Deploying a New “Religion of Autonomy” through Strategic Principles of Foundations of Geopolitics and The Art of War

By Michael Kelman Portney

In a world increasingly controlled by corporations and governments with ever-tightening grips on personal data, a new “Religion of Autonomy” could offer a powerful counterforce, advocating for data rights, privacy, and individual freedom. This movement would frame itself as a “religion” not only to gain legal protections but to catalyze a cultural shift and build a broad coalition united by a shared mission. By strategically employing the principles of Alexander Dugin’s Foundations of Geopolitics and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, the rollout and deployment of this religion could use unconventional tactics, psychological influence, and ideological alignment to establish itself as a powerful force in society.

1. Creating a Unified Ideology: Using Dugin’s Principles to Build an Ideological Core

In Foundations of Geopolitics, Dugin emphasizes the importance of a shared ideological vision as the foundation for a powerful movement. To succeed, the Religion of Autonomy must construct an ideology that transcends traditional religious and political lines, providing a unifying ethos that resonates with people from diverse backgrounds.

A. Establishing Core Beliefs around Data Rights and Personal Freedom

Dugin emphasizes ideological clarity and strength as key factors in uniting a population. The Religion of Autonomy would establish core tenets that prioritize individual autonomy, data privacy, and the ethical use of technology.

Data as a Sacred Right: Position personal data as an extension of one’s identity—something inherently “sacred” that no institution or corporation should have unrestricted access to. This belief would resonate across cultural and religious boundaries, appealing to individuals’ sense of control over their own lives.

The Pursuit of Autonomy as a Moral Mission: Frame the pursuit of autonomy and ethical technological practices as a moral imperative, akin to religious duty. This could instill a sense of responsibility among followers to not only protect their own data rights but to advocate for the rights of others.

B. Promoting Cultural and Ideological Influence

Dugin argues that ideological influence is as important as military power in shaping societies. For the Religion of Autonomy, this means embedding its principles into cultural conversations, creating a narrative that resonates emotionally and intellectually.

Aligning with Popular Cultural Movements: The Religion of Autonomy could align itself with movements around digital privacy, sustainability, and ethical tech, reinforcing its values through broader cultural trends.

Leveraging Art, Media, and Literature: By producing art, films, and literature that explore themes of autonomy and data rights, the movement could subtly permeate culture, planting the seeds of its ideology in people’s everyday lives and fostering a shift in public consciousness.

2. Strategic Influence and Alliances: Applying Sun Tzu’s Principles of Building Power

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu stresses the importance of knowing the “terrain” and forming alliances to enhance one’s position. For the Religion of Autonomy, forming strategic alliances would involve identifying and aligning with groups that support digital rights, privacy, and individual freedom.

A. Identifying Strategic Allies in Advocacy and Tech

Sun Tzu advises commanders to form alliances with those who share common interests. The Religion of Autonomy would seek to build coalitions with digital rights organizations, privacy advocates, and grassroots tech reform movements to amplify its voice and establish credibility.

Partnering with Digital Rights Organizations: Groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) could serve as early allies, providing support, resources, and legitimacy to the movement.

Reaching out to Ethical Tech Advocates: The movement could build relationships with leaders in the ethical tech sphere who advocate for greater regulation of data practices and transparency in tech. This would strengthen its base and create a united front.

B. Building Coalitions across Demographics and Ideologies

Sun Tzu’s principles emphasize the power of coalition-building to overcome larger foes. The Religion of Autonomy would build a coalition that spans traditional divisions, drawing in members from all walks of life who share concerns about data privacy and personal freedom.

Appealing to Diverse Religious Groups: By framing data rights and autonomy as values compatible with multiple religions, the movement could attract Christians, Jews, Muslims, and secular individuals alike, building a broad, interfaith coalition.

Connecting with Dissatisfied Citizens Across Political Lines: Position the movement as apolitical, drawing support from liberals, conservatives, and independents who are frustrated with corporate overreach and government surveillance.

