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.
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Network State Movement
The "network state" movement believes nation-states are failing and will be replaced by tech-driven statelets.
These statelets, governed by blockchain, would allow individuals to choose their nationality like a gym membership.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Praxis
Dryden Brown, CEO of Praxis, proposes a city-state on the Mediterranean coast governed by blockchain.
Its founding principles include "vitality and heroic virtue," attracting edgy tech types and raising concerns.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Praxis Party
Praxis magazine promotes a "throwback, analogue memetics" urging readers to photocopy and spread memes.
Crypto cowboys at the party believe meme coins like Pepe the Frog will replace traditional currency.
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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].
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
The Coming Storm 