What's happened
Entrepreneurs and students are attending Network School in Forest City, Malaysia, to explore a new form of community based on shared beliefs in technology, crypto, and light regulation. The project, led by Balaji Srinivasan, aims to create startup societies that challenge traditional notions of nationhood amid broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies and political shifts.
What's behind the headline?
The story reveals a significant shift in how communities and nation-states could form in the future. Srinivasan's vision of 'startup societies' challenges traditional sovereignty, emphasizing shared beliefs over geographic borders. The choice of Forest City, with its favorable economic policies and strategic location, underscores the appeal of such experimental communities. This initiative is likely to accelerate debates on digital sovereignty and the role of cryptocurrencies in governance. The broader acceptance of crypto and political discontent with traditional states provide fertile ground for these ideas to gain traction. However, the success of these communities depends on their ability to sustain cohesion and legitimacy without formal state recognition. If successful, this model could influence global discussions on decentralization and digital nationhood, potentially reshaping the future of governance.
What the papers say
The Japan Times highlights Srinivasan's vision of 'startup societies' and the experimental nature of Forest City as a testing ground for new community models based on shared beliefs rather than territory. South China Morning Post emphasizes the broader political context, noting recent shifts in crypto acceptance and political discontent, which bolster Srinivasan's ideas. Bloomberg provides insight into the practical aspects of the project, describing the campus environment and curriculum, and the strategic economic incentives offered by local authorities. The contrasting perspectives underscore the blend of ideological innovation and pragmatic experimentation driving this movement.
How we got here
Balaji Srinivasan, a former Coinbase executive and author of 'The Network State,' advocates for creating new sovereign communities based on shared ideology rather than territory. Forest City, a Malaysian development with low rents and proximity to Singapore, was chosen as a testing ground for these ideas. The project has attracted nearly 400 students, many entrepreneurs, who are building crypto projects and testing community cohesion through shared beliefs.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Is the Network School in Malaysia Trying to Achieve?
The Network School in Malaysia is at the forefront of a new movement to create communities based on shared beliefs in technology, crypto, and light regulation. Led by entrepreneurs and students, this initiative aims to challenge traditional notions of nationhood and explore innovative ways to build sovereign communities. Curious about how this works and what it means for the future? Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this groundbreaking project.
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What Is the Network School Project in Malaysia?
The Network School project in Malaysia is an innovative experiment in community-building based on shared beliefs in technology, crypto, and light regulation. Led by entrepreneurs and students in Forest City, this initiative aims to create new forms of nationhood that challenge traditional borders. Curious about how these startup societies work and what they mean for the future of countries? Keep reading to explore the details and implications of this groundbreaking movement.
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Balaji Srinivasan is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and essayist. He was co-founder of Counsyl, Teleport, 21.co,21 Inc and Earn.com, two of which subsequently sold for more than US$100 million each.