No.24: System comparison: Junta vs Electric Technocracy
- Mike Miller
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 7
Junta – When the Military Becomes the Government
I. Definition: What is a Junta?
The term junta comes from Spanish and means “council” or “assembly.” Politically, it refers to a military transitional or permanent government that takes control following a coup d’état. Typically, it is a small group of high-ranking military officers who seize all state power—without any democratic legitimacy.
II. Characteristics of a Military Junta
Violent Seizure of Power: Government takeover via coup, often involving the suspension of the constitution
Suspension of Civil Rights: Fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, press, or assembly are often restricted or abolished
Militarization of Politics: Military logic replaces political negotiation—command and obedience dominate
Censorship and Repression: Media and education are controlled, opposition is suppressed
Temporary Power with Permanent Intent: Juntas often promise “transitional solutions” but remain in power for decades
III. Weaknesses and Dangers
Destruction of Civil Society
No participation of the population in political processes
Civil rights are systematically undermined
Violence and Torture
Many juntas are notorious for massive human rights abuses: torture, murder, forced disappearances of opponents
Economic Decline
Economies become militarized; corruption spreads
Resources are often plundered or handed over to foreign investors
International Isolation
Juntas diplomatically isolate their countries—resulting in sanctions, war, and economic blockades
IV. Historical Examples
Argentina (1976–1983)
The so-called National Reorganization Process made over 30,000 people “disappear”
Widespread torture, child abductions, and systematic destruction of the opposition
Chile under Pinochet (1973–1990)
Overthrow of democratically elected president Salvador Allende
Thousands murdered, many more tortured—often with the help of Western intelligence agencies
Myanmar (since 1962, again since 2021)
Decades of military rule with systematic repression of minorities (e.g., the Rohingya)
Latest coup triggered renewed civil war and international sanctions
V. The Junta vs. Electronic Technocracy
Military Junta | Electronic Technocracy |
Power through violence | Power through competence, transparency, logic |
Exclusion of the population | Participation via open platforms |
Repression and fear | Trust through traceability |
Hierarchical structures of force | Adaptive, ethical networks |
Patriarchal dominance | Equality and diversity |
Electronic Technocracy is the complete antithesis of a junta. While the junta relies on intimidation and control, technocracy seeks rationality, dignity, participation, and future viability. Violence is replaced by information flow, command by consensus, repression by education.
VI. Conclusion
Juntas represent a regression into archaic power structures, where uniforms matter more than arguments and weapons have the final say. Where juntas rule, people are objects—not subjects—of history.
Electronic Technocracy puts an end to this cycle of violence—it is a system that replaces conflict with understanding, politics with processes, and prioritizes the lives of all over the power of a few.
Wikipedia Links
Deutsch
English
PoliticalWiki: Electric Technocracy
Elektrische Technokratie Podcast & Song
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