Elon Musk: a 21st Century Rhodes

Elon Musk: The New Cecil Rhodes in a Multipolar World

Cecil Rhodes and Elon Musk, though separated by more than a century and operating in vastly different contexts, are figures united by their colossal ambition and transformative impact on the trajectory of human progress. Rhodes was a quintessential representative of British imperial power in its late-stage, gilded glory, building railways, mines, and colonies to extend Britain's dominion. Musk, by contrast, is a harbinger of late-stage Anglo-American power, wielding technology, innovation, and capital to chart humanity's course in a multipolar and interplanetary future. Where Rhodes' vision was tethered to the terrestrial expansion of empire, Musk’s vision transcends the confines of Earth altogether. He is not merely an industrialist or a builder of infrastructure but a colossus with ambitions to bridge planets.

Rhodes: Architect of Empire

Cecil Rhodes epitomized the ethos of late 19th-century British imperialism. Born in 1853, Rhodes built his legacy by exploiting the resources and geopolitical advantages of southern Africa, particularly through the founding of De Beers and his leadership in British South Africa. Rhodes' vision of "Cape to Cairo," a railway and telegraph line uniting the continent under British rule, was emblematic of his belief in Britain’s civilizing mission. His creation of the Rhodesias (now Zambia and Zimbabwe) cemented his legacy as a builder of colonies that reflected Britain’s imperial grandeur. Rhodes' unwavering commitment to British supremacy defined his life's work, culminating in a vision of global Anglo-Saxon dominance through both territorial and cultural expansion.

Musk: Architect of the Post-Terrestrial Future

Elon Musk, born in South Africa in 1971, stands as Rhodes’ modern counterpart. Musk's enterprises, from SpaceX to Neuralink and Tesla, are not tools of territorial conquest but of technological dominion. Where Rhodes sought to claim land and resources for the British Empire, Musk seeks to extend Western civilization to the stars, with Mars as his ultimate goal. His projects—Starlink’s global internet infrastructure, Tesla’s electric vehicles, and SpaceX’s reusable rockets—represent not only technological innovation but also a reimagining of power in a digital and post-terrestrial age. Musk’s commitment to the Western ideal of innovation-driven progress mirrors Rhodes’ commitment to British imperialism, but his ambitions are broader, transcending national borders and Earth’s atmosphere.

From British Imperialism to Multipolar Pragmatism

A key difference between Rhodes and Musk lies in their geopolitical orientation. Rhodes was an unapologetic loyalist to Britain, even from his seat in colonial South Africa. His empire-building efforts were singularly devoted to the furtherance of British supremacy. Musk, on the other hand, operates in a multipolar world where absolute loyalty to any one nation is anachronistic. While he espouses a "Western world first" philosophy, championing the values of freedom and innovation that underpin the Anglo-American tradition, Musk is also a pragmatist. His ventures span continents and involve partnerships with nations that are not traditionally aligned with the West, including China. This multipolar approach positions Musk as a uniquely global figure, capable of navigating and shaping a world no longer dominated by a single imperial power.

Bridging Planets: Musk’s Post-Earth Empire

Rhodes’ legacy is tied to the land he claimed and the infrastructure he built to connect it. Musk’s legacy, by contrast, is tied to the technology he develops and the civilizations he aims to seed. Rhodes built railways to bind the British Empire; Musk builds rockets to connect Earth to Mars. The creation of the two Rhodesias pales in comparison to Musk's vision of making humanity a multiplanetary species. Through SpaceX’s Starship, Musk envisions not only transporting humans to Mars but also establishing a sustainable colony—an entirely new frontier of human existence. This is not merely the extension of Western civilization but its transformation into something fundamentally new, driven by the imperatives of survival and exploration.

Wealth, Power, and Ownership in the New Age

Rhodes wielded his wealth to influence British politics and global affairs, establishing the Rhodes Scholarship to perpetuate his vision of Anglo-Saxon leadership. Musk, with his vast fortune, wields a similarly outsized influence, reshaping industries and redefining the boundaries of human ambition. Yet, Musk’s ambitions extend further: while Rhodes sought dominion over southern Africa, Musk seeks the effective ownership of Mars. His wealth and technological prowess grant him the means to claim and terraform a planet, an act that would represent an unprecedented assertion of human and corporate power in the cosmos.

Late-Stage Empire to Early-Stage Multipolarity

Rhodes was a product of late-stage British imperialism, a system at its zenith yet already facing the challenges of decline. Musk, in contrast, operates at the frontier of late-stage Anglo-American hegemony, characterized by innovation-driven globalization but also growing competition from other centers of power. Unlike Rhodes, whose ambitions were confined to the preservation of a single empire, Musk embodies the adaptability required in a multipolar world. His ventures position him to shape the future irrespective of the decline of any single nation or system.

