Democracy no longer seems to deliver on its promise. As polarization, disillusionment, and extremist leadership grow, a new alliance between techno-financial elites and reactionary right-wing movements is redefining the world in the interest of their own privilege.
In this lucid and provocative book, Matías Bianchi examines the crisis of the nation-state and the hollowing out of democratic power. But far from stopping at diagnosis, he proposes a refoundation: new forms of "stateness" capable of defending the common good against the advance of the techno-feudal order.
With an eye on the Global South as a space for political innovation, this is an essential book for anyone who refuses to give up and believes it is still possible to reinvent democracy in the 21st century.
"State vs. Algorithm is an exceptionally intelligent book. It raises profound questions about the viability of democracy, today besieged by the rise of a digital aristocracy with virtually unlimited power. But above all, it rediscovers the democratic promise in surprising places, especially in the Global South, where the formation of broad social coalitions and the activation of community solidarity has always offered the best protection for human dignity and democratic values, now under mortal threat" (Kevin Casas Z., Secretary General of International IDEA).
"This book offers a compelling vision of how defenders of democracy around the world can come together to defend what matters most: an inclusive, representative, and just form of government. It is essential reading for anyone seeking a clear analysis of the current situation and a realistic roadmap for the work ahead" (Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center).
"This book offers no easy answers, and that is one of its greatest strengths. It poses questions, challenges us, and above all, calls us to action. It reminds us that democracy is not a guaranteed state, but an ongoing task for every generation" (Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile).
