Citizenry in the Network State
This is essay #2 of 7 as part of The Tech Progressive Writing Challenge. Join the discussion with build_ in the Discord.
It’s timely enough that another Tech Progressive Writing Challenge author, Kevin Lammer, wrote A Network State is an Improved Version of a Normal State on Day 1 that takes a realistic look at the attributes of a Network State and what it could look like. In this essay, we’ll explore the concept of Network State citizenship building upon some of the foundational definitions Kevin surfaces.
Two key attributes about the Network State emerge from Kevin’s piece in that 1) it will establish an asymmetric footprint based on geodesic distance and 2) the Network State is moreso a layer atop existing Nation States meant to fulfill higher-order needs.
1. Asymmetric Footprint
Kevin writes that “even though citizens of a Network State might be far apart when measured in geographic distance, they are very close when measured by geodesic distance.” Another way to describe this phenomenon is that the Network State will occupy an asymmetric footprint in the form of uncorrelated geographies but correlated values, culture, & mission. This presents a novel circumstance over the course of human history in that it is one of the first times where bonds are formed first online before ever having an opportunity to meet IRL (and perhaps never having that opportunity). Compare this to the extent of all of human history up to approximately the 21st century where connections were primarily formed and substantiated IRL first. Whether it was a hunting tribe, a sports team, or a given locality, communities were primarily built through the context of our physical world and fortified as such where the most constructive members emerged as “good citizens.” But what does this definition mean in the Network State? What activities, norms, and culture lend to the formation of “citizenship” in the Network State as something earned rather than granted? Is it founded on the lottery-like promises of 10,000% APY and JPGs or perhaps built on the foundation of something that requires more of us than “apeing in?” (note this author is still not fully immune to the latter :)
2. Higher Order Fulfillment
As a currently informal entity, the Network State can realistically only obtain soft power in the near and mid-term of its evolution. It cannot and should not dismiss the contributions of the physical infrastructure on which its constituents stand which we’ll cover more in tomorrow’s essay on defining Startup Cities. What it can aspire to do however is help evolve the existing state infrastructure from its last “shipped product.” (i.e. analog identification & voting, inefficient taxation, COBOL-powered welfare, etc.). These are the types of problems that, with a collective mindset, can lend themselves to citizen-building activities of the Network State in finding the right solutions. A promotional evolution of sorts that citizens aspire to grow personally and collectively in the best interests of the physical localities that they live, work, and play in. Those who build together grow and find fulfillment together.
Citizenship as a Spectrum
Considering the above attributes of the Network State, the current state of online communities today, and IRL citizenship of Nation States, we can reasonably assert that the concept of “citizenship” lies on a spectrum and is dependent on circumstances of the era. Portugal for example has recently lowered its barriers to citizenship thanks in no small part to the burgeoning economic opportunity that presents itself there from web3, essentially opening a funnel for talent and capital to the region.
On the other end of the spectrum with a narrower funnel (yet still open to anyone), in France you can obtain citizenship no matter your previous citizenship by joining the French Foreign Legion. Recruits into the French Foreign Legion go through an extremely rigorous training process, epitomizing the concept of esprit de corps through shared hardships, transcending ethnicity, religion, language, etc. Upon acceptance, a “legionnaire” may apply for French citizenship after three years of service or in the case of injury, can immediately apply under a provision known as “Français par le sang versé” (“French by spilled blood”). While this path to citizenship is not necessarily for the faint of heart, it serves as a testament to the concept of citizenship as something to earn rather than being readily granted.
Taking this concept of a citizenship spectrum online, where the Network State will primarily form, when it comes to the “citizenship” of online communities today, it lies somewhere between a one-click Discord access to 6-figure NFT purchases. To be fair, there is also the very real element of coordinated contributions taking place (and taking form from a process perspective) in communities such as LexDAO, build_, & VitaDAO to name a few. But taking that one step up from “community” to “statehood”, what does it mean to be a “citizen” in a network state? What contributions must be made to earn citizenship? How can esprit de corps be replicated behind screens and keyboards that is inclusive of all who are willing to contribute?
Reverting back to our definition of the Network State as a layer atop existing States, one definition to consider in an ideal form is being a dual-citizen of sorts; leveraging the capital, resources, and intellectual magnitude of the Network State citizenry towards the local economic and community success of one’s physical State citizenry. In return, the Network State benefits from a more cohesive relationship and positive development of the physical communities through which we all inhabit. This local-digital relationship between Network State citizens and the Nation State that physically accommodates them could be symbiotic in nature, creating a flywheel of capital, talent, and resources across the IRL <> URL divide for the benefit of both. But the cohesion between the two must be lockstep, because if we are always considering our option to exit a given area, how can these areas ever get built better?