Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator?

Open to Debate

Education, Society & Culture, News, Government, Politics

4.5 • 2.1K Ratings

🗓️ 5 September 2025

⏱️ 78 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In some policy circles, the idea of the U.S. electing a CEO-style dictator running the country like a company is gaining momentum. But should the idea be embraced? Those proposing the Dictator CEO, like Curtis Yarvin, argue it would challenge existing institutions and deliver cutthroat efficiency. But democracy advocates, like E. Glen Weyl, argue that consolidating power under one leader undermines the core values fundamental to America’s political system. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator? Arguing Yes: Curtis Yarvin, Anti-democracy theorist and Tech Entrepreneur Arguing No: E. Glen Weyl, Co-Founder of the RadicalxChange Foundation, Plurality Institute, and the Faith, Family and Technology Network Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Visit OpentoDebate.org to watch more insightful debates. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on our curated weekly debates, dynamic live events, and educational initiatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:28.9	Terms and conditions apply.
0:34.3	This is open to debate.
0:36.2	Welcome everybody. I'm John Donvan.
0:37.6	I wear the office of moderator in chief.
0:40.5	We're in New York City at a club called Rackett, New York City, normally a music venue,
0:44.1	but we have taken it over to hold a debate in a place that happens to stand just a mile or so from an historic site,
0:51.0	the tavern where in 1783, George Washington said farewell to his troops after leading
0:56.8	them to victory in the American Revolution, appropriately close given why we are here today and what we
1:02.5	are debating. But before we get to that, I want to remind you that around the time of the war's end,
1:08.0	there were calls made for George Washington to be given a crown and proclaimed king, king of the war's end, there were calls made for George Washington to be given a crown and proclaimed
1:12.9	king, king of the new United States. It was a proposal that came from some of the officers
1:18.5	who served under him. They were serious about it. They were concerned that the operation of the
1:23.7	United States pre-constitution was revealing all kinds of disorder and confusion,
1:30.5	but they didn't get very much traction with the idea.
1:34.2	Even though they felt the strong hand was needed to take over, Washington himself was a very,
1:39.6	very big no on the whole concept.
	...

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