A New Colossus for a New Era

Elon Musk is the new Cecil Rhodes, not in the sense of replicating the imperialist model of the 19th century, but in his audacious ambition to redefine the scope of human achievement. Where Rhodes sought to unite continents under British rule, Musk seeks to unite planets under a shared vision of human progress. His projects are not merely enterprises; they are instruments of a broader philosophy that combines Western innovation with global pragmatism. In a multipolar world, Musk’s vision transcends borders, blending the ethos of exploration with the imperatives of survival. He is the new colossus, standing astride the Earth with his gaze fixed firmly on the stars.

Elon Musk’s potential foray into politics in America and Europe aligns seamlessly with the Cecil Rhodes motif, where industrial influence serves as a precursor to political power and ideological shaping. While Rhodes’ political ambitions focused on consolidating British imperial dominance through territorial expansion and governance, Musk’s engagement with politics would likely center on advancing his technological and philosophical vision for the future. Both figures reflect an entrepreneurial ambition to reshape society, though Musk’s geopolitical and ideological context differs significantly in its multipolar complexity and its post-terrestrial aspirations.

Elon Musk’s Political Maneuvering: A Rhodesian Parallel

Cecil Rhodes operated within a relatively unified framework of British imperial dominance, where political influence and industrial wealth reinforced each other in a clear hierarchy of power. Musk, on the other hand, operates in a fragmented and contested global order. His influence in American and European politics reflects a modernized version of the Rhodesian model: a technocratic oligarch leveraging private enterprise to shape the policies and priorities of democratic systems. This parallel includes:

1. Economic Leverage as Political Capital:
   • Rhodes used De Beers and his mining wealth to dominate Southern Africa's politics, creating institutions like the British South Africa Company to entrench imperial control. Similarly, Musk’s technological empire—ranging from Tesla to SpaceX and Starlink—has become critical infrastructure for both economic and strategic interests.
   • His companies already exert de facto political influence. For instance, Starlink’s deployment in Ukraine positions Musk as a quasi-state actor, determining access to communication systems during conflict. This creates a precedent for Musk to leverage his technological assets for political sway in both Europe and America.
2. Cultural and Ideological Influence:
   • Rhodes believed in the civilizing mission of British imperialism, aiming to propagate Anglo-Saxon culture and governance globally. Musk, in a modernized sense, embodies a similarly civilizational mission, advocating for Western technological superiority and innovation as solutions to global challenges.
   • His public platform—most notably through X (formerly Twitter)—functions as a modern equivalent of Rhodes’ Rhodes Scholarships, shaping discourse and ideology among influential elites. Musk’s control of a primary global communication channel allows him to directly influence public opinion and political narratives in the West.
3. A Rhodesian Approach to Political Ambitions:
   • Rhodes entered politics to align governance with his imperial ambitions, serving as Prime Minister of Cape Colony. Musk’s political ambitions, though not yet fully realized, may follow a similar trajectory, where his influence on technology and infrastructure translates into a direct or indirect political role.
   • Musk has already shown an inclination toward policy advocacy, such as his vocal opposition to overregulation in the tech and energy sectors. His growing proximity to populist and libertarian movements in America and Europe positions him as a potential disruptor within traditional political structures.

Musk in American and European Politics: Scenarios and Implications

Musk’s foray into politics would likely differ across regions due to varying geopolitical dynamics and cultural frameworks. However, common themes emerge, rooted in his technocratic ethos and his ambitions to preserve and advance Western civilization.

In the United States: The Rhodesian Entrepreneur as a Populist Disruptor

• Potential Political Pathways:
  • Musk’s involvement in American politics would likely focus on regulatory reform, technological investment, and the promotion of free enterprise. His alignment with libertarian and conservative movements suggests he could play a role similar to that of a populist disruptor, challenging entrenched bureaucracies and traditional political norms.
  • He might influence politics through a hybrid approach: funding candidates who share his philosophy, influencing public discourse through X, and potentially positioning himself as a candidate for political office.
• The Rhodes Parallel:
  • Like Rhodes, who used his wealth to advance policies beneficial to his imperial goals, Musk could push for deregulation and public-private partnerships that prioritize technological innovation. His advocacy for space exploration and renewable energy mirrors Rhodes’ emphasis on infrastructure as a tool of societal transformation.
• Tensions and Risks:
  • Musk’s influence could exacerbate political polarization, as his libertarian-leaning philosophy often clashes with progressive ideals. His criticism of issues like government subsidies and centralized control may align him with populist movements but alienate establishment elites.

