An exclusive party in New York City unveils a radical idea of network states, aiming to replace traditional governance with blockchain technology. Silicon Valley's crypto enthusiasts gather, celebrating the potential downfall of democracy with acrid humor. The critique deepens as the narrative reveals how internet trolling has influenced political landscapes, intertwining personal grief with rising extremism. Meanwhile, the evolution of campaign memes sparks a discussion on political responsibility amidst chaotic social dynamics.
The concept of network states represents a radical shift towards decentralized governance, leveraging blockchain technology to contest traditional nation-state structures.
The rise of network states intertwines with alt-right sentiments, transforming memes into political tools that challenge democracy and existing institutions.
Deep dives
The Concept of Network States
The idea of network states arises from a belief that traditional nation-states may be collapsing, making way for decentralized, tech-driven communities. Advocates for this concept envision 'start-up nations' that operate parallel to existing governments, utilizing technology to govern and manage society more efficiently. These communities may include locations like Cul-de in Arizona and Prospera in Honduras, which aim to attract entrepreneurs with their unique governance models and tax structures. Essentially, network states promise a new form of citizenship, allowing individuals to select their own societal frameworks based on personal preferences.
Emergence of Praxis
Praxis is one such initiative aiming to create a new city-state governed by blockchain technology and founded on principles of vitality and heroic virtue. Dryden Brown, the CEO of Praxis, presented a vision for a Mediterranean city that would draw on financial backing from wealthy investors to sustain its operations and attract its first citizens by 2026. However, many details about governance and infrastructure remained vague during his presentation, highlighting potential challenges in actualizing such a complex project. Currently, the Praxis community seems more active online than in physical space, raising questions about its tangible viability.
Cultural and Political Context of Network States
The emergence of network states occurs against a backdrop of discontent with democracy and traditional governance structures. Many advocates view the failed promises of democracy as an opportunity to implement an alternative system led by corporate or ideological 'strongmen.' Underlying this discussion is a notable intersection with alt-right ideologies, where memes and internet culture fuel a narrative that encourages distrust in institutions. This context suggests that these network states might not merely serve as innovative governance models but also attract elements rooted in anti-democratic sentiments.
Memes as Political Tools
Memes have become powerful tools within political movements, especially among those seeking to undermine existing democratic frameworks. The narrative illustrates how figures like Jeff Giese utilized memes to advance Trump's campaign while simultaneously creating counter-narratives that resonate with grievances against the democratic process. This transformation of meme culture into a potent political weapon suggests a terrifying shift where satire morphs into earnest political action, thereby redefining modern engagement. With Pegasus figures now employing such tactics in network state discussions, the implications for democracy and governance are profound and concerning.
Gabriel Gatehouse is on holiday with his family when he gets an invitation to an exclusive party in New York City from a group called Praxis. The tech start-up plans to create a new sovereign state somewhere on the Mediterranean coast, part of a new tech movement called ‘the network state’. The idea is that these statelets, governed not by a giant state bureaucracy but on the blockchain, will eventually replace the nation state. Gabriel meets crypto cowboys cheering on the end of democracy and tech bros hoping to replace the dollar with meme coins. It looks like kids playing around, larping as revolutionaries. But kids playing around with memes gave rise to Pizzagate, Qanon and Jan 6…
Producer: Lucy Proctor
Sound design and mix: James Beard
Editor: Richard Vadon
Script consultants: Richard Fenton-Smith and Afsaneh Gray
Commissioning editor: Dan Clarke
Original music: Pete Cunningham
CREDITS:
The Network State Conference 2023 - Livestream, The Network State Podcast, Youtube
JD Vance: The US is being run by 'childless cat ladies', Fox News
EVERY ANGEL IS TERRIFYING, Praxis_tv, Youtube
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