Former a16z-investor Balaji Srinivasan has announced his plan to create a “Network School” on an island in Singapore. This initiative is a significant step towards Srinivasan’s vision of establishing “network states,” which are internet communities that secure a physical location and gain diplomatic recognition from existing states. Srinivasan’s idea has gained traction among the libertarian community in Silicon Valley, earning praise from influential figures like Marc Andreessen and Vitalik Buterin.
Srinivasan’s impressive background, including his time at a16z and as Coinbase’s CTO, lends credibility to his endeavors. He is also a board member of Coin Center, a non-profit organization advocating for policies that protect the anonymity of cryptocurrency holders.
The network school, set to begin in late September, will offer a 90-day program featuring lectures on various topics, such as digital nomadism. The meals provided during the program will be designed by Bryan Johnson, an entrepreneur known for his interest in longevity. Srinivasan emphasizes that the program is best suited for individuals who believe in the potential of Bitcoin, AI, and cryptography to reshape traditional systems.
Srinivasan is not alone in his pursuit of creating network states. Ethereum cofounder Vitalik Buterin has established his own network state called Zuzalu in Montenegro. This project attracted prominent figures like musician Grimes and entrepreneur Patri Friedman. The attendees of Zuzalu participated in activities like wearing continuous glucose monitors and attending lectures on various subjects.
While Srinivasan has not revealed his plans for a permanent presence on the Singapore island, the aim of network states is often to secure recognition from local governments, whether through full sovereignty or the establishment of special economic zones. For example, Prospera, another network state backed by Friedman, successfully lobbied Honduras for an economic zone with low taxes and startup-friendly regulations.
Srinivasan is currently accepting applications for his network school, but he makes it clear that those who have a strong attachment to the current world order may not be suitable candidates. He believes that the more respect individuals have for legacy institutions and vice versa, the less suitable they will be for the program.
In conclusion, Balaji Srinivasan’s plan to create a network school in Singapore marks a significant milestone in his mission to establish network states. His initiative has garnered support from influential figures in the tech industry and has inspired others to pursue similar projects. The network school will offer a unique educational experience for individuals who share Srinivasan’s beliefs in the potential of cryptocurrency, AI, and cryptography. As the concept of network states continues to gain traction, it will be interesting to see how Srinivasan’s project and others like it evolve over time.