Democracy is an illusion! It’s become a political system fostered by the élite, for the élite, in order to fool the people that they have a stake in the system. In actual fact, they have virtually none. The whole political system in the modern era, despite having noble beginnings, is now used to benefit the few at the expense of the many. – Mark Alexander, June 29, 2018
July 19, 2026 | “When people can buy elections, when people can buy governments… that for me is a fundamentally a threat to democracy.
Being against billionaires is not a left right issue. This is about whether you care about democracy or not.” The world’s worst person is also the world’s first trillionaire.
In this latest episode of ‘Unshocked,’ Naomi Klein and Mehdi Hasan break down what Elon Musk’s trillionaire status means for democracy, capitalism, and the rise of racism.
In the conversation, Naomi and Mehdi explain how political corruption, government subsidies, and IPO promises make up Musk’s new trillionaire status.
They also dive into what the increased influence of billionaires means for the state of democracy, noting how Musk is taking advantage over people’s anger over wealth inequality and directing it to migrants. They also discuss how SpaceX IPO is based on unrealistic goals, Musk’s feud with Ro Khanna and protests in Albania over the Trump family.
Author, activist and journalist Naomi Klein says the coronavirus crisis, like earlier ones, could be a catalyst to shower aid on the wealthiest interests in society, including those most responsible for our current vulnerabilities, while offering next to nothing to most workers and small businesses. In 2007, Klein wrote “The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism.” Now she argues President Trump’s plan is a pandemic shock doctrine. In a new video for The Intercept, where she is a senior correspondent, Klein argues it’s vital for people to fight for the kind of transformative change that can not only curb the worst effects of the current crisis but also set society on a more just path.