Neo-Cameralism: The New Governance Model Replacing Democracy
In recent years, the concept of neo-cameralism has gained traction as an alternative to traditional democratic governance. This model, which envisions society being run like a corporation, is increasingly seen as a solution to the inefficiencies and unpredictability of democratic systems.
Neo-cameralism is rooted in the belief that government can be outcompeted by private networks, decentralized finance, and AI-driven governance. Proponents argue that if innovation constantly renders old systems obsolete, governance should be no different. This perspective is driving a shift towards a post-democratic order, where those with the most resources and technological control dictate the rules. In this vision, power doesn’t rest with the people—it belongs to the most competent “executives” running society like a CEO would run a company.
Curtis Yarvin, a prominent advocate of neo-cameralism, suggests that democratic institutions should be captured and dismantled from within. This approach is complemented by the idea of building parallel structures to make democratic institutions irrelevant. The convergence of these strategies is evident as technological control is used to simultaneously capture and bypass democratic governance.
The Brookings Institution noted in a 2023 analysis that tech leaders are increasingly adopting a neo-feudal framing of users-as-serfs, reflecting a broader shift away from democratic conceptions of citizenship. This shift is further supported by the argument that technical competence should override the democratic process. As a result, power is being transformed from democratic institutions to technical systems controlled by a small elite.
The ultimate goal of neo-cameralism is to create a system where society is run with clear ownership and control, rather than democratic deliberation. The infrastructure being built is not meant to serve democratic ends—it is designed to make democracy itself obsolete. Once public trust in government is eroded, the tech elite can present a new, AI-driven, algorithmically optimized form of governance as the solution. This new system would not be subject to human irrationality, democratic inefficiency, or the unpredictability of elections.
In conclusion, neo-cameralism represents a significant shift in how power operates in society. By leveraging technological advancements and the principles of corporate governance, it seeks to replace democratic systems with a more efficient and controlled form of governance. Whether this model will ultimately succeed in replacing democracy remains to be seen, but its growing influence is undeniable.