In Europe: The Technocratic Visionary as a Pragmatic Power Broker

• Potential Political Pathways:
  • In Europe, Musk’s role may focus more on strategic partnerships and influence within the EU’s regulatory framework. His businesses, particularly Tesla and SpaceX, are critical to Europe’s green energy goals and space ambitions.
  • Musk’s efforts to ensure Europe’s technological competitiveness may position him as an advocate for Western collaboration against external powers like China and Russia. He could play a behind-the-scenes role, using his influence to shape EU policies on artificial intelligence, space exploration, and digital communications.
• The Rhodes Parallel:
  • Rhodes sought to unite British territories under a single imperial vision. Musk’s efforts to align European and American priorities in technology and defense mirror this unifying ambition, albeit in a decentralized and multipolar context.
• Tensions and Risks:
  • Musk’s tendency to clash with regulators could lead to friction with the EU’s bureaucratic institutions. His pragmatic, business-driven philosophy may also conflict with Europe’s more socialist-leaning policies.

The Rhodes Motif in a Multipolar World

Rhodes operated in a world where Britain’s dominance was unquestioned, and imperial expansion was seen as a moral imperative. Musk, however, navigates a multipolar world where Western hegemony is contested by emerging powers like China. This global context shapes Musk’s political ambitions and strategies in ways that both parallel and diverge from Rhodes’ approach.

1. Western Civilization as a Unifying Mission:
   • Musk’s focus on preserving Western civilization through technological leadership echoes Rhodes’ belief in Anglo-Saxon supremacy. However, Musk’s vision is more inclusive, emphasizing global collaboration while maintaining a Western-centric framework.
2. Bridging Multipolarity:
   • While Rhodes was a loyalist to the British Empire, Musk is a multipolar pragmatist. His businesses operate globally, and his partnerships with non-Western powers reflect a willingness to adapt to shifting geopolitical realities. This positions Musk as a bridge between competing systems, capable of influencing a multipolar world order.
3. Mars as the New Frontier:
   • Rhodes sought to expand Britain’s terrestrial empire; Musk seeks to create a new interplanetary civilization. This ambition reflects a modernized version of imperial expansion, where technological innovation replaces military conquest as the primary means of power projection.

The New Colossus of Politics and Technology

Elon Musk’s potential foray into American and European politics would represent a modern reimagining of the Rhodesian archetype. Like Rhodes, Musk wields wealth and influence to advance a grand vision for the future, but his ambitions are global and interplanetary rather than imperial and terrestrial. As a technocratic visionary navigating a multipolar world, Musk embodies the potential to reshape not only the political landscape of the West but also the trajectory of human civilization. Whether through direct political involvement or the indirect exercise of power, Musk’s role as the new Cecil Rhodes underscores the enduring interplay between industrial ambition, political influence, and the shaping of the human future.

Lessons for African Founders from the Legacies of Elon Musk and Cecil Rhodes: Innovation, Ambition, and Ethical Guardrails

The legacies of Elon Musk and Cecil Rhodes offer profound insights for African founders, particularly those seeking to build transformative enterprises on the continent. Both figures epitomize ambition, vision, and the capacity to reshape the trajectory of history through industry and innovation. Yet, their stories also contain cautionary tales—of ethical overreach, myopic focus, and unintended consequences. For African founders, these legacies underscore the importance of balancing bold aspirations with a commitment to ethical, inclusive, and sustainable development.

The Ambition to Transform

Both Musk and Rhodes exemplify an audacious drive to create enduring impact, a quality that African founders can embrace. Rhodes envisioned a British Empire spanning the continent, consolidating resources and power to serve a singular imperial goal. Musk’s vision transcends Earth itself, extending humanity’s reach to other planets while revolutionizing industries on Earth.

For African founders, the lesson is clear: ambition is a prerequisite for meaningful change. Whether addressing gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, or education, founders must think boldly, positioning their ventures to catalyze systemic transformation. Musk’s ability to articulate a compelling narrative around his goals—be it Mars colonization or transitioning to sustainable energy—highlights the power of vision in rallying investors, governments, and consumers behind audacious projects. Similarly, Rhodes’ ability to mobilize resources for vast infrastructure projects underscores the importance of strategic alignment between vision and execution.

Innovation as a Tool for Progress

Musk’s ventures demonstrate how technology can bridge seemingly insurmountable challenges. From Tesla’s contribution to sustainable energy to Starlink’s global internet coverage, his focus on innovation has unlocked solutions to critical global problems. For African founders, this underscores the importance of leveraging technology to overcome local challenges. Africa’s unique needs—such as fragmented supply chains, unreliable power grids, and limited financial inclusion—present opportunities for innovative solutions that can simultaneously create impact and generate wealth.

Rhodes, too, pursued innovation, though primarily through infrastructure. His railroads and mines connected regions and unlocked resources, laying the groundwork for economic growth. For African founders, the Rhodesian model highlights the importance of building foundational systems—logistics, energy, or digital infrastructure—that can support long-term development.

