Tech Billionaires Already Captured the White House. They Still Want to Be Kings

Wired
Wired
3M ago
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Laurence Ion aims to create Viva City, a crypto and AI-powered enclave focused on life extension, amidst a growing trend of network states led by tech elites.
Tech Billionaires Already Captured the White House. They Still Want to Be Kings
A What happened
Laurence Ion, a Romanian programmer, is spearheading the creation of Viva City, a proposed network state that aims to leverage cryptocurrency and AI for life extension. This initiative is part of a larger trend among affluent tech figures who are exploring the establishment of autonomous communities, or network states, that operate outside conventional governmental frameworks. Ion's vision is fueled by his personal experiences with health issues and a belief that creating a new city could expedite access to innovative medical treatments. He has organized events to foster community among like-minded individuals and is actively seeking political connections to secure land and legal frameworks for his project. The rise of network states reflects a significant shift in how some tech elites view governance, prioritizing personal freedom and innovation over traditional political structures.

Key insights

  • 1

    Viva City Vision: Ion's project aims to create a life extension-focused community.

  • 2

    Network States Trend: Wealthy tech leaders are exploring autonomous communities.

  • 3

    Personal Motivation: Ion's health challenges drive his vision for Viva City.

Takeaways

The emergence of network states raises questions about governance and societal structure in the modern age.

Topics

World & Politics Governance Corruption & Accountability