Draft:Anglofuturism

• Comment: Very little is referenced and it looks like original research. You will need many more citations to reliable sources to demonstrate the notability of the subject. MarcGarver (talk) 09:44, 16 October 2024 (UTC)

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Anglofuturism explores how the English-speaking nations could lead in creating a global community that balances technological advancement with social justice, environmental consciousness, and a celebration of cultural identity. It critiques past and present colonial legacies, proposing instead a model of influence through cooperation, innovation, and cultural export that seeks to rectify historical injustices while promoting a forward-looking, inclusive global society.

This vision of the future includes the integration of British Overseas Territories not as relics of an imperial past but as vital components of a modern, interconnected network of cultural and technological exchange. Anglofuturism imagines a world where architecture, urban planning, space exploration, and even everyday life reflect a blend of traditional Anglo aesthetics with futuristic advancements, all underpinned by a commitment to progressive, equitable growth.

The movement, therefore, serves as both a critique of current societal trajectories and a hopeful blueprint for how the legacy of the English-speaking world could positively shape global civilization, emphasizing unity, innovation, and a reimagined sense of empire that prioritizes cultural richness and technological prowess over territorial dominance.

Introduction

Anglofuturism combines elements of science fiction, alternate history, and futurism to explore themes related to the future of Anglo culture, technology, and geopolitical landscapes.

Origins

The origins of Anglofuturism can be traced to the early 21st century, amidst a global cultural landscape increasingly shaped by speculative fiction, political discourse on identity, and the ongoing influence of English-speaking nations in global affairs. The term itself, while not universally recognized until more recently, encapsulates a range of ideas that have been fermenting in various forms of media, literature, and political thought for years.

Writers like H.G. Wells with his visions of technological futures, or later, speculative fiction authors imagining alternate British Empires, laid the groundwork for what would become Anglofuturism. The movement also draws from cultural reactions to globalization and the question of cultural identity in a rapidly homogenizing world. It arises parallel to or as a response to other futurist movements like Afrofuturism or Sinofuturism, which explore futures centered around African or Chinese cultures respectively. Anglofuturism, in this context, explores how Anglo culture might evolve or be preserved in futuristic settings.

While specific "founders" of Anglofuturism might be hard to pin down, its rise can be attributed to a collective interest in speculative futures by various artists, writers, and thinkers. Figures might not have labeled themselves as Anglofuturists, but their works contributed to the ethos of the movement.

Definition

Anglofuturism can be defined as advocating for a synthesis of the past's cultural values with modern technology and societal structures, aiming to create a progressive yet culturally rooted future. It rejects both conservative stagnation and radical postmodern ideologies, proposing instead a path where technology serves to enhance traditional community values and national identity.

Themes and Characteristics

Anglofuturism, while a speculative and forward-looking movement, incorporates several key themes and characteristics that define its scope and aesthetics.

Cultural Continuity and Evolution

Anglofuturism often explores how traditional elements of Anglo culture, like language, architecture, and societal structures, can be preserved and evolve in futuristic settings. This includes envisioning Georgian townhouses on the moon or the use of English as a lingua franca across space.

Technological Innovation and Integration

The movement imagines a future where technology from English-speaking countries leads globally, from AI development to space exploration. Technology serves not only as a tool for progress but also as a medium for cultural expression.

Political and Social Structures

Envisioning democratic systems that might evolve from current Anglo-American models, focusing on unique cultural identity and decentralized governance structures.

Space and Exploration

Anglofuturism also seeks to eventually establish Anglo-centric Space Colonies such as Mars and the Moon with cultural markers of the English-speaking world, from language to legal systems, reflecting a new kind of 'empire' built on exploration rather than exploitation.

Environmentalism

Anglofuturism often integrates technology with rural practices, almost religiously advocating for a duty to protect and preserve our planet and ecosystems most notably the increasingly rare Celtic rainforest. Often calling for a 'Great Rewilding' of lost wildlife and flora across many parts of Britain whilst also defending Earths most delicate creations such as the Great Barrier Reef.