The Role of Narrative in Scaling Influence

Musk and Rhodes excelled at using narrative to amplify their impact. Musk’s communication style—direct, bold, and often provocative—has helped him build a loyal following among customers and investors alike, making his ventures cultural phenomena. Rhodes’ legacy was also rooted in narrative, portraying British imperialism as a civilising mission, which justified his expansive infrastructure projects.

For African founders, storytelling is an essential tool for building trust and attracting resources. By framing their ventures within broader narratives of economic empowerment, technological progress, or societal transformation, founders can inspire stakeholders and attract the support needed to scale their impact.

The Shadows of Ambition: Lessons from the Flaws in Their Legacies

The legacies of Musk and Rhodes are not without significant flaws, which offer important cautionary lessons for African founders. Both figures illustrate how unchecked ambition and a lack of ethical considerations can lead to harm.

Exclusionary Practices and the Exploitation of Power

Rhodes’ legacy is inextricably tied to exploitation, racial segregation, and the dispossession of indigenous peoples. His imperial ambitions prioritized the extraction of wealth over the well-being of local populations, creating systems of inequality that persist today.

Musk’s ventures, while less overtly harmful, have not been without controversy. Criticism of labor practices at Tesla, the environmental impact of mining for electric vehicle batteries, and concerns over the monopolistic tendencies of companies like Starlink highlight the risks of prioritizing growth and innovation at any cost. For Musk these concerns are acceptable costs on the path towards the fulfilment of a vision of humanity as a multi-planetary civilisation and a post-combustion engine driven mobility context–other founders may have to be more circumspect as most other visions are less likely to be framable as "existentially important."

Lesson for African Founders: Growth should not come at the expense of local communities or environmental sustainability. Founders must actively ensure that their ventures create inclusive opportunities, avoid exploitative practices, and contribute to the well-being of the societies they serve.

Myopic Focus and Narrow Definitions of Success

Rhodes’ unrelenting focus on British supremacy blinded him to alternative models of development that might have been more inclusive and sustainable. Musk’s single-minded pursuit of technological solutions has sometimes led to accusations of arrogance or a lack of consideration for broader societal impacts.

Lesson for African Founders: While focus is critical, founders must take a holistic view of success, considering the societal, environmental, and cultural dimensions of their ventures. Building ethical guardrails—such as stakeholder engagement, environmental assessments, and transparent governance—can help ensure that ambition does not lead to unintended harm.

The Risk of Overreach

Both Musk and Rhodes exhibited tendencies toward overreach, whether through Rhodes’ imperial hubris or Musk’s occasional overpromising of timelines and capabilities. Whereas Elon in the medium-to-longterm achieves his promises; most other people can't. For most founders overreach risks undermining credibility and creating mistrust among stakeholders. Elon has results to back up confidence, most founders do not; consequently most founders must be circumspect about their capabilities and promises.

Lesson for African Founders: Manage expectations and deliver on commitments. Credibility is built through consistent performance and transparent communication. Avoid the temptation to overpromise in pursuit of capital or influence, and focus on steady, measurable progress.

Establishing Ethical Guardrails for African Founders

Drawing from the successes and failures of Musk and Rhodes, African founders can adopt the following principles to guide their entrepreneurial journeys:

1. Inclusive Growth: Ensure ventures create opportunities for marginalized communities, respecting local cultures and traditions. Success should be shared and equitable.
2. Sustainability: Prioritize environmental stewardship, ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of future generations. Sustainable practices are not only ethical but increasingly necessary for long-term viability.
3. Transparency and Accountability: Foster trust by being transparent about goals, operations, and impacts. Accountability to stakeholders—investors, customers, and communities—strengthens legitimacy and resilience.
4. Long-Term Vision: Avoid short-termism by aligning ventures with long-term societal goals. Focus on systemic change rather than immediate gains, as Musk’s work with renewable energy exemplifies.
5. Empathy and Collaboration: Adopt an empathetic approach to leadership, engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and perspectives. Collaboration with governments, NGOs, and other enterprises can amplify impact.

Conclusion: Toward a Transformative Future for Africa

The legacies of Elon Musk and Cecil Rhodes highlight the potential for individuals to shape the trajectory of history through vision, ambition, and innovation. For African founders, these stories offer both inspiration and caution. The challenge is to build ventures that combine the boldness of Musk’s vision with a commitment to the inclusivity and sustainability that Rhodes’ legacy lacked.

By embracing ethical practices, prioritizing community impact, and balancing ambition with responsibility, African founders can create enterprises that not only transform industries but also uplift societies. In doing so, they will not merely echo the legacies of Musk or Rhodes—they will surpass them, forging a uniquely African path to progress.