This commentary reflects on the techno-optimistic narratives about modern futures that can be described as “digital developmentalism.” Both politicians’ and public imaginations about modernity are increasingly captured by the new elites representing Big Tech, who promise modernity and progress for the masses—if only their political leaders facilitate the build-up of digital ecosystems that have come to structure everyday life around the world. This digital developmentalism, just like many earlier developmental visions before it, is based on a decidedly authoritarian vision of power and progress. As illustrated by the case of two authoritarian regimes—the Saudi regime of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and the American regime of President Donald Trump—coming together with their tech allies in 2025, tech companies’ pursuit of profit over freedom and justice means that their digital developmentalism is little more than authoritarian developmentalism.
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