Influence on Culture

Anglofuturism, while still a burgeoning concept, has started to exert influence on various aspects of contemporary culture, particularly in how it reimagines the role and representation of Anglo cultural elements in futuristic or alternative settings.

SpaceX and Global Attitudes Towards Space

SpaceX has significantly influenced global attitudes towards space exploration by rekindling a sense of excitement and possibility reminiscent of the Apollo era. Through achievements like reusable rockets, the Starlink project, and plans for Mars colonization, SpaceX has not only made space more accessible but has also democratized the narrative around space travel, making it a domain not just for government entities but for private enterprise and innovation. This shift has inspired a renewed global interest in space, with more people engaging with space-related activities and viewing space exploration as a critical frontier for human advancement.

Unified 'Anglo' Identity

Anglo identity, in the context of an increasingly identity-driven global landscape, seeks recognition as a legitimate cultural and ethnic descriptor, particularly within the nations of the Anglosphere. This identity is rooted in the historical, linguistic, and cultural contributions of the English people, tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period, which has profoundly shaped not just the UK but also influenced global norms in law, literature, and democratic governance. However, this identity faces challenges from Anglophobia, which manifests as attempts to delegitimize or dismiss Anglo cultural expressions as either insignificant or inherently tied to negative aspects of historical colonialism and imperialism. Critics and proponents alike engage in a complex dialogue where the right of Anglo identity to exist, be celebrated, and preserved is hotly debated, reflecting broader tensions around cultural preservation versus cultural guilt in post-colonial narratives.

Despite these challenges, advocates for Anglo identity argue for its preservation on the grounds of its historical depth and cultural significance, akin to the rights asserted for other cultural identities worldwide. They point to a rich tapestry of tradition, from the English common law to the literary heritage of Shakespeare, arguing that these elements deserve recognition and continuation not just as relics of the past but as living aspects of contemporary identity. This discourse often highlights the irony where, in an era championing cultural diversity, the Anglo or English identity sometimes struggles for the same level of acceptance or celebration afforded to other cultures, underscoring an ongoing global conversation about what it means to have a cultural identity in the modern world, how history shapes these identities, and the rights of these identities to thrive amidst calls for historical accountability.

Political and Social Implications

Post-Brexit Identity Crisis

Post-Brexit, the UK has faced an identity crisis, with Brexit not only signifying a departure from the EU but also catalyzing a reevaluation of what it means to be British or, more specifically, English, Scottish, Welsh, or Northern Irish. This identity crisis has led to the emergence or reinforcement of political identities like 'Leavers' and 'Remainers,' which transcend traditional party lines and reflect deeper cultural and ideological divisions. Anglofuturism could serve as a cultural narrative that seeks to address this crisis by envisioning a future where Anglo-Saxon cultural elements are not just preserved but are dynamically integrated into the global, or even interstellar, context. This could potentially offer a unifying vision or, conversely, highlight divisions further if not handled inclusively.

CANZUK

CANZUK, an acronym for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, proposes increased cooperation or even confederation between these nations. Anglofuturism might see CANZUK as a natural progression of cultural and political affinity, envisioning a future where these nations lead in space colonization or technological innovation, sharing a common cultural thread while advancing into new frontiers. Politically, this could foster a sense of continuity and shared destiny among these nations, potentially easing the UK's post-Brexit isolation by strengthening ties with countries sharing historical and cultural links.

An English Parliament

The idea of an English parliament, separate from the UK Parliament where currently English matters are often decided alongside those of the other UK nations, could be seen through the lens of Anglofuturism as a step towards reasserting or redefining English identity within or even beyond the UK framework. In an Anglofuturist narrative, this could be part of a broader movement towards decentralized governance where regional or cultural identities gain more political autonomy, reflecting a futuristic model of governance inspired by historical Anglo-Saxon localism but adapted to modern or future technology and societal needs.

