Bitcoin, since its birth in 2009, has been subject to large debates on multiple dimensions, especially on the question whether it embodies a viable monetary alternative to fiat currencies. Previous...Show moreBitcoin, since its birth in 2009, has been subject to large debates on multiple dimensions, especially on the question whether it embodies a viable monetary alternative to fiat currencies. Previous research has suggested that in countries dealing with severe inflation, Bitcoin can indeed have helpful monetary implications. This thesis is concerned partly with finding out the exact relationship between inflation and Bitcoin usage via regression analysis, as empirical support for the notion that they are positively associated is currently lacking. Additionally, a case study considering Argentina is conducted to gain a deeper understanding about the possible correlation between inflation and Bitcoin usage. Argentina is an example of a country under enormous inflationary pressure, and the literature indicates that Bitcoin is being used here to evade value losses from depreciation of the domestic currency. Two ways can be deduced from theory about the exact way Bitcoin fulfills this role, involving either its “store of value” or its “vehicle currency” function. Via a survey design combined with a content analysis, there is aimed to identify which role is more significant in the Argentinian context. Finally, there is reflected on the findings in the light of preceding theory, and implications are discussed for a range of different actors.Show less
Cryptocurrencies, although in their infancy, are becoming increasingly important for the global economy. Bitcoin was the first invented cryptocurrency, created by a group or person under the...Show moreCryptocurrencies, although in their infancy, are becoming increasingly important for the global economy. Bitcoin was the first invented cryptocurrency, created by a group or person under the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto in 2007, allowing for the exchange of economic value by use of its verifiable and cryptographically secure blockchain. While many countries still don’t even know how to define cryptocurrencies, China has been regulating them for years. The Chinese tech industry also often exemplifies that it is at the forefront of global blockchain technology development with its numerous fast-growing companies and tokens such as DeepBrain Chain, Ontology Network, NEO, Tron, and QTUM, thus suggesting that the tech must be succeeding in certain areas, perhaps either as a result of government regulation, or in spite of it. This paper has contextualised the state of the Chinese blockchain industry in regards to a new type of blockchain political economy and in terms of the Chinese regulatory climate.Show less
This research examines the role of Cryptography in altering the power relations between the State and its citizens in relation to both privacy and economics. As Cryptography has become stronger...Show moreThis research examines the role of Cryptography in altering the power relations between the State and its citizens in relation to both privacy and economics. As Cryptography has become stronger with the rise of the computer age the ability to hide oneself has accompanied it, however, this has also allowed for stronger surveillance techniques from the State as well. The debate between the privacy of citizens against the security of the State and its peoples have accompanied this debate since the rise of advanced Cryptology since the 1960’s. The Crypto Anarchist ideology has also grown with these advances and their battle against the State has been key in disseminating the ideas of privacy for oneself. In recent years, Crypto Anarchist’s have achieved their goal of a Peer-To-Peer decentralised currency by the name of Bitcoin. This has revitalised the movement and is another example of Crypto Anarchists attempting to wrestle back individual citizen’s control against that of the State. This paper will examine this understudied ideology and examine the battle that continues to this day between Crypto Anarchist’s, the State and its citizens.Show less
