Jacobin Radio Behind the News: Elon’s World w/ Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff
16 snips
Apr 27, 2026 
Ben Tarnoff, tech journalist who writes on tech, labor, and political economy, and Quinn Slobodian, historian of global political economy, unpack Elon’s world. They trace Musk’s sci‑fi branding, founder-as-king culture, and the hype that turns attention into stock value. They probe SpaceX’s bets, Neuralink’s cyborg ambitions, and how tech, state power, and memes reshape politics.
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SpaceX Is The Bet On Low Earth Orbit Monopoly
- SpaceX is now the primary bet, with investors pricing monopoly over low Earth orbit and satellite internet expansion.
- Quinn Slobodian notes Starlink's 11,000 satellites and proposals up to 1 million as the basis for huge valuations.
Musk's Libertarian Image Masks State Reliance
- Musk's ventures depend on deep state partnerships rather than pure libertarianism; the state is client, funder, and enabler.
- Quinn Slobodian cites SpaceX as a Pentagon contractor and Tesla's 2009 loan as examples of state backing.
Doge Integrated Data And Fueled Surveillance Contracts
- The Doge initiative integrated government data, aiding contractors like Palantir and enabling automated surveillance and deportation tools.
- Quinn Slobodian explains data integration removed silos, eroded privacy, and produced queryable repositories for enforcement.
