The first half of this audio essay, posted a few days ago, explored Phase 1 and Phase 2 in the development of technology capital as its power is consolidated in cities. In the second half, we enter Phase 3 – the final phase? – as planetary platforms like Alphabet and Amazon have reached the point where they possess the power and desire to do far more than just takeover operating services or consult on managerial changes to governance. Tech companies are now struggling against the last remaining binds that limit their full ascension to sovereignty. We have a future to win – or lose.

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This Machine Kills is a weekly podcast on the political economy of technology hosted by Jathan Sadowski and Edwards Ongweso Jr., and produced by Jereme Brown. You can subscribe anywhere you get podcasts.