#231 – Alex Gladstein: Bitcoin, Authoritarianism, and Human Rights

14 snips

Oct 16, 2021

Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, dives deep into the intersection of Bitcoin and human rights. He highlights how Bitcoin can empower individuals in authoritarian regimes by providing financial sovereignty, allowing them to resist government control. The conversation also addresses the manipulation of rights by oppressive governments, the dual nature of technology in society, and the need for decentralized systems to protect privacy. Gladstein calls for renewed activism against authoritarianism, illustrating Bitcoin's transformative potential for promoting freedom.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Fundamental Human Rights

Alex Gladstein lists free speech, assembly, belief, privacy, and property rights as fundamental human freedoms.
These are negative rights, liberties, rather than entitlements.

INSIGHT

Negative vs. Positive Rights

Negative rights are liberties, while positive rights are entitlements.
Authoritarian regimes often claim to provide entitlements while suppressing liberties.

INSIGHT

Importance of Free Speech and Property Rights

Free speech is arguably the most fundamental right, foundational for other freedoms.
Property rights are also crucial, as history demonstrates the dangers of forced redistribution.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The fear

Peter Godwin

The Fear chronicles Peter Godwin's return to Zimbabwe as Robert Mugabe launches a brutal campaign of terror after losing an election. The book details the atrocities faced by Zimbabweans and the remarkable courage of those who resisted the regime. It is both a deeply personal story and a powerful indictment of Mugabe's regime.

The Man Without a Face

Wolf Ruvinskis

On the Block Size War

Jonathan Beer

The Little Book of Bitcoin

Anthony Scaramucci

Saturday

Ian McEwan

The novel 'Saturday' by Ian McEwan is set on February 15, 2003, and follows the day of Henry Perowne, a successful neurosurgeon in London. The story begins with Perowne witnessing a burning plane in the sky, which sets off a series of events filled with unease and reflection. As Perowne goes about his day, he encounters various challenges, including a minor car accident that leads to a confrontation with a thug named Baxter, and a family reunion that is interrupted by a terrifying visit. The novel explores themes of personal satisfaction, the fragility of happiness, and the impact of global events on individual lives. It is noted for its elegant prose, careful dissection of daily life, and interwoven themes, and it won the 2005 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction.

The Internet of money

Andreas M. Antonopoulos

This book goes beyond the technical aspects of Bitcoin by exploring its significance and potential impact on society, politics, and economics. Andreas M. Antonopoulos examines the 'why' of Bitcoin through a series of essays, highlighting how this technology is transforming finance and beyond. The book discusses Bitcoin's role in bringing financial independence, its implications on decentralized technology, and its impact on solving social, political, and economic problems.

Mandibles

Jeff Strand

Mandibles is a dystopian novel exploring themes of societal collapse, economic instability, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story follows a family's struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by economic turmoil and environmental disaster. The novel's exploration of resource scarcity, social unrest, and the breakdown of traditional systems offers a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization. The characters' resourcefulness and determination to rebuild their lives in the face of adversity highlight the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mandibles serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.