is he a Nazi hacker?" [03:50]

This rhetorical question underscores the complex interplay between technological expertise and ideological extremism. The hosts argue that control over digital platforms enables fascist movements to amplify their messages, recruit followers, and undermine democratic institutions subtly yet effectively.

Integrating Historical Perspectives: Paxton's Definition

Robert Paxton's analysis provides a foundational understanding of fascist behaviors, emphasizing their adaptability and resilience. By obsessively focusing on perceived societal declines and fostering a sense of communal purity, fascist groups can maintain a loyal base even amidst evolving political landscapes.

Contemporary Manifestations: Examples and Comparisons

The episode meticulously draws parallels between historical fascist movements and contemporary digital authoritarianism. The hosts highlight how modern fascism adapts to current technological advancements, making it more pervasive and harder to counter. The case of Marco Elles and Musk serves as a microcosm of this broader trend, illustrating how digital platforms can be exploited to advance extremist agendas under the guise of free speech and technological progress.

Conclusion and Insights

"Manners, the Machine, and Malaparte’s Technique de Coup d’État" offers a profound examination of the symbiotic relationship between ideological fervor and technological control in the rise of modern fascism. By dissecting real-world examples and historical frameworks, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how contemporary authoritarian movements leverage both societal prejudices and technological tools to entrench their power.

The hosts conclude by emphasizing the importance of awareness and critical discourse in combating the insidious spread of fascist ideologies. They advocate for responsible use of technology and vigilance against the co-opting of spiritual and wellness movements by extremist groups, aligning with the podcast's mission to dismantle conspirituality and safeguard public discourse.

Notable Quotes:

• "Fascism is a form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victimhood, and by compensatory cults of unity, energy and purity." – Robert Paxton, as cited by Remski [03:15]

• "We can detect a coherent Americana vibe in the mishmash of red hats, cargo shorts, ill-tailored suits, normie haircuts. But most of all, I think how elite MAGA women have to conform to Texas beauty pageant standards." – Remski [04:30]

• "Is he a Nazi or a hacker? Or is he a Nazi hacker?" – Remski [03:50]

For Further Listening:

To access the full episode and additional content, visit patreon.com/conspirituality. Subscribers can enjoy ad-free episodes, exclusive bonus content, and behind-the-scenes discussions that delve deeper into the topics explored in this episode.