
Let Them Eat Crypto
The Blockchain Scam That's Ruining the World
Peter Howson(Author)
Pluto Press
Published on 20. October 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-0-7453-4821-6 (ISBN)
Description
'An essential resource. Howson strikes not just at cryptocurrency, but the frauds who promote blockchain technology as a solution to any social problem' - David Gerard, author of Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain
The subject of immense hope, hype and confusion, crypto has amassed countless headlines in recent years. With cryptocurrencies, NFTs and metaverse markets crashing, the underlying blockchain technology is still promised to solve global development challenges, and revolutionise every industry. But is the technology really a silver bullet?
Peter Howson cuts through the jargon and bluster to tell an alarming story of how right-wing libertarian crypto entrepreneurs - often aided by charities, politicians and philanthropists - seek out and exploit conditions of poverty, oppression, corruption and conflict. Their goal? A new front of 'crypto-colonial' extractivism.
Let Them Eat Crypto reveals the alarming truth: far from 'banking the unbanked', saving the gorillas, or freeing people from oppressive governments, blockchain offers only false solutions, surveillance and hi-tech snake oil.
The subject of immense hope, hype and confusion, crypto has amassed countless headlines in recent years. With cryptocurrencies, NFTs and metaverse markets crashing, the underlying blockchain technology is still promised to solve global development challenges, and revolutionise every industry. But is the technology really a silver bullet?
Peter Howson cuts through the jargon and bluster to tell an alarming story of how right-wing libertarian crypto entrepreneurs - often aided by charities, politicians and philanthropists - seek out and exploit conditions of poverty, oppression, corruption and conflict. Their goal? A new front of 'crypto-colonial' extractivism.
Let Them Eat Crypto reveals the alarming truth: far from 'banking the unbanked', saving the gorillas, or freeing people from oppressive governments, blockchain offers only false solutions, surveillance and hi-tech snake oil.
Reviews / Votes
'A methodical and essential resource. Howson strikes not just at cryptocurrency, but the frauds who promote blockchain technology as a solution to any social problem - when they only exploit the vulnerable to pump their coins.' -- David Gerard, author of 'Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain' 'Surveys the geopolitics of cryptocurrency and blockchain .. Howson strikes not just at cryptocurrency but at the frauds who promote blockchain technology as a solution to any social problem' -- 'Foreign Policy'More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 196 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
272 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7453-4821-6 (9780745348216)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
10/2023
1st Edition
Pluto Press
€12.49
Available for download
Person
Peter Howson is a technology writer, researcher, and Assistant Professor in International Development at Northumbria University, Newcastle. He investigates the green-washing, aid-washing, and crypto-shenanigans that go on in Silicon Valley, as well as the lesser-known tech-hubs of the Global South.
Content
Preface
Introduction
1. Banking the Unbanked
2. The Crypto Colonists
3. Green Wash Trading
4. Bad Samaritans
5. Bloke Chains
6. For Betterverse or Metaworse
7. A World Without Web3
Notes
Index
Introduction
1. Banking the Unbanked
2. The Crypto Colonists
3. Green Wash Trading
4. Bad Samaritans
5. Bloke Chains
6. For Betterverse or Metaworse
7. A World Without Web3
Notes
Index