(Libertarian) Decentralized Web3 Map: In Search of a Post-Westphalian Territory

Résumé

The modern concept of the nation-state, rooted in the Treaty of Westphalia of 1648, is increasingly challenged by the rise of digital and decentralized technologies, particularly within the framework of Web3. This paper explores the implications of a libertarian decentralized Web3 ethos on global governance, proposing that we are entering a post-Westphalian era where traditional state sovereignty is redefined. It argues that while digital platforms and Big Tech firms, or "dataopolies," are assuming functions historically tied to nation-states, the anticipated dismantling of state sovereignty has not materialized. Instead, the process of datafication and the emergence of network states are rescaling nation-states, emphasizing the role of city-regions and digital citizenship in shaping new forms of governance. The paper critically examines three paradigms—Network States, Network Sovereignties, and Algorithmic Nations—each representing different approaches to digital governance and sovereignty. It highlights the risks associated with libertarian-driven digital enclaves and advocates for a more inclusive, community-driven model of governance that embraces both digital and physical realities. Ultimately, the paper contends that the future of global citizenship must be rooted in collective aspirations and rights, ensuring that the benefits of technological innovation are equitably distributed.