The Cyberstate Revolution: A New Chapter in Governance
In the rapidly digitizing world, traditional nation-state models of governance, formalized as far back as 1648, are increasingly showing their limitations. Addressing this challenge, Jarrad Hope and Peter Ludlow have embarked on a revolutionary exploration in their latest book, Farewell to Westphalia: Crypto Sovereignty and Post-Nation-State Governance. Officially released on September 18, 2025, the book delves into the concept of ‘cyberstates,’ proposing blockchain-driven solutions for the global challenges of today.
What Are Cyberstates?
Hope and Ludlow define cyberstates as online, blockchain-powered communities capable of performing traditional government functions—such as enhancing security, promoting trade, sponsoring culture, and even negotiating agreements. Unlike modern nation-states, these communities are geographically unbound and rooted in shared values and voluntary membership.
Cyberstates leverage blockchain technology, which provides a transparent, immutable platform for communication, governance decisions, and even voting. Imagine a community where decisions are made openly, corruption is minimized, and trust is built through technology. It’s a breathtaking alternative to the opaque mechanisms of traditional governance.
A Blueprint for Digital Governance
The authors argue that blockchain offers tools that make governance both transparent and secure. As described in the book, this technology enshrines accountability while protecting individuals’ privacy, a balance that traditional systems struggle to achieve.
“Governance, whether public or private, is critical yet often broken. Blockchain shifts this paradigm by shining a light on previously opaque processes.”—Hope and Ludlow.
The Radical Vision of Hope and Ludlow
Jarrad Hope, a seasoned blockchain developer and founder of Logos, brings technical expertise and his commitment to digital freedom. Peter Ludlow, a philosopher with a focus on linguistics and virtual communities, adds a multidisciplinary lens to their work.
Drawing inspiration from cypherpunk culture and hacktivist ideals, Farewell to Westphalia is dedicated to figures like Julian Assange and Hal Finney, emphasizing its roots in freedom and transparency advocacy. The book outlines a bold proposal—blockchain-powered political entities designed to meet the challenges of our interconnected and increasingly distrustful digital society.
Your Guide to the Future: How to Explore This Vision
Available for purchase both online and in print through Logos Press Engine, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, politics, and human freedom. Featuring a Creative Commons license, it invites readers to share, remix, and expand upon its groundbreaking ideas.
Empower Your Digital Experience
If you’re intrigued by blockchain’s transformative potential for modern governance, consider exploring blockchain solutions yourself. Products like Ledger’s Hardware Wallet allow everyday users to securely manage cryptocurrency and take a step toward the principles advocated for in Farewell to Westphalia.
As society moves closer to digital-first living, books like Farewell to Westphalia aren’t just thought experiments—they are roadmaps to a better, more equitable future.
