While this topic is inherently political, I believe we can handle it with care. Let’s approach it with an open mindset, focusing on the substance of the issues without assigning blame to specific political parties, politicians, or ideologies. Above all, we each have our own judgment, and no one likes to be lectured. The more objective and constructive comments, the more likely they will be valued.
Reference Material:
• The New Monarchy: The Neo-Totalitarian Proposals of Curtis Yarvin
https://www.aiu.edu/blog/the-new-monarc ... is-yarvin/
Additional References (lengthy interviews only if you are interested in studying further):
• Curtis Yarvin: Why America should become a monarchy
https://youtu.be/pDTtxMItva0?si=JZzaJ7TUP0WzOBsC
• Curtis Yarvin on the End of American Democracy
https://youtu.be/NcSil8NeQq8?si=BMoUO3MmQqjmdZOC
Curtis Yarvin’s Critique of Modern Democracies
Yarvin identifies several flaws in contemporary democratic systems, which he believes justify the need for an alternative:
- • Inefficiency: The democratic process is often slow and cumbersome, with decisions delayed by bureaucratic procedures and partisan conflicts.
• Susceptibility to Populism: Democracies, in his view, are vulnerable to manipulation by charismatic leaders and emotional appeals, undermining rational policymaking.
• Short-Termism: Elected officials prioritize policies that yield immediate results to secure re-election, neglecting long-term planning and sustainability.
• Fragmentation of Power: The division of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches creates inefficiencies and hinders decisive action.
Neoreactionism—also known as the Dark Enlightenment or the neo-reactionary movement (NRx)—is an anti-democratic ideology that critiques modernity and liberal democracy while advocating for a return to authoritarian governance models.
What is “the cathedral”?
Over the past few decades, liberals and progressives have significantly shaped U.S. political, cultural, and economic landscapes, prevailing in several key areas of universal rights, such as LGBT, racial equality, economic inequality, climate change issues, etc.
Curtis Yarvin introduced the concept of “the Cathedral” as a metaphor to describe the informal but powerful network of elite institutions—primarily academia and mainstream media—that he argues shape public opinion and cultural norms in modern society. Yarvin’s idea draws parallels to the medieval Catholic Church, which was the central authority defining truth and morality in its time.
--0:06:10 - 0:09:30 https://youtu.be/pDTtxMItva0?si=JZzaJ7TUP0WzOBsC
(“Curtis Yarvin Interview: Why America should become a monarchy”)
What Does Neoreactionism Advocate? Their Vision for Governance:
- The aim of the neo-reactionary movement is to bring about the collapse of the nation-state, democratic institutions, and what they call “The Cathedral” — establishment institutions including academia, the mainstream media, and the administrative state.
They advocate replacing the existing Constitutional system with a privatized state structure akin to a corporation, with a monarch-like figure at the top modeled after a CEO.
The CEO/monarch would control an oligarchy, much like a feudal system. There would be no accountability of the CEO/monarch to citizens, but rather to shareholders. Those who would be accorded political voice would be “the best” people, understood as those with the highest IQ.
-- https://ericaverr.medium.com/the-neo-re ... 5d797785ab
- Yarvin’s central thesis revolves around the idea that democracy, as practiced today, is inefficient and prone to dysfunction. He proposes replacing it with a model akin to corporate governance, where a single executive, akin to a CEO or monarch, wields centralized power.
• Critique of Democracy: Yarvin views democracy as a system that creates unnecessary bureaucratic complexity, incentivizes short-term thinking, and often leads to gridlock.
• Corporate Governance Model: He draws parallels between successful corporations and potential government systems, suggesting that centralized decision-making can lead to greater efficiency and accountability.
• Monarch as a Sovereign Executive: In Yarvin’s framework, a monarch or sovereign executive would function as a single decision-maker with authority to streamline policies and operations.
Questions for Discussion:
Session I: Examining Liberalism and Democracy
Q1: Why does Curtis Yarvin believe that “democracy is done”? What are his critiques of modern democracies? Which of his arguments do you find persuasive?
Q2: According to Curtis Yarvin, what does “The Cathedral” refer to? Most media and academic institutions have sided with liberal ideologies, supporting immigration policies, DEI, pro-choice rights, environmental protection, and fundamental human rights. Do you agree with these “core values” of liberalism?
Q3: If the core values of liberal democracy are fundamentally fine, then what factors have led to its perceived decline?
Session II: Examining Neo-reactionary Movement
Q4: What do you think of the Corporate Governance Model? Would you want a group of CEOs running our government? Why or why not?
Q5: Do you think the U.S. is shifting toward Neo-Monarchism—a model where a single sovereign executive holds centralized power? What would be the pros and cons of this direction for the U.S. and the world?
Q6: “For monarchy to work, one man must be wise. For democracy to work, a majority of the people must be wise. Which is more likely?” —Charles Maurras
Do you agree or disagree? Choose a side and be prepared to debate.
Agenda:
6:45 ~ 7:00pm Greetings & Free Talk / Ordering Beverage or Meal / Getting Newcomer’s Information
7:00 ~ 7:10pm Opening Remarks / Newcomer’s Self-introduction / Grouping
(Session I)
7:10 ~ 7:45pm Discussion Session (35 mins)
7:45 ~ 8:00pm Summarization (15 mins)
8:00 ~ 8:05pm Regrouping / Instruction Giving / Taking a 5 Minutes Break (Intermission)
(Session II)
8:05 ~ 8:40pm Discussion Session (35 mins)
8:40 ~ 8:55pm Summarization (15 mins)
8:55 ~ 9:00pm Concluding Remarks / Announcements
Meeting Date: As shown on the Subject Line
Meeting Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Meeting Venue: 丹堤咖啡 Dante Coffee (Minimum Order $85)
Address: 台北市濟南路三段25號[MAP]-捷運忠孝新生站3號出口步行3分鐘
Important Notes:
1. We suggest that participants read the articles and think about the questions in advance.
2. Newcomers should prepare a two-to-three-minute self-introduction in English to deliver when called upon by the host before the start of the discussion.
3. We welcome newcomers and other guests to attend the meetings and join the discussion freely for three times. After that, we hope you will consider becoming a YoYo English Club member. We charge a NT$1000 lifetime membership fee, or NT$500 for students.
