Live in NYC and Streaming Online from ‘Open to Debate’, September 4
On September 4th in New York City and streaming online, the veteran nonpartisan media platform Open to Debate hosts a live debate on the question: “Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator?”
This idea is gaining momentum in some policy circles and is also embraced by high-profile Silicon Valley figures. Championed by Curtis Yarvin, who will argue YES, a self-described monarchist and founder of the “Dark Enlightenment,” Yarvin is making headlines for his promotion of these ideas and was even consulted recently by Elon Musk about the formation of his new political party. Yarvin argues that modern democracy has failed and is too slow to meet today’s challenges. He says American history provides examples of unfettered executive power at work. The Dictator CEO he proposes, would cut through red tape, challenge existing institutions and deliver unprecedented efficiencies.
But critics, like economist and democracy advocate E. Glen Weyl, who will argue NO, ask “At what cost?” Consolidating power under a single leader undermines the core values of democracy fundamental to America’s political system. History is also filled with examples of autocratic leadership leading to economic ruin and catastrophic decision-making. American democracy might be messy, but let’s focus on making it better, not abandoning it.
The debate will be held on Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 PM ET at Racket NYC and stream live online, then air soon after on the syndicated public radio show and podcast Open to Debate. Emmy-award winning debate moderator John Donvan will moderate. Media who are interested in attending in person or in viewing the livestream online can email: info@opentodebate.org with subject line, Press Inquiry: Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator?
DEBATER BIOS
- Curtis Yarvin: Anti-democracy Theorist and Tech Entrepreneur Curtis Yarvin is a political philosopher, computer scientist, and America’s leading monarchist. He created the Urbit platform and wrote the Unqualified Reservations blog, which invented the term “the Cathedral.” Curtis currently writes on Substack at “Gray Mirror.”
- E. Glen Weyl: Founder and Research Lead of Microsoft Research’s Plural Technology Collaboratory E. (Eric) Glen Weyl is Founder and Research Lead of Microsoft Research’s Plural Technology Collaboratory, founder of the Plurality Institute and a board member of the RadicalxChange Foundation. He advises the GETTING-Plurality Research Network at Harvard Kennedy School and serves as Strategic Advisor to AI and Faith. Widely recognized for his pioneering work in digital democracy, Weyl has collaborated with leaders including Audrey Tang, Vitalik Buterin and Jaron Lanier. An economist, he co-authored “Radical Markets: Uprooting Capitalism and Democracy for a Just Society,” which was named Economist Book of the Year in 2018, and co-wrote the influential paper “Decentralized Society: Finding Web3’s Soul.” Weyl also co-created the open source book “Plurality” and produced the award-winning documentary Good Enough Ancestor. His work appears in academic journals and outlets like the New York Times. Honored as one of the world’s most influential thinkers by WIRED, Bloomberg and CoinDesk, Weyl is known for advancing collaborative governance in technology and society. He graduated as valedictorian from Princeton and holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton.
ABOUT OPEN TO DEBATE
Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. We are the nation’s only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. We know debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America. Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide. Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.
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