Over the centuries we saw "experimentations" with many governance models. Thus far, what was created has not benefitted the majority of humanity. We seem adept at creating tyrannical states. Perhaps that is just a product of human nature. Nevertheless, it is becoming evident, again, that something needs to change.
The present Nation-State idea saw its run last a couple centuries. Since it is the dominant structure, we presume it will always be that way. Of course, when we look back throughout history, we can see how change does occur.
For this reason, it is likely we see the end of the Nation-State by the next turn of the century. Simply put, the governance models we created under this scenario simply do not work for most people. This is something that we are going to change.
What will this evolve into? At this point, it is a complete unknown. However, we do have the mechanism to start the process.
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Digital States
It is impossible to argue the rise of digital states. We are seeing networks develop that are larger and likely more powerful than many governments. When we look at the size and reach of Facebook, Google, and Apple, we can understand how this is so.
The digital world operates at a much quicker pace than the physical one. Governments take a long time to move. Perhaps it is because of their structure or it could be due to the fact it has to operate in this realm. The world of atoms is not very quick, especially compared to the one build on bits.
One of the old sayings in real estate is "they cannot create more land". We know this is a physical phenomenon. In the virtual realm, we can easily do this. In fact, we already see blockchain-based land. Each network or platform has the ability to create more land. So much for that characteristics of physics.
In dealing with a near infinite state that operates at ever increasing speed, the opportunity for experimentation is enormous. When it comes to governance, we now have the ability to innovate and create. Using different Networked-States, the potential exists to test dozens of models in an effort to determine what works. This will probably seep out into the physical realm, being implementing at many government levels.
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Horizontal Rather Than Vertical
There is little doubt most of the organizations in our lives are hierarchical in nature. This is the structure used over many thousands of years. Whether it was the Church, a monarchy, or corporation, we see the same design. It is a top-down approach.
The reason this is the case for two-fold. To start, it does enable control. People at the top have the power which is exerted on the individuals at the lower levels. It is a presumption that those at the upper head had the most experience and knowledge. Of course, there are many examples in history where this is not the case. Nevertheless, it is how we operated.
Another characteristic of this is that it was effective. The old saying about too many cooks is seen here. Decisions are made by a few, often under the guise of representing the masses. Whatever the entity, those entrusted with the responsibility were suppose to do "what is best for the whole". Again, we know this is not the case.
In the physical world, it is very difficult to operate in another manner. Quite simply, due to our forms of communication and interaction, a hierarchical system probably was the only effective means of going forward. Horizontal structures were tried over the years, with limited success.
That could all be changing. The digital world, due to its inherent characteristics, can radically alter everything that takes place in the physical world. What was once a constraint is no longer.
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A World Of Cooperatives
For the first time, we can establish a governance model based upon the idea of cooperatives. This is a structure that did find occasional success over the centuries, almost exclusively when the scope was small. There was always a challenge in scaling. It did not operate well when the operation grew and became spread out.
Unfortunately, personal initiative often sabotaged the cooperative. For example, a fishing area could work well as a cooperative, until someone decides to operate outside the rules. In the physical realm, capturing the nefarious actor is difficult and then bringing them to "justice" even harder. Usually, the reaction is for others to follow, no longer operating in the best interest of the overall. Individual gain takes priority.
How can this be changed? Could the "code is law" really incorporate a level of adherence that did not exist? We know that scaling is not as issue as digital network can become enormous, spanning the entire globe.
Another factor is the fact "digital" cooperatives are voluntary. People opt to use a network when they log on. There is nothing that forces anyone to use Facebook or Twitter. Sure it is difficult to get around many of the silos that hijacked the present version of the Internet. Nevertheless, this is an area that blockchain is looking at addressing.
Each network is free to engage in whatever form of governance that is desired. Thus far, in the early stages of the industry, it appears to be an area that did not receive a great deal of attention. Instead, infrastructure has to be the priority.
That said, there is going to come a time, most likely in the next few years, where people take a serious look at experimentation with governance models. These will be developed and operate totally within the digital realm. However, those that have some success will see parts (if not all) of those models start to drift out into the physical realm.
Will this happen overnight? Of course not. What is going to occur is the most unstable areas are going to continue to struggle. Some of these models might find their way in over the next couple decades. As with anything, then things start to spread.
National leaders are not going to be able to avoid this. The shift in focus, from physical to digital will force their power to wane. We are already seeing more economic activity occurring in the digital realm. That is only going to grow. In fact, each year, we see more of our physical economy shifting, at least in part, to the digital. Here is where networks start to take over.
All of this leads to an eventual change in the governance models we are operating under. For the first time, we have the ability to spend a decade massive experimenting with different systems that address structures that were in place for centuries.
It is going to be a radical shift, something most people are not prepared for. Give it 20 years and we will see how far the process penetrates the "real world".
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