Anglofuturism
Anglofuturism is a cultural and socio-political movement in the United Kingdom that advocates a synthesis of British historical identity with technological innovation and state-led renewal. Emerging in the early 2020s, it critiques the nation's perceived economic and cultural stagnation and decline, instead opting for ambitious solutions such as advanced infrastructure, nuclear energy, and space exploration to restore British prominence.[1] The term "Anglofuturism" combines "Anglo," denoting British or Anglospheric heritage, with "futurism," echoing early 20th-century modernist calls for societal transformation.
History
Early Development
The concept of Anglofuturism was first articulated by journalist Aris Roussinos in a 2022 essay for UnHerd, "It’s Time for Anglofuturism." Roussinos argued that Britain’s post-industrial decline required a bold, state-driven approach to rebuild infrastructure and embrace technologies like small modular nuclear reactors and high-speed rail.[1] This vision gained traction among writers and commentators seeking alternatives to neoliberal policies.
In 2024, journalists Tom Ough and Calum Drysdale launched the podcast Anglofuturism, exploring practical applications of the ideology. Recorded in a self-described "thatched space station," the podcast features discussions on artificial islands, spaceports, and geothermal energy, blending typical British satirical humour with policy analysis.[2] Concurrently, social media users kunley_drukpa and Brewgaloo shaped the movement’s aesthetic. Kunley_drukpa’s 2023 X thread introduced solarpunk-inspired visuals of futuristic British cities, while Brewgaloo’s steampunk imagery evoked a neo-Victorian empire.
Cultural Expansion
By 2025, Anglofuturism had evolved into a broader cultural phenomenon, largely driven by the X account @Anglo_Futurist who became a key driver for legitimising the concept and amplifying the movement whilst engaging a younger audience. Writer Benjamin de Rebel also contributed significant cultural analysis through essays like "This is Anglofuturism" (2024), emphasising communal identity and technological ambition.
Alex D’Albini, published his bookCollected Essays on AngloFuturism Philosophy, further defining Anglofuturism from a philosophical perspective. D’Albini describes it as a modernist ideology distinct from traditionalism, advocating space colonisation and energy abundance rooted in British heritage.[3]
Ideology and Influences
Anglofuturism advocates a pragmatic, state-led approach to national renewal, drawing heavily from the political philosophy of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister. Lee’s model of state building, meritocratic governance and technological advancement is seen as a blueprint for reversing Britain’s decline.[1][3] While Lee prioritised multi-ethnic urban development, Anglofuturism adapts this framework to emphasise British cultural continuity, often invoking pastoral and historical imagery.
Core principles include:
- Technological Innovation: Support for AI, nuclear energy, and space exploration.[2]
- National Regeneration: Rebuilding state capacity and infrastructure.[1]
- Cultural Synthesis: Merging British heritage with futuristic aesthetics.
Reception
Anglofuturism has been praised for its optimistic vision for Britain yet criticised for lacking a clear political strategy. Some argue its nationalist undertones could alienate diverse populations, though community leaders have since asserted it prioritises cultural cohesion over exclusion.
External links
Related Movements
- Afrofuturism
- Sinofuturism
- Comparisons with Solarpunk, Steampunk and Dieselpunk
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Roussinos, Aris (August 15, 2022). "It's Time for Anglofuturism". UnHerd. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ough, Tom; Drysdale, Calum (January 10, 2024). "Anglofuturism" (Podcast). Spotify. Retrieved March 14, 2025.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 D’Albini, Alex (November 15, 2024). "Collected Essays on AngloFuturism Philosophy". Substack. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
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