Natalie Smolenski, a prominent figure in the Bitcoin space, is set to release a new book titled The Satoshi Papers: Reflections On Political Economy After Bitcoin. The book features contributions from esteemed academics such as Andrew M. Bailey and explores the potential shifts in politics and power brought about by Bitcoin’s existence and proliferation.
During an interview, Smolenski discussed the motivation behind The Satoshi Papers and the roster of contributors. The book aims to examine the relationship between the individual, society, and the state in a post-Bitcoin world. Contributors were selected through personal invitations and an open call for papers, resulting in a diverse and interdisciplinary collection of voices.
Political economy, a term from before political science and economics were separate fields, examines how societies generate wealth and how markets are influenced by political organization. The essays in The Satoshi Papers explore how Bitcoin’s existence automates one of the functions of the nation-state while challenging the traditional monopoly on currency issuance held by governments.
The book stands out from others on Bitcoin by being a compilation of articles from various scholars in different social science disciplines rather than a consistently authored volume. It does not seek to justify Bitcoin but rather delves into the significant political and geopolitical trends that Bitcoin has influenced and the nature of money as a social phenomenon.
Academia has shown reluctance to discuss Bitcoin, often associating it with political enemies and exploitation. The Satoshi Papers aims to challenge this perspective and intervene in the scholarly debate about Bitcoin from a rigorous academic standpoint. The book targets a wide audience, including anthropologists, economists, historians, and educated lay readers with an interest in Bitcoin.
The book addresses key societal issues such as individual emancipation and the role of the state in controlling money issuance. It asserts that individuals do not need to rely on the state for their emancipation and can take control of their lives. By exploring different fiscal scenarios and the potential impact of credit on a Bitcoin standard, The Satoshi Papers encourages readers to consider alternative perspectives on political and economic systems.
