Giorgio Castiglia appeared on the Technocracy podcast, hosted by Heena Goswami of the Institute for Governance, Policies & Politics, to discuss whether the United States is moving toward a tech oligarchy and what that would mean for the future of democracy.

Episode Notes

The conversation evaluates widespread claims, especially since the election of President Trump, that American democracy is being undermined by concentrated economic power and that the United States is becoming a “tech oligarchy.” It explores the outsized influence of individual tech leaders, including Elon Musk, whose involvement in political campaigns and policymaking, even at the local level, raises questions about the unprecedented nature of private-sector intervention in public affairs.

Guests also examine whether the dominance of large firms in data-rich sectors such as artificial intelligence threatens the traditional cycle of creative destruction in American capitalism. The episode further considers how U.S. technology policy affects the global order, particularly the risks it may pose to developing nations as corporate power becomes increasingly intertwined with populist politics.

The conversation closes on an optimistic note, with guests discussing the potential for new technologies to foster inclusive growth and societal progress despite today’s often chaotic policy landscape.

More from the Technocracy podcast, hosted by Heena Goswami of the Institute for Governance, Policies & Politics.