Technology and Liberty

Surveillance states have emerged across the globe, yet they take markedly different forms. This book begins by tracing two contrasting trajectories: the despotic surveillance state exemplified by China, and the hollowed-out state captured by business elites exemplified by the contemporary United States. For each, we draw on the literatures of comparative political economy and digital authoritarianism to trace the historical and institutional constellations that produced it. We then turn to Europe. In the face of rising authoritarianism worldwide and within the EU, we ask: is Germany headed in a similar direction, and if so, which one? Using a variety of economic and public opinion data sources, we analyze existing institutions in depth. We argue that Germany is characterized by insufficiently checked market forces combined with austerity politics—a combination that, paradoxically, makes right-wing politics increasingly appealing to the public. The paradox lies in this: libertarian and market-liberal policy orientations helped create the very malaise that now fuels support for the political forces advocating them. We examine how cultural dynamics characteristic of individualized late-modern societies help sustain this self-reinforcing equilibrium. Germany's specific institutional constellation -- widespread feelings of neglect, economic stagnation, and a meritocratic ideology decoupled from actual social mobility -- generates public demand for two seemingly contradictory trajectories. On the one hand, demand for a strong state that disciplines perceived undeserving groups, deports migrants, and restores an idealized past. On the other hand, a libertarian project aimed at dismantling state institutions in favor of minimal regulation and public welfare. These are competing illiberal developments, yet both characterize contemporary right-wing movements. We draw on original experimental research to demonstrate how these dynamics could synthesize in concrete configurations of coercive public administration that further exacerbate the material conditions giving rise to the authoritarian turn. We consider discuss directions for Germany and other EU member states, and offer applied advice for policy makers and civil society. This abstract is for a book. I could present it as a paper or in a longer format (roundtable, keynote?)