Örvunarstefna

Örvunarstefna, a term of Icelandic origin, translates to "accelerationism" in English. It is a broad and complex political and social philosophy that posits that the existing capitalist system should be accelerated or intensified in order to bring about radical social transformation. There are various strands of accelerationism, each with differing goals and methods.

Some forms of accelerationism, often termed left-accelerationism, seek to utilize and advance new technologies and social trends, such as automation and artificial intelligence, to overcome the limitations of capitalism and create a post-capitalist society characterized by abundance and freedom. This perspective often envisions a future where work as we know it is obsolete and resources are distributed more equitably.

Conversely, right-wing or far-right accelerationism often advocates for the collapse of the current social and political order, sometimes through violent means, to usher in a new society aligned with their ideologies. This can involve exacerbating existing societal tensions or promoting instability with the aim of dismantling liberal democratic institutions.

The concept of accelerationism has roots in various philosophical and political traditions, including Marxism, post-structuralism, and even earlier critiques of modernity. It gained more prominence in contemporary discourse through the writings of theorists like Nick Land and Mark Fisher, though their interpretations and applications of the concept differ significantly. The term is often debated and can be subject to misinterpretation due to its diverse and sometimes contradictory applications.