Marco Vernaschi’s ANTIDOTE, a set of three series exploring social justice, climate resilience, and gender equality from the indigenous perspective, presents the core values within Cosmovision (worldview) as a powerful form of resistance to the rise of techno-fascism.
ANTIDOTE • Marco Vernaschi
The Rise of Techno-Fascism
As techno-authoritarianism reshapes global power structures, manipulates public perception, and redefines human relationships, it is crucial to understand its deeper roots. This emerging paradigm represents a fusion of authoritarian governance and a powerful elite of technocratic billionaires—figures whose immense wealth and technological prowess grant them unprecedented control over society. As historian Janis Mimura aptly puts it, “techno-authoritarianism is a form of dominance where technocrats, believing in technology as the engine of human progress, align with autocratic leaders to impose their vision.”
The Mechanization of Governance and the Erosion of Empathy
Among the most alarming facets of this phenomenon is the increasing technicization of government and society. Since technicization inherently opposes humanization, it is no surprise that the foremost target of techno-populist rhetoric is what these elites dismiss as the “woke agenda”—a set of values rooted in empathy, fairness, and sustainability. Through aggressive disinformation campaigns, reactionary forces deny climate change, undermine gender equity, ridicule cultural diversity, and champion an economic model centered on self-interest and profit maximization. This fosters a culture of narcissism where collective values such as social justice, tolerance, and environmental responsibility are framed as obstacles to progress.
WARMI • Marco Vernaschi
The Narcissistic Roots of Techno-Fascism
Beyond its political implications, techno-fascism must also be understood as a narcissistic phenomenon. Narcissists are defined by a profound lack of empathy, which results in a diminished sense of conscience, and by low self-esteem—typically rooted in inadequate emotional support during childhood. To compensate, they construct an entitled and grandiose self-image. Another hallmark of narcissism is compulsive, delusional lying, which manifests as a self-serving, manipulative, and often victimized way of engaging with others and reality—a pattern known as D.A.R.V.O. (Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim & Offender). Another defining trait of narcissism, especially malignant narcissism, is a relentless drive for destruction. Narcissists destroy as a form of revenge. Their inner void breeds envy, making others’ success intolerable. They destroy to maintain control: destabilizing societies from a position of power is one the most effective means of domination.
The Pivotal Role of Social Media
Over the past two decades, social media has fueled narcissism like never before, normalizing the cult of self-image, implanting a distorted notion of success centered on wealth, and creating the ideal environment for narcissists to manipulate truth, spread misinformation, and position themselves as role models for the masses. In this landscape, the rise of sociopathic leaders is unsurprising. Their ascent to power, propelled by social media based propaganda, has thrived on widespread economic frustration and an individualistic craving for social validation. In this context, the core traits of narcissism—lack of empathy, resentment, and self-obsession—have found an unprecedented grip on the masses. The rhetoric of techno-fascism, particularly its hostility toward social policies, is a direct byproduct of this phenomenon: from a narcissistic perspective, individual well-being is perceived as being at odds with collective well-being.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF RESILIENCE • Marco Vernaschi
An Empathic Perspective on Society
At the opposite end of this troubling landscape, far from the relentless surge of hyper-technological societies, several communities—mostly indigenous—continue to stand the test of time, preserving the very values that techno-fascism seeks to eradicate from Western Society. Interestingly, this phenomenon is not driven by any political agenda but arises organically from a deep-rooted belief that true well-being, both individual and collective, is founded on harmony and balanced coexistence rather than profit. As romantic as it may sound, numerous societies across the globe have evolved along a different path, offering a valuable reference for a decaying Western world in desperate need of understanding where things went wrong.
Cosmovision as Counterbalance
In South America—a region whose identity is shaped by syncretism and an enduring divide between a small, wealthy elite and the larger working class—this phenomenon is especially compelling. Far from the divisive noise of polarized politics, many of the region’s most iconic communities cultivate a societal vision rooted in Cosmovision (worldview), seamlessly integrating the very values that Western societies —Europe in particular— now struggles to defend. In the Andean Altiplano, matriarchal communities exist in a respectful symbiosis with nature, honoring gender equality through the Pachamama, which affirms the central role of women in society. In Colombia’s Caribbean region, climate resilience merges with magical realism, defining a way of life based on adaptation and coexistence with extreme weather conditions. Meanwhile, Argentina’s gaucho communities uphold solidarity, social justice, and equality—embodying the historical legacy that once freed South America from colonialism.
THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER • Marco Vernaschi
Lessons from the Edges of Modernity
The series Ahícito Nomás, Macondo, and The Land of Never After, and their related campaigns, explore gender equality, climate resilience, and social justice from the perspectives of these communities, offering an alternative view of how these values can be successfully integrated. Is there something Western society can learn from these communities? Do technological advancements hold meaning if they do not serve the common good? Is progress possible without an empathetic view of society? Can the extreme wealth of a select few benefit society if not properly redistributed?
As techno-fascism continues to divide our world, these and many other questions arise. The answers we give ourselves will determine how we evolve as a global society.
