UFOs, Zombies, and Our Cyborg Futures

“However, without wishing to entertain hyperbole, we may conversely deem this great exposé to be rather trivial—even inconsequential—especially when considering the increasingly ‘extraordinary’ nature of our own existence.”

The question of whether or not we are alone in the universe has seemingly been answered.

After decades of denial, the government of the United States has recently disclosed that UFOs—or what it calls UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena)—exist. This admission is best understood through a recent study exploring 140-plus sightings documented over the past two decades. While the results of the interim report have been termed inconclusive, neither confirming nor denying a link to alien activity, the government’s concession that UFOs are real and true unknowns that require further investigation provides validation enough to the conspiracy theorists and believers alike.

One particular sect that may find solace in these recent revelations is the Fourth International Posadists, the disciples of a niche branch of Trotskyism that attempt to introduce elements of ufology into Marxist thought. Founded by J. Posadas in 1962, Posadism argues that only communism can allow for the development of interplanetary travel, concluding that visiting aliens from other planets must live in highly advanced communist societies. Ultimately, Posadists advocate that these aliens would readily help Earth-based communists bring about the world revolution, freeing the proletariat from the shackles of its labors. Indeed, in light of the government’s recent declaration on the existence of UFOs, Posadists may feel that the uprising is now due.

Of course, while the ideologies of this idiosyncratic socialist movement may feel like those of some madcap cult, the Posadists are far from alone in believing aliens exist, with over 50% of Americans similarly identifying as believers.