The Network State Podcast #21 - David Friedberg
97 snips
Jan 10, 2026 
David Friedberg, co-host of the All-In podcast and CEO of Ohalo, dives into the evolving dynamics between networks and states. He discusses the 'fractal frontier' of special economic zones and startup cities, contrasting the network-driven West with the state-dominant East. The conversation also tackles America's New Deal legacy, the complexity of China’s industrial prowess, and the concept of Freedom Cities as a vision for decentralized governance. Friedberg's insights spark a thought-provoking dialogue on the future of technocracy and economic rejuvenation.
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Two Modern Frontiers: Fractal And Far East
- The internet and China represent the two modern frontiers: the fractal frontier (internet) and the Far East (China).
- Aggregating special economic zones, startup towns, and digital spaces creates large, movable territory for builders.
Open Zone Map Illustrates Fractal Frontier
- Balaji shows the Open Zone Map and notes hundreds of special economic zones worldwide as parts of the fractal frontier.
- He argues summing these pockets yields significant emergent territory for builders.
Network vs State: West Versus East
- In the West networks are increasingly stronger than states while in the East states dominate networks.
- Balaji frames future conflict as CCP versus BTC: state sovereignty versus decentralized networks.
