The Network State
The Network State is a thought-provoking book that explores the idea of network states— decentralized digital entities that operate like traditional states but without a physical territory. A concept created by tech entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan, The Network State introduces the notion of a country that you can start from your own computer, a state that recruits like a startup, and a nation built from the internet rather than disrupted by it. Balaji claims that like-minded people scattered across the globe can form new societies first by building communities on the internet and eventually coalescing in real life – though not necessarily in a single place. The Network State is a guide on how to do exactly that — how to start a country, first digitally and then in the real world.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
“Balaji has the highest rate of output per minute of good new ideas of anybody I’ve ever met, and The Network State may be his best.”
— Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz
"We've started new currencies. Now The Network State shows us how to start new cities and new countries."
— Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum
"Balaji is a visionary, and one of the most original thinkers of our time. Many have had the experience of hearing him say something, thinking it was crazy, and then a year or two later realizing 'Balaji was right.' I think Balaji will be right about The Network State."
— Brian Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Coinbase
"The future convergence of networks and governments, from one of the most brilliant thinkers alive."
— Naval Ravikant, co-founder of AngelList
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Balaji Srinivasan is a renowned angel investor, tech founder, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
He is a high-profile figure in the cryptocurrency and blockchain spaces and one of the most well-respected voices in crypto.
He is an early investor in many successful tech companies and crypto protocols, including Ava Labs, Bitcoin, Dapper Labs, Ethereum, OpenSea, Solana, and Zora, among others.
He is the former Chief Technology Officer of Coinbase and former General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz.