The Floridization of the World

Florida under Ron DeSantis is not just a symptom of modernity, but a model for how the Western world will look. It demonstrates a paradox: Florida is a state whose power is concentrated in an increasingly populated and economically autarkic manner, politically ruled under centralized domination. But it is not viewed as such.

The fault of this has to do largely with how American politics looks in the modern day. There is a fictional divide between the Democratic and Republican party on cultural issues, such as abortion and gun rights, but no real divide on economic or foreign policy issues. Both parties heavily vote for corporate control, and are in turn funded by the same autarkic corporations and media moguls. Both parties heavily support and endorse Ukraine under Zelenski, and Israel’s anti-Hamas coalition and active crusade against the Palestinian state.

But because the cultural issues are the main focus of many Americans, despite no real change occurring between Republican and Democratic cadencies, there is a perceived active difference between the two parties which disallows even the most critically thinking of Americans from imagining a situation where neoliberal elites the likes of Schwab, Soros and the Rothschild family and pioneers of global centralization would want conservative governments in power. Conservatives are even more shocked by this realization, as many on the right actively hold that their views stand in opposition to global centralization. And yet, there are so many reasons why institutions such as the World Economic Forum would not only support what Ron DeSantis has done for Florida as governor, but attempt to straight up emulate and copy it. For British listeners, this is in close resemblance to the cabinet of Rishi Sunak, your prime minister, so I advise you pay special attention to these developments as well.

In the contemporary global landscape, an intriguing paradox emerges as neoliberal governments, often characterized by their liberal economic policies and globalization efforts, seemingly pave the way for the rise of conservative-ruled states. This paradox is epitomized by the state of Florida under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis. Florida's political transformation into a Republican-leaning stronghold, amidst bipartisan economic initiatives during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a unique lens through which to examine the convergence of neoliberal and conservative forces. Furthermore, the embrace of conservative governance by global elites, as seen in instances like Rishi Sunak's UK, suggests a deeper strategic alignment with the interests of big industry and global capital.

The rise of conservative governance in traditionally neoliberal or bipartisan contexts can be traced back to strategic collaborations on economic issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida witnessed significant Republican-Democrat cooperation, particularly in the areas of relief efforts and stimulus checks. Despite deep divisions over the pandemic's origins and management, this collaboration underscored a broader trend: economic imperatives often transcend political ideologies, facilitating a unique space for conservative politics to flourish. This phenomenon is not limited to the United States; it has parallels in other countries, where conservative governments have been perceived as more conducive to the development of big industry. This synergy between neoliberal economic policies and conservative governance serves the interests of global elites by fostering a political landscape amenable to the expansion of corporate and industrial power.

Florida's transformation under conservative leadership not only reflects a significant shift in local governance but also emerges as a compelling blueprint for global governance models favored by organizations like the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations (UN). This alignment, while seemingly paradoxical, underscores a multifaceted strategy that global elites might find attractive for replication worldwide. The aspects of Florida's evolution that resonate with these interests span demographic, infrastructural, cultural, economic, environmental, and political domains, each contributing to a comprehensive model of governance.

At the heart of Florida's appeal is its ethnic and cultural diversity, reflecting a microcosm of global multiculturalism. This diversity is not just a demographic feature but a pivotal element in the state's social fabric, influencing everything from the political discourse to economic policies. For global governance bodies, Florida's management of its diverse population offers valuable lessons in fostering social cohesion amidst diversity, a crucial objective in an increasingly globalized world. The state's approach to embracing multiculturalism, while navigating the complexities of identity politics, provides a template for managing diverse populations under a unified governance structure.

Florida's reliance on car-dependent infrastructure mirrors a broader global trend towards personal vehicle use, emphasizing individual mobility and the resultant economic and environmental implications. This infrastructure not only shapes the state's urban and suburban landscapes but also reflects a commitment to industries that support the automotive sector, from oil and gas to automotive manufacturing. The car-dependent model promotes a specific form of consumerism and urban development, aligning with the interests of global industries in perpetuating certain economic dependencies and lifestyle choices. For global elites, replicating this model could facilitate the expansion of markets for automotive and oil industries, while also shaping the urban planning strategies of emerging economies.

The perceived lack of a cohesive, indigenous culture in Florida presents an intriguing advantage for the implementation of a uniform governance model by global bodies. This is not to say that Florida lacks cultural expressions but that its culture is highly influenced by a blend of inputs from its diverse population, making it somewhat fluid and adaptable. This adaptability could serve as a model for creating a global culture that is flexible, inclusive, and less resistant to the imposition of external governance models and economic systems. It offers a blueprint for a world where cultural distinctions are blurred, facilitating a smoother implementation of standardized global policies and practices.

The dominance of fast food and the prevalence of a singular supermarket chain, such as Publix, in Florida highlight a model of centralized control over food supply chains. This model not only influences dietary habits but also shapes the economic landscape of food production and distribution, potentially limiting local competition and promoting dependency on specific brands and supply chains. For global governance bodies, the control over food supply chains exemplifies a mechanism for exerting economic influence and standardizing consumption patterns across different regions, reflecting broader goals of economic uniformity and control.

Florida's approach to environmental management, particularly its development practices in areas like the Everglades, mirrors wider global challenges in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. The state's struggle with issues like coastal erosion, habitat destruction, and water management reflects the environmental dilemmas facing many parts of the world. For global elites, Florida's environmental policies and challenges provide critical insights into managing natural resources in a way that supports economic development while navigating the complexities of environmental conservation and climate change adaptation.

