EPISODE · Apr 28, 2026 · 54 MIN
How ‘Muskism’ is Reshaping America
from KQED's Forum · host KQED
Everyone has an opinion about Elon Musk, who has carved out a uniquely powerful place for himself in the worlds of auto-making, space launch, social media and even government. But beyond Musk the individual, what do his corporate maneuvers and embrace of authoritarian, anti-humanitarian and white supremacist ideologies tell us about the direction of our society? As Musk’s high-stakes lawsuit against Open AI’s Sam Altman begins in Oakland this week, we talk to Ben Tarnoff and Quinn Slobodian about their new book, “Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed.” Guests: Quinn Slobodian, professor of international history, Boston University; author, "Globalists," "Crack-Up Capitalism," "Hayek’s Bastards." Ben Tarnoff, co-author, "Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed;" author, "Internet for the People: The Fight for Our Digital Future" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
Everyone has an opinion about Elon Musk, who has carved out a uniquely powerful place for himself in the worlds of auto-making, space launch, social media and even government. But beyond Musk the individual, what do his corporate maneuvers and embrace of authoritarian, anti-humanitarian and white supremacist ideologies tell us about the direction of our society? As Musk’s high-stakes lawsuit against Open AI’s Sam Altman begins in Oakland this week, we talk to Ben Tarnoff and Quinn Slobodian about their new book, “Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed.” Guests: Quinn Slobodian, professor of international history, Boston University; author, "Globalists," "Crack-Up Capitalism," "Hayek’s Bastards." Ben Tarnoff, co-author, "Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed;" author, "Internet for the People: The Fight for Our Digital Future" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NOW PLAYING
How ‘Muskism’ is Reshaping America
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Jul 22, 2025 ·55m
Jul 15, 2025 ·47m
Jul 8, 2025 ·61m
Jun 17, 2025 ·43m