The Rise of the Intelligent Right: The Influence of Tech Oligarchs, Political Maneuvering, and Global Implications
by Dietrick Hardwick
In recent years, the landscape of American politics has witnessed a significant shift, driven by the emergence of a tech-savvy, strategically minded faction within the right-wing spectrum. This movement, often referred to as the “Intelligent Right,” has seen influential figures like Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, and their associates at Founders Fund play pivotal roles in shaping the political discourse and advancing specific agendas.
Peter Thiel and Founders Fund
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir Technologies, has long been a prominent figure in Silicon Valley. His venture capital firm, Founders Fund, is known for its investments in disruptive technologies and its influence on the tech industry. However, Thiel’s involvement extends beyond business; he has been an active participant in political affairs, often advocating for libertarian and conservative ideologies.
Thiel’s influence on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, where he holds significant shares, cannot be overlooked. Despite Mark Zuckerberg’s Democratic affiliations, Thiel’s conservative views have seemingly permeated the platform’s content moderation policies. This is evidenced by Facebook’s use of contracted conservative fact-checkers and the frequent flagging of posts related to MAGA politics.
Founders Fund: Think Tank or PAC?
Founders Fund operates at the intersection of venture capitalism and political strategy. It has been speculated that the firm functions similarly to a think tank or Political Action Committee (PAC), shaping policy and influencing political outcomes. The case of J.D. Vance, a venture capitalist and author, illustrates this influence. With Thiel’s backing, Vance secured a position in Congress and has since been touted as a potential Vice Presidential candidate alongside Trump for the 2024 election.
Ideological Alignment and Political Influence
Thiel’s ideology aligns with a vision of limited government intervention, strong national defense, and a focus on technological innovation. These principles are reflected in the activities of Founders Fund, which supports candidates and policies that promote deregulation and conservative social values. The firm’s influence in politics is further amplified by its financial contributions and strategic endorsements.
Elon Musk and the Trump Connection
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has also emerged as a significant player in the political arena. His acquisition of Twitter (now X) for $44 billion was framed as a move to preserve Free Speech, yet the platform has since tolerated more hate speech and disinformation. Musk’s warnings about societal collapse due to declining birth rates echo anti-abortion sentiments, reminiscent of themes from Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Musk’s relationship with Trump is notable. He met with Trump multiple times and had several phone calls during Trump’s legal challenges. This connection raises questions about Musk’s role in supporting Trump’s agenda and influencing public opinion through his platform.
Larry Ellison’s Involvement
Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, has been a significant supporter of Trump and has engaged in various political activities aligned with the former president’s interests. Ellison participated in a post-2020 election call with key Trump aides to discuss contesting the election results. His involvement highlights the influence of tech moguls in shaping political strategies and supporting conservative causes. Ellison has also been a major donor to GOP initiatives and has supported other conservative candidates and causes .
Trump’s Judicial Appointments and Legal Maneuvering
One of Trump’s most enduring impacts on American politics has been his judicial appointments. The overturning of Roe v. Wade exemplifies the influence of these appointments, with justices holding partisan and religious beliefs shifting landmark decisions. Judge Aileen Cannon’s rulings in favor of Trump have further demonstrated this influence, delaying or hindering legal proceedings against him.
Trump’s strategy appears to involve outmaneuvering the justice system through a combination of loyalist judges and legal challenges. This approach, if successful, could enable him to implement Project 25 and Agenda 47, restructuring the government to consolidate power and potentially obstruct ongoing investigations.
The Role of Tech Oligarchs and VCs
The involvement of tech oligarchs and venture capitalists in politics represents a significant shift in the power dynamics of American governance. Figures like Thiel and Musk wield considerable influence, both financially and ideologically. Their support for Trump and other conservative candidates has reshaped the political landscape, promoting a brand of right-wing politics that is both intellectually grounded and strategically executed.
Russia, Ukraine, and Global Implications
The intersection of Trump’s political maneuvers and global geopolitics cannot be ignored. Figures such as Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, and Roger Stone have been instrumental in shaping Trump’s foreign policy, often aligning with Russian interests. Manafort’s dealings with pro-Russian entities in Ukraine and Flynn’s interactions with Russian officials underscore a complex web of alliances that have influenced Trump’s stance on NATO and his reluctance to fully support Ukraine .
Trump’s alignment with Russia and his skepticism of NATO have raised concerns about his long-term strategic goals. The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted the stakes of these alliances. The influence of tech oligarchs and political strategists within the Intelligent Right further complicates the geopolitical landscape, as they advocate for policies that may undermine traditional Western alliances .
Election Tampering and Hybrid Warfare
The 2024 election is poised to be a battleground not just for political ideologies but for the very integrity of democratic processes. Allegations of election tampering, influence campaigns, and hybrid warfare tactics are likely to play a significant role. The Intelligent Right, with its sophisticated understanding of technology and media, is well-positioned to exploit these tactics to its advantage.
IP3/ACU Nuclear Power Plant Plan and Marshall Plan for the Middle East
The IP3/ACU plan, involving figures like Michael Flynn, aimed to build nuclear power plants in the Middle East. This controversial plan faced scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest and national security concerns. If Trump returns to office, there is speculation that such initiatives could be revived, especially given his administration’s past support for similar projects .
Connections to Uranium Smuggling and the Role of Transportation Officials
The firing of transportation officials in 2017 related to allegations of uranium smuggling to Saudi Arabia has raised questions about ongoing efforts to export enriched uranium. While Mitch McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, held the role of Secretary of Transportation during the Trump administration, there is no direct evidence linking her to these activities. However, concerns about the potential for weapons-grade enrichment remain relevant .
Conclusion
The rise of the Intelligent Right, driven by tech oligarchs and political maneuvering, presents a complex and multifaceted challenge to the traditional political order. Figures like Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, and Larry Ellison have leveraged their resources and platforms to advance specific agendas, influencing elections and shaping policy outcomes. As Trump prepares for another potential term, understanding the motivations and strategies of these influential players is crucial in navigating the evolving political landscape.
Citations:
1.
The Moscow Project on Michael Flynn and the IP3 Nuclear Plan
2.
Politico on Trump and the Ukraine War
3.
Daily Beast on Michael Flynn’s Promotion of Mideast Nuclear Plant Deal
4.
American Oversight on Nuclear Technology to Saudi Arabia