Former a16z investor Balaji Srinivasan creates his own "Network School" on a Singapore island to teach about crypto, longevity, and technocapitalism. This initiative marks a significant step towards his vision of "network states" gaining diplomatic recognition. The concept has garnered support from Silicon Valley libertarians and crypto enthusiasts, including Marc Andreessen and Vitalik Buterin.
Srinivasan's 90-day school, starting in late September, will feature lectures on digital nomadism and meals designed by longevity-obsessed Bryan Johnson. The program is tailored for those who believe in Bitcoin's superiority over the Federal Reserve, AI's ability to provide better opinions than judges, and cryptography's potential to rejuvenate democracy.
This move towards creating internet-based sovereign nations is not unique to Srinivasan, as Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has also established his own "network state" called Zuzalu in Montenegro. The goal of these network states is to secure recognition from local governments, potentially leading to full sovereignty or special economic zones.
While the long-term plans for the Singapore island remain undisclosed, the trend of network states seeking government recognition is evident. Srinivasan is currently accepting applications for his network school, but applicants who uphold traditional institutions may not be suitable.
In summary, Balaji Srinivasan's creation of a "Network School" on a Singapore island is a bold move towards establishing internet-based sovereign nations. This initiative reflects a growing trend among tech visionaries to challenge traditional governance structures and promote innovative concepts like crypto, longevity, and technocapitalism. As these network states gain traction, they could potentially reshape global governance and economic systems, offering new opportunities for those aligned with their ideologies.