> “An illuminating book that examines where Mr. Musk came from and the episodes that shaped his worldview. In many ways it is the inverse of Walter Isaacson’s authorized biography…the authors provide a portrait of his psyche that is arguably more revealing…the resulting book is, you might say, a Musk-read.” — *The Economist*

> “Muskism cuts straight to the core of the man and the moment, explaining how a mercurial, conspiracy-prone, vicious bastard can inspire loyalty and billions in other people’s money, and the nightmare world he wants to build with those billions.” — Cory Doctorow, author of *Enshittification*

**An Economist Best Book of 2026 • A New Yorker Most Anticipated Book of the Year • A Financial Times Most Anticipated Nonfiction Book of the Year • A Kirkus Most Anticipated Nonfiction Book of Spring 2026 • A Literary Hub Most Anticipated Book of the Year**

A provocative examination of Elon Musk as both a product and a driving force of the post-liberal age.

Everyone has an opinion about Elon Musk. To some, he is a visionary; to others, a menace, a genius, or a provocateur. While opinions differ, they often focus on Musk as an individual.

**Muskism** argues that Musk is more than a singular figure—he represents a broader system. His worldview promises sovereignty through technology: embrace innovation, become self-reliant, and reshape society. Yet the book contends that increasing reliance on technological ecosystems also concentrates power in the hands of those who control them.

If Fordism defined twentieth-century capitalism, the authors suggest that Muskism may define the twenty-first. Where Fordism helped shape the modern welfare state, Muskism reflects a new model built around technological platforms, private infrastructure, and the growing influence of powerful technology companies. From electric vehicles and satellite networks to artificial intelligence and social media, Musk’s ventures illustrate how technology is transforming economic and political power.

Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff move beyond both admiration and criticism to explore what Musk represents: a new political economy in which technology, private enterprise, and governance become increasingly intertwined. Rather than focusing solely on the man, *Muskism* examines the broader forces that shaped him—and the world those forces are helping create.

The book explores Musk’s influence across several key areas:

* **Silicon Valley:** Analyzes Elon Musk as more than a technology entrepreneur, presenting “Muskism” as a defining paradigm influencing artificial intelligence, startups, and twenty-first-century capitalism.
* **Big Tech, AI, and the Future of Capitalism:** Examines Tesla, SpaceX, and digital platforms through concepts such as techno-sovereignty, automation, and state–industry relationships, revealing how major technology companies are reshaping markets, innovation, and economic power.
* **Geopolitics, Power, and the Tech Billionaire Era:** Explores how Musk’s companies influence global politics, critical infrastructure, and governance—from satellite communications to energy systems—demonstrating how private technological power is transforming international relations.