The Bankless podcast recently explored the potential advantages of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, with a focus on China and Russia's efficient resource allocation compared to the US. Economist Noah Smith and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin discussed how liberal democracies face challenges in the digital age due to the internet's impact on information aggregation. Buterin highlighted blockchain technology's role in enabling secure communication and anonymous voting, particularly in authoritarian states. This technology could support democratic movements and safeguard freedoms by providing a safe space for dialogue and organization. While acknowledging the risks of authoritarian influence, the discussion emphasized the resilience of liberal democracies. By leveraging blockchain and zero-knowledge proofs, it may be possible to counteract the disadvantages faced by democracies in the digital era, ensuring democracy's continued growth amidst technological advancements. Read more AI-generated news on: https://app.chaingpt.org/news