The book explores the greatest economic and political transition in centuries, predicting the shift from an industrial to an information-based society. Davidson and Rees-Mogg argue that this transition will liberate individuals, alter the power of government, and lead to the rise of digital currency and cyberspace. They foresee a future where individuals will be freed from government oppression and prejudice, and where states will struggle to collect taxes due to the ease of transferring assets electronically. The authors also discuss the potential for prosperity and renewal in the face of radical changes in human history as we move into the new millennium[1][2][4].
In this book, Jamie Bartlett argues that the unchecked growth of big tech is eroding the foundations of democracy. He contends that the middle class is being eroded, sovereign authority and civil society are weakened, and citizens are losing their critical faculties and possibly their free will. Bartlett identifies six key pillars of democracy—active citizens, shared democratic culture, free elections, stakeholder equality, competitive economy and civic freedom, and trust in authority—and explains how technology is undermining each of these. He provides twenty practical suggestions for how to save democracy from the negative impacts of technology, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that does not reject technology entirely but ensures it serves democratic values[1][5][4].
Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" is a seminal work on community organizing, outlining strategies for social and political change. The book advocates for grassroots activism and direct confrontation with power structures. Alinsky's methods are often controversial, emphasizing tactics such as public shaming and strategic disruption. The book has been both praised for its effectiveness and criticized for its potential for manipulation and divisiveness. It remains a significant text in the study of social movements and political strategy.
This book delves into the legal aspects of blockchain, examining its potential to disrupt traditional legal frameworks and the need for new regulatory approaches. It covers topics such as smart contracts, decentralized organizations, and the tension between blockchain's autonomous nature and legal oversight.
David Gerard's book provides a comprehensive critique of the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem, focusing on the technological flaws, environmental costs, and societal implications. It covers the history of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, as well as the hype surrounding smart contracts and blockchain applications. Gerard's work is noted for its accessible style and acerbic humor, making it a compelling read for both enthusiasts and skeptics of the crypto world.
In *The Dark Net*, Jamie Bartlett delves into the lesser-known aspects of the internet, revealing a world of underground communities, including those involved in radicalism, crime, and alternative subcultures. The book provides a comprehensive look at the history and development of these online communities, offering insights into the diverse and often hidden digital underworld.
Blockchain technology has gone mainstream. It earns huge amounts of column inches and airtime. Stories abound of Bitcoin millionaires and multimillion-dollar ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings). New cryptocurrencies are launched every week. People who don’t entirely understand what they’re buying are rushing to purchase Bitcoin for fear of missing out, and recently the UK's Royal Mint announced its first ever blockchain-based non-fungible token, an NFT. Back in 2018, Intelligence Squared gathered crypto specialists to debate whether blockchain technology has a legitimate future or not, including Jamie Bartlett, author and analyst on the politics of the internet, blockchain expert Primavera De Filippi, Vit Jedlička, President of the micronation Liberland, and crypto journalist David Gerard. The host for this discussion was journalist, author and former BBC News Editorial Director, Kamal Ahmed.
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Intelligence Squared 
