1. Introduction

• Book Title & Author: Balaji Srinavasan
• Genre: A techno-political version of history on why we should all choose Bitcoin and form Network state
• Publication Year: 2022. (Published online and may be updated)
• Reason for Reading: Curiousity, personal struggles, right to self determination nostalgia

2. Overview of the Book

• The book explores the concept of the network state—a decentralized, digital-first alternative to traditional nation-states—by weaving together history, technology, and politics. It begins by examining history as a trajectory, emphasizing how past events shape the present and future. The author contrasts microhistory (detailed, reproducible systems) with macrohistory (complex, non-reproducible systems), arguing that technological tools like blockchain can preserve history truthfully, countering the manipulation of narratives by political powers. This sets the stage for a discussion on the tension between political power and technological truth, where decentralized systems like Bitcoin offer a way to resist authoritarian control and preserve individual sovereignty.
• The book then delves into the tripolar moment, describing the current global power struggle between three poles: the CCP (China), representing centralized authoritarian control; the American state (NYT), symbolizing traditional media and institutional power; and Bitcoin (BTC), embodying decentralization and individual sovereignty. These poles represent competing ideologies: submission (to authority), sympathy (for collective systems), and sovereignty (over one’s wealth and identity). The author explores how conflicts and alliances between these poles will shape the future, particularly in a fragmented world where traditional left-right political divides are collapsing.
• In the section on decentralization and recentralization, the book examines possible futures, ranging from American anarchy (political and social fragmentation) to Chinese control (authoritarian technocracy) and international intermediate systems (hybrid models). It highlights the role of technoeconomic axes in shaping these futures, arguing that decentralized technologies empower individuals to create new forms of governance, such as network states, while recentralized systems risk consolidating power in the hands of a few.
• Finally, the book transitions to the concept of network states, explaining why this idea is relevant now. It critiques traditional nation-states for their inefficiencies and centralization, proposing network states as a modern alternative. These digital-first communities allow sovereign individuals to organize around shared values, crowdfund physical territories, and negotiate diplomatic recognition. The book concludes by envisioning a future where individuals, empowered by decentralized technologies, can choose to participate in or create their own "countries," redefining sovereignty in the 21st century.
• In essence, the book argues that the rise of decentralized systems like blockchain, combined with the fragmentation of traditional political structures, creates an unprecedented opportunity for individuals to reclaim control over their wealth, identity, and governance, paving the way for the emergence of network states.

3. My Unique Take

• The Network State as a Li itfeline for Stateless Diasporas: An OFW-Bangsamoro Perspective

1. OFWs as ‘Stateless’ Citizens: As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), my economic survival depends on leaving a homeland that fails to leverage its skilled workforce. The Philippines’ systemic corruption and job scarcity force millions into diaspora, rendering us quasi-stateless—physically absent yet financially tethered through remittances (3.3% of GDP). A network state could empower OFWs to reclaim agency, pooling resources and creating decentralized economies independent of Manila’s broken systems.
2. Bangsamoro’s Unfulfilled Autonomy: Despite political autonomy, Bangsamoro remains marginalized, caught between Manila’s neglect and global geopolitics. Our identity is eroded by state corruption and Manila-centric policies.
3. Philippine Politics: How do i even begin?: Books has been written about possible US civil war, the Philippines simmers with its own tensions. Duterte’s legacy and Mindanao’s separatist leanings versus The Philippine Oligarchy. A network state could preemptively unify fragmented communities (OFWs, Bangsamoro, anti-Marcos/Duterte factions) into a decentralized polity, sidestepping Manila’s corrupt machinery.
4. Geopolitical Chessboard: The Philippines is torn between U.S. allegiance and BRICS’ rise (e.g., China’s sway in the South China Sea). Bangsamoro, at this crossroads, risks becoming collateral. As though the Spratleys are not enough, Bangsa Sug can be used to sow unnecessary conflict between Philippines (US) and Malaysia (BRICS/China) as shown by the recent Sulu Sultanate-Marco Rubio petition. While I believe that a just solution should be in place, a zero-sum game approach to conflict management shouldn't probably be the first option. A network state provides neutrality—a blockchain-based system untethered to superpowers, where loyalty is to code, not corrupt states or imperial ambitions.
5. A network state provides neutrality—a blockchain-based system untethered to superpowers, where loyalty is to code, not corrupt states or imperial ambitions.