Blockchain urbanism: Evolving geographies of libertarian exit and technopolitical failure

Abstract

Libertarian “exit” imaginaries project new social, political, and economic structures separate from existing institutions in which “sovereign individuals” can opt-in to the governing system that fits their ideals. This paper traces libertarian exit imaginaries through a variety of territorial and technological projects. Demonstrating how these imaginaries evolve, it describes a recent proposal to build a semi-autonomous, blockchain-based smart city in Nevada. Reflecting on these projects, the paper highlights (1) their inevitable failure as they confront reality, (2) their role as spectacle, spreading libertarian ideology, and (3) their real-life impacts on distinct places and communities even when they fail or never materialize.

Democratic Erosion of Data-Opolies: Decentralized Web3 Technological Paradigm Shift Amidst AI Disruption

“…Emerging digital citizenship regimes play a central role in reshaping the data landscape, with evolving regulatory frameworks and initiatives promoting responsible and sustainable data practices [9,10]. The article explores emancipatory datafication strategies, including (i) blockchain-based decentralized data architectures [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25], (ii) decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33], and (iii) data cooperatives [34][35][36][37], as means to empower individuals and communities in reclaiming control over their data. In conclusion, the article explores a paradigm shift in data governance [38][39][40][41][42], calling for collective efforts to build more equitable and sustainable data spaces and ecosystems, with a focus on prioritizing data sovereignty and achieving digital self-determination [43][44][45][46].…”