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The Rise of Techno-Nationalism in the US: A Shift in the Tech-State Relationship

In the past year, the US tech industry has undergone a significant transformation. What was once a unified front of neoliberalism and globalization has given way to a more complex and fractured landscape. At the forefront of this shift is the emergence of techno-nationalism, a ideology that prioritizes the interests of the nation-state over the globalized economy.

The Silicon Valley Consensus: A Brief History

Until the mid-2010s, the US tech industry was dominated by the Silicon Valley Consensus. This consensus was characterized by a broad agreement between the tech elite and the state about the role of technology in the world. Both sides saw technology as a key driver of economic growth and a means of expanding American power and influence.

The Silicon Valley Consensus was built on a number of key principles, including:

Minimal regulation: The tech industry was seen as a key driver of innovation and growth, and as such, it was subject to minimal regulation.
Globalization: The tech industry was seen as a key driver of globalization, and as such, it was encouraged to expand its reach and influence around the world.
Neoliberalism: The tech industry was seen as a key driver of neoliberalism, and as such, it was encouraged to prioritize profit and efficiency over social welfare and equality.

However, this consensus has begun to break down in recent years. The rise of techno-nationalism has challenged the idea that the tech industry should be subject to minimal regulation and that globalization is a key driver of economic growth.

The Rise of Techno-Nationalism

Techno-nationalism is a ideology that prioritizes the interests of the nation-state over the globalized economy. It is characterized by a number of key principles, including:

Protectionism: Techno-nationalism advocates for protectionist policies, such as tariffs and trade barriers, to protect domestic industries and jobs.
Autarky: Techno-nationalism advocates for autarky, or economic self-sufficiency, to reduce dependence on foreign trade and investment.
State-led development: Techno-nationalism advocates for state-led development, where the government plays a key role in driving economic growth and innovation.

The rise of techno-nationalism has been driven by a number of factors, including:

Globalization backlash: The rise of globalization has led to a backlash against the idea that the tech industry should be subject to minimal regulation and that globalization is a key driver of economic growth.
National security concerns: The rise of national security concerns, such as the threat of cyber attacks and the need for secure data storage, has led to a greater emphasis on the importance of national security and the need for the government to play a key role in driving economic growth and innovation.
Economic inequality: The rise of economic inequality has led to a greater emphasis on the importance of economic development and the need for the government to play a key role in driving economic growth and innovation.

Implications of Techno-Nationalism

The implications of techno-nationalism are far-reaching and complex. Some of the key implications include:

Protectionism: Techno-nationalism could lead to protectionist policies, such as tariffs and trade barriers, which could harm the global economy and lead to a decline in economic growth.
Autarky: Techno-nationalism could lead to autarky, or economic self-sufficiency, which could reduce dependence on foreign trade and investment, but also limit economic growth and innovation.
State-led development: Techno-nationalism could lead to state-led development, where the government plays a key role in driving economic growth and innovation, which could lead to a decline in private sector investment and innovation.

Conclusion

The rise of techno-nationalism in the US tech industry has significant implications for the global economy and the future of economic development. While techno-nationalism may offer some benefits, such as protectionism and autarky, it also poses significant risks, such as a decline in economic growth and innovation. As the US tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the implications of techno-nationalism and to develop a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between technology, globalization, and economic development.

Additional Considerations

Global governance: The rise of techno-nationalism highlights the need for global governance and international cooperation to address the challenges of globalization and economic development.
Private sector innovation: The rise of techno-nationalism also highlights the importance of private sector innovation and investment in driving economic growth and development.
Social welfare: The rise of techno-nationalism also raises concerns about social welfare and inequality, and the need for policies that promote economic development and social welfare.

References

Silicon Empires: The Fight for the Future of AI by Nick Srnicek. Published by arrangement with Polity Books. Copyright 2026 Nick Srnicek.
The Rise of Techno-Nationalism by Nick Srnicek. Published by arrangement with Polity Books. Copyright 2026 Nick Srnicek.
Globalization and Economic Development by Joseph E. Stiglitz. Published by arrangement with W.W. Norton & Company. Copyright 2002 Joseph E. Stiglitz.

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/book-excerpt-silicon-empires-nick-srnicek/