Blockchain for Decolonization – Yukako Ban

NetMission Ambassador Blog Posts

Our history is a tapestry woven with the threads of human connection, from ancient migrations out of Africa to the complex trade networks of the Silk Road and beyond. As technology evolves, our world grows smaller, bringing distant communities closer than ever. Yet, the shadows of colonialism linger in our modern society, influencing social structures with power dynamics rooted in the past.

Colonialism’s impact didn’t just fade away with its official end; it continues to shape our society today. Recognized as a power-driven ideology (Hespanhol et al., 2022), its influence lingers within our current social structures. In response, movements worldwide are advocating for decolonization and decoloniality, aiming to rectify the deep-seated inequalities and exploitative systems of the past. As we confront global challenges like climate change, striving for a sustainable and inclusive society becomes imperative, emphasizing the need to address these historical injustices for the betterment of all.

This blog explores how blockchain can be a tool for decolonization, aiming to mend historical inequalities and forge a path toward a more just and inclusive world.

Will blockchain contribute to neo-colonialism?

Blockchain, a decentralized and secure digital ledger, safeguards transactions across numerous computers to ensure immutability and transparency. Its applications, including cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DAOs, and Web 3.0, spark debates on its impact: does it reinforce the neo-colonial divide between the Global North and South, or does it empower decolonial efforts in the Global South?

One of the notable examples is the potential re-reinforcement of colonialism by NFTs (Hespanhol et al., 2022). NFTs are unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology, representing ownership or proof of authenticity of items like art, collectibles, or even real estate in the digital realm. 

While the enthusiasm around NFTs and their potential is undeniable, scholarly concerns suggest a deeper examination of their implications. NFTs, by assigning value to freely replicable digital items, might inadvertently echo historical patterns of racial capitalism, where ownership and control were paramount (Hespanhol et al., 2022). This modern incarnation of material possession through tokenization raises questions about the perpetuation of colonial legacies (idib). The discourse on digital content ownership, deeply entwined with capitalist and racial ideologies (ibid), remains unchanged by NFTs, pushing the concept of exclusivity to new extremes. There is the potential for NFTs that their role in extending a legacy where ownership and material possession are central, similar to the ways colonialism diminished the rights and cultures of indigenous peoples.

Another example is in the financial field. Blockchain’s role in financial systems might actually uphold current power structures rather than offer an alternative. Campbell-Verduyn (2022) argues that without critical and nuanced engagement, blockchain could end up reinforcing colonial legacies within finance. This situation underscores the importance of adopting a thoughtful approach to integrating blockchain in settings like Africa, ensuring it serves to dismantle, rather than uphold, existing inequalities and power dynamics.

Technology transfer and open access might pave the way for social change but aren’t enough to break down long-standing global power imbalances. The real challenge is the uneven spread of technological advancements and the ability to use these technologies, which are mostly held by wealthier areas. Addressing this requires a collective effort to ensure technology like blockchain can truly make global systems like finance more democratic. Achieving meaningful social change demands adjusting power dynamics, policies, and international collaboration towards fairness and justice, along with rethinking our approaches to economy, politics, and ethics.

The potential of blockchain as the tool for decolonizing and just world

Decolonization in the global system is complex, yet blockchain technology shows promise for empowering communities at the same time. An example is a Congo-based artist collective using NFTs to digitally repatriate a sculpture, symbolizing resistance against colonial rule (William, 2022). This innovative use of NFTs to preserve and assert control over cultural heritage demonstrates how digital technology can support decolonization efforts by valuing and protecting cultural identities.

Blockchain technology holds the keys to how we shape our future. Its impact on society hinges on how we choose to use it, acknowledging that it can bring both benefits and drawbacks. As we progress, it’s vital to listen to diverse global voices to build a more inclusive society. Blockchain offers avenues for decolonization, such as making supply chains transparent for genuine fair trade and enabling DAOs to foster community self-governance, free from the centralized control reminiscent of colonial times (Hespanhol et al., 2022, Gloerich 2023). The potential for positive change is boundless.

Blockchain is rapidly emerging as a key technology, yet the platforms built on it, like DeFi and Web 3.0, are still evolving and their future impacts remain uncertain. As these technologies become more regulated and standardized, it raises critical questions about who will set these regulations and with what intentions. Merely including previously silenced voices isn’t enough; a genuine shift in the power structure is required. To prevent technology from merely ushering in a new form of imperialism, a broad range of voices and experiences must shape a fairer society.

Written by Yukako Ban

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