Singapore-on-Thames

The concept of Singapore-on-Thames refers to the idea of the UK, particularly England, becoming a low-tax, highly deregulated economic hub akin to Singapore. From an Anglofuturist perspective, this could be imagined as a Britain where traditional British economic models evolve into hyper-modern, tech-driven economies, maintaining cultural heritage while embracing radical economic freedom. This vision might appeal to those advocating for a more competitive, business-friendly Britain post-Brexit, but it also raises questions about social welfare, inequality, and the preservation of cultural identity beyond economic metrics.

Cultural Renaissance

Anglofuturism might inspire a cultural renaissance where traditional Anglo values like individualism, parliamentary democracy, and common law are reinterpreted in futuristic or space-faring societies. The movement could lead to new political alignments, where parties or movements might form around the ideas of cultural preservation in the face of globalization, technological advancement, and the redefinition of national identity.

Future Prospects

High Speed Rail in the UK

The High Speed 2 (HS2) project represents a significant leap forward in the UK's transportation infrastructure, promising to connect major cities with unprecedented speed and efficiency. HS2 aims to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times significantly between London, Birmingham, and eventually Manchester and Leeds, while also alleviating congestion on existing lines. The project not only aims at improving passenger experience with state-of-the-art rail systems but also focuses on sustainability, with infrastructure designed to withstand extreme weather events and reduce carbon footprints through advanced track technology.

Space Colonization of Mars and the Moon

The ambition to colonize Mars and establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon has gained momentum, particularly with initiatives like those supported by the UK Space Agency and collaborations with companies like Rolls-Royce. The focus on nuclear power for space exploration, especially through the development of nuclear microreactor, illustrates a move towards long-duration human missions. These efforts are part of a broader vision where space colonization becomes a stepping stone for deeper space exploration and possibly a new chapter in human civilization, with research indicating potential advancements in materials and technologies for extra-terrestrial construction.

Nuclear Energy with Rolls Royce SMR

Rolls-Royce's venture into Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) signifies a pivotal shift towards more scalable and safer nuclear energy solutions. These reactors promise to offer flexible power solutions not just for Earth but are also being considered for space missions. The technology aims at providing a reliable, low-carbon energy source that could revolutionize energy security and sustainability, both in remote areas of Earth and in space habitats.

Supersonic Planes

The resurgence of interest in supersonic travel hints at a future where crossing the Atlantic in a few hours could become commonplace again, albeit with newer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies. While specific commercial projects are less detailed in current public discussions, the underlying technology developments suggest that supersonic flights could see a revival, focusing on reducing sonic booms and improving fuel efficiency.

Raising Doggerbank

The concept of raising Dogger Bank using Dutch methods of land reclamation could significantly benefit the UK by extending its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and creating new land for various uses. Dutch expertise in creating polders (land reclaimed from the sea through dykes and drainage) could be applied to Dogger Bank, transforming this shallow area of the North Sea into land or even energy infrastructure like wind farms, which is already underway but could be expanded. This endeavour would not only increase the UK's landmass, potentially for agriculture, living space, or renewable energy projects but also extend its EEZ, giving exclusive rights over marine resources, including fisheries, energy production from water and wind, and mineral resources. The process would involve constructing dykes or barriers, draining the enclosed water, and reinforcing against sea level rise, mirroring the Netherlands' centuries-old battle and success against the sea. Such an ambitious project could serve multiple purposes; enhancing environmental sustainability, boosting economic opportunities, and securing strategic advantages in terms of energy independence and maritime claims.

Related Movements

• Afrofuturism
• Sinofuturism
• Comparisons with Steampunk and Dieselpunk

See Also

• Futurism
• Speculative fiction
• British Empire in fiction

Category:Futurist movements Category:Cultural movements Category:Speculative fiction