The stark wealth disparities observed within Florida cities, such as the contrast between Miami's affluent Brickell and the more modest Little Havana, underscore the challenges of socioeconomic segregation. This segregation reflects broader global patterns of inequality and social stratification. The ability to manage such disparities, or at least to govern effectively in their presence, offers lessons in maintaining stability and control in societies marked by significant economic divides. For global governance bodies, understanding and potentially replicating the mechanisms that allow for coexistence (if not resolution) of such disparities could be crucial in managing social tensions in diverse and unequal societies.

The concentration of significant power within Florida's state government also provides a simplified blueprint for administrative control, resonating with global governance bodies' preferences for streamlined decision-making processes. This model of governance, where decision-making authority is centralized, offers a way to implement policies and reforms efficiently, albeit at the risk of diminishing local autonomy. The appeal of such a model to global elites lies in its potential for rapid policy implementation and the easier management of diverse and complex societies.

Florida's evolution under conservative rule offers a comprehensive model that aligns with the strategic interests of global governance organizations. Each aspect of Florida's development, from its demographic diversity to its centralized power structures, contributes to a governance prototype that could influence global strategies for managing increasingly complex, diverse, and interconnected societies. The replication of this model globally suggests a strategic convergence of interests between conservative governance and neoliberal economic agendas, highlighting a potential pathway for the "Floridization" of the world.

Expanding on the intriguing premise that Florida's model of governance under conservative rule resembles forms of indirect control historically wielded by global powers, we delve into an in-depth analysis that intersects history, politics, and contemporary global governance strategies. This exploration seeks to understand how the "Floridization" of the world—characterized by centralized power structures, reliance on extractive economic practices, and the management of diverse populations—echoes the mechanisms of control seen in Reichskommissariats, American occupations, British and French colonies, and Soviet puppet states. Through this lens, we can uncover the strategic advantages such models present for current global governance bodies like the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations (UN).

Rishi Sunak's tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has ushered in what some see as the "Floridization" of the UK, a process reflective of broader global trends in governance that mirror aspects of Florida under conservative leadership. This parallel is drawn from Sunak's economic policies, which prioritize market-driven solutions and a pro-business agenda, much like the economic environment fostered in Florida. Sunak's approach to governance also emphasizes centralized decision-making, particularly in economic recovery efforts post-pandemic, and in addressing national issues like healthcare and immigration. This centralization, coupled with a strong focus on economic growth, often at the expense of broader social and environmental considerations, echoes the Florida model.

Moreover, Sunak's policies have sparked debates around socioeconomic disparities and the management of the UK's diverse population, with concerns over widening inequality and access to public services mirroring issues observed in Florida. As the UK navigates post-Brexit challenges and seeks to redefine its role on the global stage, the "Floridization" under Sunak's leadership highlights a significant shift towards governance models that favor economic imperatives, reflecting a trend that transcends national boundaries.

Historically, forms of governance and control by global powers have varied in methodology but shared core principles that can be observed in the modern context of Florida's governance under conservative leadership.

Reichskommissariats during World War II were established by Nazi Germany as administrative regions in occupied territories, designed to centralize power and facilitate the extraction of resources while imposing Germanic cultural and political values on diverse populations. This model of governance was characterized by strict hierarchical control, exploitation of local resources, and attempts to assimilate or suppress local cultures and ethnicities.

American Occupations, such as those in Japan, Germany, and the Philippines, often sought to rebuild these nations in the American image, promoting democratic institutions, free market practices, and cultural values aligned with those of the United States. Despite these ostensibly benevolent goals, the occupations involved significant control over the political and economic directions of these countries, demonstrating a form of governance that prioritized American strategic interests and ideologies.

British and French Colonies were driven by the motives of economic gain and the spread of European values. The British Empire, on which "the sun never set," and the French colonial empire, were built on the extraction of resources and the imposition of European governance structures. These empires managed diverse populations through a combination of direct rule and indirect control, often relying on local elites to administer colonial policies.

 

Soviet puppet states during the Cold War were established in Eastern Europe and other regions, characterized by centralized control, adherence to Soviet-style communism, and economic practices that prioritized resource extraction for the benefit of the Soviet Union. These states were governed through tightly controlled political parties and security services that ensured alignment with Soviet interests.

The governance model observed in Florida under conservative rule mirrors these historical precedents in several key ways.

Florida's governance, particularly under the leadership of figures like Governor Ron DeSantis, emphasizes centralized decision-making authority. This approach mirrors the hierarchical control seen in historical models of indirect governance, allowing for swift implementation of policies and reforms.

The emphasis on industries such as real estate development, tourism, and agriculture in Florida, often at the expense of environmental conservation and sustainable practices, reflects the extractive economic models of colonial and occupation governance. This approach prioritizes economic gain over long-term environmental and social sustainability.

Florida's diverse population is managed through policies that sometimes exacerbate socioeconomic disparities, akin to the segregated infrastructures observed in colonial empires. While Florida celebrates its multiculturalism, the state's governance does not always equitably address the needs of its diverse communities, reflecting a form of control that maintains stability without fully integrating societal segments.

The "Floridization" model, characterized by these elements, offers a contemporary playbook for global governance bodies. In a world grappling with the challenges of globalization, environmental degradation, and social inequality, the historical precedents of indirect control provide cautionary tales and strategic insights. For global organizations like the WEF and the UN, understanding the advantages and pitfalls of such models is crucial in navigating the complex interplay of governance, economic development, and social cohesion.

The parallels between Florida's current governance model and historical forms of indirect control illuminate the enduring relevance of centralized power, extractive economics, and the management of diversity in shaping societies. As the world continues to evolve, the lessons from these historical and contemporary examples offer valuable perspectives on the potential paths of global governance. While the "Floridization" of the world might offer a model for managing complex modern societies, it also raises important questions about sustainability, equity, and the future of global democracy. Engaging critically with these precedents can help contemporary leaders and global governance bodies navigate the challenges of the 21st century in a way that learns from the past.