In Auron MacIntyre’s recent release, “The Total State,” the author argues that liberal democracies are actually forms of soft totalitarianism, drawing parallels between government overreach during the Covid-19 pandemic and the erosion of constitutional protections. MacIntyre also delves into the bloated and unaccountable nature of the administrative state, criticizing elite institutions for promoting a singular narrative and stifling dissenting voices.
MacIntyre goes beyond traditional critiques of liberalism, aligning himself with neo-reactionary theorists like Curtis Yarvin and Nick Land. He explores the concept of “the cathedral,” a decentralized network that manufactures a cultural consensus, and suggests that the elites are waging war on traditional social spheres in pursuit of greater power.
The author views America’s decline through a spiritual lens, attributing societal breakdown to a lack of moral and religious values rather than constitutional fidelity. MacIntyre argues that rebuilding local communities, churches, and families is crucial in combating the atomizing forces of modernity.
Ultimately, MacIntyre believes that the total state is doomed to fail due to its flawed premises of endless expansion and state dependence. Drawing inspiration from Gandalf in “The Fellowship of the Ring,” he urges readers to take action in their own spheres of influence, working towards a more hopeful future despite the challenges of the present.
