Dr. Reneva Fourie
An excerpt from a Bob Marley song encapsulates the sentiments of numerous peace-loving people who have long lost their appetite for war. The lyrics state, ‘We don’t need no trouble. What we need is love’.
At first glance, the various executive orders enacted by President Trump demonstrate a commitment to promoting global peace.
Even before assuming office, the Trump administration played a pivotal role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement concerning the genocide in Gaza. Currently, the administration is engaged in efforts to address the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Furthermore, Trump has vowed to dismantle what he refers to as the ‘deep state’, a term that denotes a perceived intricate network of individuals and institutions that operate beyond the democratic process, influencing policy decisions and often regarded as the orchestrators of global conflicts. Additionally, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) is swiftly eliminating inefficiencies in the public sector to revitalise the U.S. economy.
Bob Marley's lyrics also express, "Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned … until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation …. until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all … Dis a war …now everywhere is war."
Throughout history, right-leaning movements have leveraged state institutions, military power, and religious conservatism to maintain control. In today’s digital age, however, they have found a powerful new ally in technology.
By extending the sphere of influence of technology oligarchs far beyond the world of gadgets and software, the collaboration between Trump and tech oligarchs is not just a threat to democracy; it is a direct pathway to global catastrophe.
Zaaiman aptly states that Trump is busy with a paradigmatic shift characterised by ‘rightwing populist-libertarianism rolled into Christian conservative-corporatism: private sector techno-managerialism rolled into neo-liberal ideas in a settler colonial setting mixed with a dose of McKinley heterodoxy’.
Under the influence of a handful of powerful oligarchs, the digital economy has ramped up hyper-globalisation, primarily benefiting the elite. This privileged class has managed to amass extraordinary wealth while imposing austerity and economic exploitation under the pretence of efficiency.
By placing profit above people, the tech oligarchy fuels this cycle, leading to job losses through automation, eroding union strength, and allowing digital monopolies to shape economic policies that serve only a select few. This economic framework deepens inequality, creating a ripe environment for the consolidation of right-wing populism.
Right-wing movements have historically thrived in times of economic distress. When people feel disenfranchised, they become more susceptible to nationalist and exclusionary ideologies. The right-wing capitalises on these grievances, blaming immigrants, minorities, or other marginalised groups for economic hardships, rather than addressing the systemic failures of neoliberal digital capitalism.
A key element of this collaboration is using big data analysis and algorithmic manipulation to distort information. The rise of social media and AI-driven content curation has allowed the rightwing to control narratives, suppress dissent, and spread propaganda more effectively than ever before.
These digital tools, owned and operated by the tech oligarchy, are weaponised to influence elections, incite violence, and legitimise extremist ideologies.
Thus, racist, autocratic leaders can bolster their authority while maintaining the illusion of democracy and freedom of expression amid the restructuring of the global political economy.
History has demonstrated that when authoritarian politics and unregulated capitalism unite, the outcome often leads to widespread human suffering. The far-right, bolstered by powerful tech monopolies, shows little concern for human rights.
As technology evolves, the global battlefield is shifting into the digital realm, where wars are increasingly being fought with algorithms, misinformation, and economic disruption rather than bullets and bombs.
Google, Microsoft and Amazon offer artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing services to bolster the cyber and information warfare capabilities of military agencies.
The ruthless application of AI to pinpoint ‘targets’ in Gaza is well documented. Trump’s cold-heartedness is illustrated through his brazen suggestion that Palestinians be relocated as he arrogantly moves forward with plans to gather developers and business leaders for a summit aimed at turning Gaza into a real estate riviera.
At the same time, he is actively working to weaken multilateral institutions like the United Nations and undermine efforts to combat climate change.
In South Africa, Trump has forged a mutually beneficial alliance with Afrikaner extremists, united by a shared goal: removing the ANC from power.
For the Afrikaner extremists and their domestic allies, this would signify a return to racial supremacy and a restoration of its associated economic and social privileges.
For the Zionists, it would pave the way for an unchecked escalation in the elimination of Palestinians. To Trump, it represents an opportunity to dismantle BRICS, halt discussions on the de-dollarisation of the global economy, and establishment of alternatives to the Bretton Woods institutions while severing South Africa’s ties with countries that don’t align with U.S. interests like Iran and Cuba.
Their attempts to discredit the country are failing as global sector leaders continue to meet and prepare for the forthcoming G20 Heads of State Summit.
Nonetheless, the collaboration between the right-wing and the tech oligarchy poses an existential threat to global peace and democracy. If allowed to continue unchecked, this alliance could lead to unprecedented global instability, wars fuelled by digital imperialism, and a widespread erosion of fundamental human rights.
We must expose, challenge, and dismantle this dangerous partnership. Civil society must come together to reclaim digital spaces, ensuring technology serves democratic values rather than corporate or right-wing agendas.
Governments must enforce strict antitrust laws and regulate AI ethics and surveillance technologies to curb their misuse. Economic policies should prioritise human welfare over corporate profit, ensuring that technological progress benefits all of society, not just a privileged few.
Only by resisting authoritarian capitalism, regulating corporate greed, and strengthening democratic institutions can we prevent further dark chapters in human history.
Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security and co-author of the book ‘The Art of Power: Pursuing Liberation and Nation-building’.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.