Politicology ENCORE: Bitcoin is Changing the Fight for Freedom
Dec 4, 2024
In this insightful discussion, Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, explores Bitcoin's empowering role in human rights advocacy. He shares his journey into human rights and delves into the cryptocurrency's unique ability to foster financial independence, particularly for women in Afghanistan. The conversation highlights Bitcoin's potential to challenge authoritarianism, facilitate secure transactions, and combat monetary colonialism in West Africa. Gladstein paints a hopeful picture of Bitcoin as a lifeline for those in repressive regimes.
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WikiLeaks and Ukrainian Activists
- The US government blockaded WikiLeaks' finances, prompting Julian Assange to use Bitcoin.
- In 2013, Ukrainian activists used Bitcoin to raise funds during protests, bypassing government restrictions.
Bitcoin's Resistance to Censorship
- Freezing bank accounts is a common tactic used by authoritarian regimes against dissidents.
- Bitcoin makes it difficult for authorities to freeze funds due to its decentralized nature.
Canadian Protestors and Bitcoin
- Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau froze centralized fundraisers for protestors but couldn't fully stop Bitcoin donations.
- This highlighted Bitcoin's resilience against extrajudicial financial censorship.
