Episode 82 - Do We Live Under Inverted Totalitarianism?

In this episode, we dive deep into Sheldon Wolin’s concept of inverted totalitarianism — a form of managed democracy where corporate power and state bureaucracy dominate without overt authoritarianism. We explore how this idea fits within the framework of neoliberalism, and argue that this hidden form of control may be reaching its limits. As populist politics, reactionary movements, and overt authoritarianism begin to rise across the globe, is the age of inverted totalitarianism giving way to a more explicit, centralized form of totalitarian rule? We examine whether democracy is being hollowed out from within — or if it’s now being dismantled in broad daylight.

🔍 Topics covered include: The origins and meaning of inverted totalitarianism

How neoliberalism enabled soft authoritarian control

The rise of populism and its challenge to the status quo

Is democracy evolving, dying, or mutating?

What happens when the "inversion" ends and control becomes visible?

If you're interested in political theory, current affairs, and how power operates in the modern world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionaryThinkTankPodcast