If Curtis Yarvin (also known as Mencius Moldbug) were to hypothetically become President of the United States, his approach to governance would likely be radically different from traditional American politics. Yarvin is known for his neo-reactionary (NRx) views, which advocate for a departure from democracy in favor of a more centralized, authoritarian, or monarchical system. Based on his writings and ideas, here’s what he might attempt:
1. Dismantling the Current System ("The Patchwork" Vision)
Yarvin has argued that the U.S. government is an outdated and ineffective system controlled by an entrenched "Cathedral" (his term for the combined influence of universities, media, and bureaucracies). As president, he might attempt to dismantle democratic institutions—Congress, the judiciary, the federal bureaucracy—on the grounds that they are inefficient and corrupt.
2. Abolishing or Neutering Congress
He has advocated for a CEO-style government, where the executive wields nearly absolute power. As president, he might seek to sideline or eliminate Congress in favor of direct executive rule, either through emergency powers, constitutional amendments, or radical restructuring of governance.
3. Overhauling the Civil Service ("The Deep State Purge")
Yarvin frequently criticizes the entrenched bureaucracy, often referring to it as the "deep state." He might attempt to fire or replace vast portions of the federal workforce with loyalists or technocrats, effectively consolidating power under the executive branch.
4. Privatization and Corporate Governance of the State
A major theme in Yarvin’s writings is the idea that government should be run like a corporation. He has proposed that the U.S. could function better if it were governed like a tech company, with the president acting as a CEO who appoints competent administrators (similar to how a king appoints ministers).
5. End of Mass Democracy
Yarvin is fundamentally opposed to modern democracy, believing it leads to inefficiency and mob rule. As president, he might work toward replacing elections with a different system—perhaps an appointed or meritocratic leadership model where power is concentrated in the hands of a small, elite ruling class.
6. Technological Governance ("Cloud Dictatorship")
He has floated the idea of using technology to optimize governance, potentially through blockchain, AI-driven administration, or digital voting systems that concentrate power in more "rational" hands.
7. Dismantling Media and Academia's Influence
Yarvin blames much of America’s political dysfunction on what he calls the "Cathedral" (elite universities, the mainstream press, and think tanks). As president, he might try to defund universities, discredit media institutions, and promote alternative education and media structures outside traditional academia.
8. A "Transition to Monarchy"
Ultimately, Yarvin has argued that America should abandon democracy and embrace a monarchical or corporate-sovereign model of government. If in power, he might attempt to extend his rule indefinitely under the justification that centralized authority leads to more stability and prosperity.
How Realistic Is This?
In reality, implementing any of these ideas would face massive resistance from the military, judiciary, Congress, state governments, and the public. The U.S. Constitution and deeply ingrained democratic values would make a transition to a Yarvin-style regime extremely unlikely. However, if he gained power under extreme conditions (e.g., a national emergency or coup), he might attempt to bypass traditional democratic constraints and establish a highly authoritarian state.