3. Psychological Strategy: Using Sun Tzu’s Tactics to Gain Momentum and Legitimacy

The Art of War also highlights the importance of morale, perception, and psychological advantage. For the Religion of Autonomy, psychological tactics would be essential in gaining legitimacy, especially if it faces resistance from authorities.

A. Creating Psychological Distance from Established Institutions

Sun Tzu advises projecting a clear identity that differentiates a movement from its opponents. The Religion of Autonomy would emphasize its distinction from corporate and governmental institutions, presenting itself as the defender of personal freedoms in an age of overreach.

Branding Corporations and Governments as Threats to Autonomy: Positioning the Religion of Autonomy as a moral alternative to corporate and governmental surveillance would create a stark contrast that attracts those who feel disillusioned with traditional institutions.

Highlighting a “David vs. Goliath” Narrative: Frame the movement’s mission as a struggle against oppressive forces, creating an emotional appeal that strengthens followers’ commitment and loyalty.

B. Preparing for Backlash as a Rallying Cry

Sun Tzu suggests that opposition can be used to galvanize support. If the movement gains enough traction, it may face challenges from the government or courts. Such resistance would serve as a rallying cry, amplifying its message and drawing attention.

Using Legal Challenges as Guerilla Marketing: If the Supreme Court or other entities question the movement’s religious status, it would attract media attention, transforming the resistance into free publicity.

Positioning Persecution as Proof of Legitimacy: By portraying any legal or social backlash as an attack on personal freedoms, the movement could rally support, turning opposition into proof of the righteousness of its cause.

4. Mobilizing Followers and Expanding Influence: Combining Dugin’s and Sun Tzu’s Tactics

Dugin and Sun Tzu both emphasize the importance of leveraging psychological and ideological influence to expand a movement’s reach. The Religion of Autonomy would need a carefully planned rollout that prioritizes local influence, mobilizes grassroots supporters, and uses digital platforms to spread its message.

A. Building Local Hubs for Grassroots Engagement

Sun Tzu advises focusing on securing “strongholds” before expanding further. The Religion of Autonomy could focus on establishing local hubs—centers for discussion, advocacy, and community-building that serve as secure bases for expanding influence.

Creating Community-Based “Temples of Autonomy”: Physical or digital community centers could serve as places where followers gather to discuss autonomy, data rights, and ethical tech, cultivating a shared identity and spreading the movement’s ideology.

Using Local Leaders as Movement Ambassadors: Appointing local leaders to represent the movement would enhance its grassroots appeal, giving it a “face” and a “voice” in various regions and strengthening ties within communities.

B. Expanding National Influence through Digital Platforms

Dugin stresses the power of media in disseminating ideas. The Religion of Autonomy could use social media and online platforms to amplify its message, creating digital content that highlights its values, mission, and vision for a more autonomous society.

Producing Shareable Content Focused on Autonomy and Rights: The movement could create videos, articles, and infographics that explain the importance of data rights and personal freedom, encouraging followers to share the content widely.

Organizing Digital Campaigns and Challenges: By launching online campaigns, hashtags, and virtual events, the movement could build a visible presence online, reaching a younger demographic and creating momentum around its message.

Conclusion: Rolling Out a New Religious Movement with Geopolitical and Strategic Precision

By deploying the Religion of Autonomy using principles from Foundations of Geopolitics and The Art of War, this movement can become a powerful force that challenges established norms, promotes data rights, and fosters individual freedom. With a carefully crafted ideological base, strategic alliances, psychological tactics, and grassroots mobilization, the Religion of Autonomy can work within existing frameworks while subverting traditional power structures.

Should this movement gain traction and face opposition, it would be positioned to turn backlash into visibility, using any attempts to delegitimize it as proof of the urgency and necessity of its mission. In an age where data, autonomy, and personal freedom are increasingly under siege, the Religion of Autonomy could offer a radical, strategic pathway for societal transformation, galvanizing followers with the vision of a world where individual rights take precedence over corporate and governmental control. By combining the ideological influence of Dugin and the tactical genius of Sun Tzu, this movement could inspire and lead a new cultural and political paradigm focused on empowering individuals in the digital age.