AbstractsPhilosophy & Theology

This study analyzes the connections between political and economic surveillance through mapping what I call "the surveillance network." Through the use of actor-network theory, power theories, surveillance theory and a critique of neoliberalism, this study argues that surveillance is central to the advancement of the neoliberal project in that it is used to create, expand and strengthen economic markets. The most recent form of surveillance is metadata, the use of which is legitimized through a particular philosophy regarding the accuracy of data in reflecting an objective reality. Furthermore, this study ultimately concludes that the dichotomy between political and economic surveillance commonly found in the surveillance literature needs to be transcended because both political and economic actants use political and economic surveillance to pursue overlapping goals. Lastly, this study concludes that the state has the ability to act on behalf of capital, but does not always act necessarily at its behest.