In the small mountain town of Story, Wyoming, a remote vacation lodge known as the Wagon Box Inn has become a focal point for far-right political thinkers, activists, and entrepreneurs. Operating under a novel legal structure known as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), the lodge hosts exclusive gatherings that blend political philosophy, cultural critique, and discussions of alternative governance models.
The Legal and Financial Framework
The Wagon Box Inn is owned by millionaire investor Paul McNiel and managed via a DAO—a blockchain-based organizational structure legally recognized by Wyoming. This allows for collective governance by token holders and provides significant anonymity and limited regulatory oversight.
The DAO framework appeals to groups wishing to operate outside traditional public and governmental scrutiny, offering a quasi-private space for meetings and activities.
Gatherings of the Far-Right “Dissident” Intellectual Movement
The lodge hosts events that bring together leading figures from the far-right intellectual spectrum, sometimes referred to as the “dissident right.” Attendees include political theorist Patrick Deneen, who critiques liberal democracy, entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan, an advocate for “network states” — decentralized, tech-enabled autonomous communities — and activist Seneca Scott.
These gatherings explore themes such as cultural renewal, critiques of liberalism, and visions for new forms of governance that reject democratic pluralism in favor of hierarchical, often ethno-nationalist models.
Philosophical Influences
The ideology promoted at Wagon Box draws heavily from neo-reactionary thought and accelerationism. Philosophers like Nick Land and Curtis Yarvin (“Mencius Moldbug”) advocate for accelerating societal decline to hasten the collapse of liberal democracy and the rise of technocratic or authoritarian alternatives.
This worldview envisions “freedom cities” or “network states” governed by technological platforms, prioritizing cultural homogeneity and exclusion.
Funding and Influence
The DAO benefits from discreet backing by Silicon Valley investors sympathetic to these ideas. Wyoming’s progressive legislation on DAOs enables such entities to function with limited transparency, creating a regulatory haven.
The movement extends beyond Wyoming, with efforts to influence local politics in places like Oakland and San Francisco through political campaigns and policy advocacy aligned with their ideology.
Concerns and Criticism
Civil rights groups, political analysts, and local residents have expressed concern over the lodge’s secretive nature and extremist ideology. They warn that these gatherings amplify anti-democratic and exclusionary ideas that threaten democratic pluralism and social cohesion.
The blending of far-right ideology with emerging technology and legal innovations poses new challenges for monitoring and countering extremist movements.
Community Impact
Story, Wyoming, known for its natural beauty and tourism, faces tensions due to the lodge’s activities. While some locals welcome the economic activity, others are uneasy about the lodge’s political and ideological agenda.
Local officials have called for greater transparency and community dialogue to address concerns.
National Implications
The Wagon Box Inn reflects a growing trend of far-right groups leveraging technology and alternative legal structures to organize and influence politics outside traditional democratic frameworks.
This phenomenon requires attention from policymakers, law enforcement, and civil society to uphold democratic values and counter radicalization.
Summary:
- The Wagon Box Inn in Wyoming hosts far-right intellectual and political gatherings.
- It operates as a DAO, providing anonymity and limited oversight.
- The lodge promotes neo-reactionary and accelerationist ideologies.
- Funded by sympathetic Silicon Valley investors, it influences politics beyond Wyoming.
- Critics warn of threats to democracy and social cohesion.
- The local community expresses concern and seeks transparency.
