The Political Economy and Feasibility of Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies


Book Description

Entrepreneurship and Economic Development addresses the importance of business creation, which is endemic in subsistence indigenous cultures, widespread in developing economies, and a critical feature of adaptation in the most advanced economies. The author offers systematic comparisons of six stages of economic development which provide information about the adjustments in the economic and social context affecting participation in business creation, the sectors where activities occur, and the nature of the contributions to economic growth and adaptation.




Bitcoin and Beyond


Book Description

Since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009 several hundred different ‘cryptocurrencies’ have been developed and become accepted for a wide variety of transactions in leading online commercial marketplaces and the ‘sharing economy’, as well as by more traditional retailers, manufacturers, and even by charities and political parties. Bitcoin and its competitors have also garnered attention for their wildly fluctuating values as well as implication in international money laundering, Ponzi schemes and online trade in illicit goods and services across borders. These and other controversies surrounding cryptocurrencies have induced varying governance responses by central banks, government ministries, international organizations, and industry regulators worldwide. Besides formal attempts to ban Bitcoin, there have been multifaceted efforts to incorporate elements of blockchains, the peer-to-peer technology underlying cryptocurrencies, in the wider exchange, recording, and broadcasting of digital transactions. Blockchains are being mobilized to support and extend an array of governance activities. The novelty and breadth of growing blockchain-based activities have fuelled both utopian promises and dystopian fears regarding applications of the emergent technology to Bitcoin and beyond. This volume brings scholars of anthropology, economics, Science and Technology Studies, and sociology together with GPE scholars in assessing the actual implications posed by Bitcoin and blockchains for contemporary global governance. Its interdisciplinary contributions provide academics, policymakers, industry practitioners and the general public with more nuanced understandings of technological change in the changing character of governance within and across the borders of nation-states.




Crypto-capital


Book Description




The Economics of Cryptocurrencies and Digital Money


Book Description

Cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and central bank digital currency open uncharted territory for the nascent economics of new digital money. This Pivot addresses the foundations of the monetary problem raised by Bitcoin and followers, starting with the game theory of Proof-of-Work as rent-seeking contest and a lively account of the different ways of trust that blockchain solutions and monetary institutions are meant to face. In so doing, the authors introduce the relevance of safe assets under the light of the principle of “no questions asked” that characterizes the monetary problem of the 2020s. Principles for regulation emerge in the perspective in which private issuers of digital coins are essentially issuers of demand deposits, and therefore bank-like entities. The potential role of central bank digital currency in the future monetary system is thoroughly discussed. Students and researchers in economics and finance, professionals and sophisticated readers may consider this book an essential guide to the challenging new dimensions of digital money.




Beyond Bitcoin


Book Description

Digital currencies are a fairly new phenomenon brought about by the spectacular rise of the internet. While Bitcoin is the most famous, there are numerous other digital currencies—from Amazon Coin to Zetacoin. Beyond Bitcoin explores the economic forces underlying the design of their features and their potential. Halaburda and Sarvary argue that digital currencies are best understood by considering the economic incentives driving their creators and users. The authors present a framework that will allow systemic analysis of this dynamic environment and support further discussion of the design of digital currencies' features and the competition in the market.




Money Code Space


Book Description

Following the catastrophic events of the 2008 global financial crisis, an anonymous hacker released Bitcoin to claw back power from commercial and central banks. It quickly garnered an enthusiastic following who sought to forge a stable and democratic global economy--a world free from hierarchy and control. In their eyes, Bitcoin's underlying architecture, blockchain, hailed the dawn of decentralisation. Money Code Space shatters these emancipatory claims. In their place, Jack Parkin constructs a new framework for revealing the geographies of power that lie behind blockchain networks. Drawing on first-hand experience in cryptocurrency communities and start-up companies from Silicon Valley to London, Parkin untangles the complex web of culture, politics, and economics that truly drive decentralisation.




Simple Macroeconomics of Crypto Currency and the Political Economy of Monetary Policy in a Democracy


Book Description

The paper attempts to examine the macroeconomic implications of the coexistence of crypto currency with legal tender money in the context of a democratic country such as India. The paper shows that macroeconomic implications of crypto currency can be captured by a simple extension of the IS-LM model. The main potential political consequence emerges due to difficulty in implementation of monetary policy, especially prior to elections. The paper shows that if the share of crypto currency out of total money supply is high it is bound to impact on the efficacy of monetary policy. .The paper also examines the practical difficulties of legalizing crypto currency.




Crypto Crisis, and Community


Book Description

In the complex tapestry of our modern world, where economic landscapes constantly shift and evolve, three seemingly disparate phenomena have emerged as defining narratives of our time: cryptocurrencies, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the rise of municipal startups. These seemingly unrelated forces have converged to create a fascinating and intricate story of economic development, resilience, and innovation. In this book, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate threads that connect these three distinct aspects of our global reality and shed light on the unique opportunities and challenges they present. Cryptocurrencies, often heralded as the future of finance, have disrupted traditional economic systems and ignited a revolution in the way we perceive and transact value. While their origins can be traced back to the early 21st century, their impact on global economies has been nothing short of revolutionary. As we explore the realm of cryptocurrencies, we will delve into their potential to democratise finance, mitigate financial inequality, and foster innovative solutions in the face of economic adversity. In stark contrast, the Syrian refugee crisis represents one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time. Millions of displaced individuals have sought refuge in neighbouring countries and beyond, leading to an unprecedented strain on economies and infrastructure. Yet, amidst the adversity, stories of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit have emerged. The Syrian diaspora, driven by a relentless pursuit of stability, has contributed to local economies through innovative business ventures. We will examine these stories of hope and the transformative role of displaced communities in host nations. Amid these global narratives, the emergence of municipal startups has quietly reshaped the way cities are managed and services are delivered. These innovative ventures, driven by a desire to address pressing urban challenges, have the potential to redefine the relationship between local governments, businesses, and communities. Through case studies and real-world examples, we will explore how municipal startups are harnessing technology and community-driven solutions to improve urban living standards and foster economic growth. As we embark on this exploration of interconnected economic developments, we will uncover the underlying themes that bind these seemingly disparate threads together. Through the lens of cryptocurrencies, the lens of the Syrian refugee crisis, and the lens of municipal startups, we will gain insights into the evolving dynamics of our global economy, the resilience of human spirit in times of adversity, and the untapped potential of community-driven innovation. In doing so, we will come to understand how these forces converge to shape the economic landscape of our world today, and the opportunities they present for a more equitable and prosperous future.







Beyond Bitcoin


Book Description

Over the last few years, we have witnessed an upsurge of enthusiasm about cryptocurrencies and, more generally, the so-called blockchain technology. In this new and updated edition, the authors explore what exactly these new technologies entail and promise. They argue that to understand the potential challenges and further developments in the market, one needs to develop an understanding of what needs these innovations fulfill and what business models are consistent with their use. For that, we need to sufficiently understand both the technology and how it affects the economic forces at play. This book goes beyond the headlines that say “blockchain will decentralize everything” and provides in-depth, rigorous analysis of what can be effectively decentralized and how this decentralization will work. The book draws not only on the general knowledge of digital currencies and blockchain technologies, but also on recent academic research on the topic. Featuring a fully updated chapter on cryptocurrencies and new chapters on smart contracts and enterprise blockchains, this book is critical reading for those interested in how technology developments impact business and society.