Two quick points today about how COVID spurs the evolution of the state. Viral Authoritarianism What’s the most basic function of a state: Prosperity? Freedom? Security? Of the three, security seems most visceral. If a state can’t prevent you from being bombed or worse, it conducts the bombing, it destabilizes people’s lives in an unacceptable manner. Conversely, states that ensure there’s bread on the table can get away with greater ‘unfreedoms.’ More generally, states use the threat of external or internal aggression to increase their power over people’s lives.
T2B44: Viden 3
T2B44: Viden 3
T2B44: Viden 3
Two quick points today about how COVID spurs the evolution of the state. Viral Authoritarianism What’s the most basic function of a state: Prosperity? Freedom? Security? Of the three, security seems most visceral. If a state can’t prevent you from being bombed or worse, it conducts the bombing, it destabilizes people’s lives in an unacceptable manner. Conversely, states that ensure there’s bread on the table can get away with greater ‘unfreedoms.’ More generally, states use the threat of external or internal aggression to increase their power over people’s lives.