Exploring the potential for blockchains in fragile states

Abstract

Blockchains have been hailed as a game-changing institutional technology. Most of the analysis of blockchains focuses on their uses in the Global North. Though there is increasing consideration of their uses in the Global South, few studies consider the uses of blockchains in fragile states. In this paper, we consider the potential for blockchain deployments by governments, international organizations, and citizens in fragile states. We find that government deployments are unlikely in fragile states, though blockchains can be useful through their increasing use by aid organizations and by providing people with opportunities, such as access to cryptocurrencies. Blockchains may be revolutionary, but the extent to which they have improved the lives of people in fragile states is questionable.

Introduction to the special issue: Blockchains and public administration

“…Use of blockchains for land registries, distribution of government services, and recording of identities each presumes a basic administration structure upon which a layer of additional technology can be added. Recent work in this area suggests that given the challenges with even standard digitalization in fragile states, blockchain applications are not likely to offer many solutions for post-conflict government deployments (Qadam Shah et al, 2023). Still, blockchains are not without significance for those residing in fragile states.…”