Ep. 62: Roger Huang - How Bitcoin Challenges State Control & Surveillance

My guest today is Roger Huang, an author, journalist on Forbes, Bitcoin Magazine and more, and a Bitcoin advocate, whose work bridges the intersection of Bitcoin, geopolitics, economics, and history. Roger is the author of “Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?”, an exploration of Bitcoin’s potential within China’s political and monetary landscape. From the impact of inflation on historical events like Tiananmen Square to the implications of digital surveillance and central bank digital currencies, Roger provides a comprehensive analysis of how Bitcoin can challenge state control and empower individuals. In this episode, we explore Roger’s journey from his roots in China to his upbringing in Canada, and how his disillusionment with the traditional financial system inspired him to advocate for Bitcoin as a tool for freedom and decentralization. Roger shares powerful stories about the Chinese surveillance state, the role of inflation in shaping politics, and the growing global influence of China’s economic strategies, including the Belt and Road Initiative and CBDC development.

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-- LINKS –

Roger’s Twitter: https://x.com/Rogerh1991

Roger’s New Book “Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?”: https://bit.ly/4jePMsf 

Roger’s Nostr npub: npub12qxvc5evxqt3rky25mfskywugalx5vnhppfl32cu903cnwpyu0uqkmq8u9

China Law Translate Website - Roger recommended source: https://www.chinalawtranslate.com/en/ 

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-- CHAPTERS –

00:00 Coming Up… 

01:01 Introduction to Roger Huang and His Work 

03:00 Roger's Background and Early Interest in Bitcoin & Writing 

08:38 Mao's Economic Policies and Their Consequences 

13:18 Inflation and Political Unrest in China’s History, and Tiananmen Square Protests

18:07 Human Rights Violations & Digital Surveillance in China 

22:44 Social Credit Score System in China and the Rest Of the World 

28:58 Censorship: The Dangers of “Everything Apps” like WeChat 

35:44 What “Cashless Society” Looks Like in China 

38:03 The Rise of CBDC’s in China 

49:54 China's Belt & Road Initiative - Acquiring Geopolitical Power 

53:51 Roger's Personal Passion for Bitcoin 

57:55 Conclusion and Where to Follow Roger