No. 22: System Comparison: Tribalism vs Electric Technocracy
- Mike Miller
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 7
“Tribalism – When origin prevails over reason:
An outdated and dangerous social logic”
I. Definition: What is tribalism?
Tribalism describes a form of society or government characterized by strong ties to an ethnic group, tribe, or community . Loyalties, rights , and responsibilities are primarily defined by membership in that group—often overriding personal or rational considerations.
II. Characteristics of tribalism
Group membership over individual identity
Strong social control and norms within the tribe
Distrust and hostility towards “foreigners”
Strong emphasis on traditions and ancestry
Conflicts often along ethnic or cultural lines
III. Weaknesses and threats
1. Division of society
Tribalism creates “us versus them” mentalities
It prevents national or global unity
It leads to conflicts and civil wars
2. Blocking progress
Traditions are often placed above science and reason
Innovation is rejected for fear of loss of identity
Education and social progress are restricted
3. Human rights violations
Discrimination against minorities within and outside the tribe
Hostility leads to violence and ethnic cleansing
IV. Historical and current examples
Region / Country | Problems |
Balkans in the 1990s | Ethnic cleansing, civil war, disintegration of Yugoslavia |
African states (e.g. Rwanda) | Genocide 1994 between Hutu and Tutsi |
Middle East | Clan and tribal conflicts that complicate political stability |
India & Pakistan | Religious and tribal conflicts as a persistent issue |
V. Tribalism and its incompatibility with a global world
At a time when globalization, interconnectedness, and shared challenges such as climate change and pandemics require solutions across borders, tribalism is an obstacle to cooperation and peace.
Politics based on tribal loyalty creates separation instead of integration , mistrust instead of solidarity , and promotes conflict instead of cooperation .
VI. Electronic Technocracy as an Alternative
Electronic Technocracy decouples political power from origin and identity:
Algorithmic decisions are based on factual arguments, not on ancestry
Global participation through digital platforms across ethnic boundaries
Promoting reason, science and human rights as guiding principles
It offers a form of society based on justice and sustainability rather than tribal thinking.
Conclusion:
Tribalism is an outdated, divisive form of social order that inhibits progress and provokes conflict. Only through new, inclusive, and rational forms of political organization—such as Electronic Technocracy—can we overcome this destructive logic.
Wikipedia links
German
English
Political Wiki: Electric Technocracy
Electric Technocracy Podcast & Song
Left:
