The trend of building new cities and communities from scratch featuring California Forever, Praxis, The Network State, Culdesac, Prospera, The Neighbourhood SF, Cabin, Fractal, The Commons, NOMAD…
The science of networks is a multidisciplinary field that explores the complex interconnections between people, organizations, and systems. When I started diving deeper I learned that it draws from various disciplines, including mathematics, physics, sociology, and computer science, and tries to understand the structure, behavior, and dynamics of networked systems of all kinds.
THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS
➡️Graph Theory
At the core of network science lies graph theory, a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of networks. Developed by Leonhard Euler in the 18th century, graph theory provides the fundamental tools for modeling and analyzing network structures. Nodes (or vertices) represent entities, while edges (or links) represent the connections between them. This simple yet powerful model applies to a vast range of networks, from social to biological to technological and is used commonly these days.
➡️Small World Phenomenon
Stanley Milgram’s “Six Degrees of Separation” experiment in the 1960s laid the groundwork for the small world phenomenon. This theory suggests that most nodes in a network are connected through a surprisingly small number of intermediaries. This has profound implications for understanding how information, ideas, or even diseases spread through networks. The Small World Phenomenon is often illustrated by the idea that “six degrees of separation” connect any two people in the world andhas significant implications in today’s interconnected digital landscape. This concept is increasingly relevant with the rise of social media and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Both platforms accelerate the spread of information and have powerful effect on the broader whole. A post or article shared by one user can quickly reach their connections and beyond, illustrating how quickly ideas and trends can propagate through a network. In today’s digital age, the Small World Phenomenon highlights the significance of networks in fostering connections, sharing information, and also creating opportunities that sometimes are at our fingertips.
➡️Scale-Free Networks
Barabási and Albert’s work on scale-free networks in the late 1990s revealed that many real-world networks follow a power-law degree distribution. This means that a small number of nodes (hubs) have a disproportionately high number of connections. The theory helps explain the structure and dynamics of the internet and the World Wide Web. Hubs in these networks are crucial for their functioning and vulnerability. Targeted attacks on hubs can disrupt the network, while random failures have less impact. A key implication of scale-free networks theory is the trade-off between resilience and vulnerability. While scale-free networks are resilient to random failures, they are vulnerable to targeted attacks on hubs. The theory also provides insights into how networks grow and evolve over time, with new nodes preferentially attaching to existing hubs — a process known as preferential attachment.
➡️Philosophical and Sociological Perspectives
Networks have profound implications for how we understand society, human interactions, and the flow of information. Sociologists like Manuel Castells have argued that we live in a “network society” where social and organizational structures are increasingly shaped by networked forms of organization. Philosophically, networks challenge traditional notions of individuality and community. In a networked world, the focus shifts from the individual to the relationships between individuals. This aligns with the philosophy of relationalism, which posits that relationships are fundamental to the existence of entities.
FRAMEWORKS AND METHODOLOGIES
THE RISE OF NETWORK-DRIVEN CITIES & INITIATIVES
The emergence of purpose-built communities and cities designed around specific networks or principles is a fascinating trend accelerating these days. Projects like California Forever, Culdesac, Prospera, The Neighbourhood SF, Cabin, Praxis, and NOMAD represent a new approach to urban planning, governing, and community building. These initiatives are designed from the ground up to foster strong, interconnected communities and for some of them to become independent, self-governing cities.
➡️ The Network State
A concept proposed by Balaji Srinivasan, envisions cloud-first communities that could eventually evolve into recognized polities. The Network State represents a new approach to governance and community-building, where digital networks play a central role in shaping the future of society.
According to Balaji, a network state can be defined as a social network that possesses several key characteristics: it has an agreed-upon leader, an integrated cryptocurrency, a specific purpose, a sense of national consciousness, and a plan to crowdfund territory. This definition encapsulates the essence of a network state as both a digital and physical entity, blending social interaction with economic and political structures.
Formation Process
The formation of a network state begins as an online community united by a shared vision. Initially, individuals come together through digital platforms, establishing connections and fostering a sense of belonging. As this community grows, it evolves into what is termed a “network union,” capable of collective action. Trust is built through both online interactions and offline meetups, strengthening the bonds among members. A crucial step in this evolution involves crowdfunding physical spaces — such as apartments, houses, or even entire towns — creating tangible assets that reflect the community’s commitment to its shared purpose. Eventually, the network state seeks diplomatic recognition from existing states, aiming to establish itself as a legitimate entity within the broader geopolitical landscape.
Key Features
Several defining features characterize network states. One is moral innovation, which refers to a unique ideological or cultural proposition that distinguishes the community from traditional entities. The presence of a recognized founder — a central figure who initiates and guides the community — is essential for providing direction and leadership. An integrated cryptocurrency facilitates internal economic transactions, enabling members to conduct business within their ecosystem. Additionally, a social smart contract serves as a consensual form of governance, outlining the rules and responsibilities of community members. The distributed territory concept reflects an “archipelago” of crowdfunded physical spaces, while a virtual capital acts as a digital headquarters or central hub for the community. An on-chain census provides proof of population, income, and real estate holdings, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Governance Model
The governance model of a network state is grounded in the consent of its participants. It utilizes blockchain technology to promote transparency and facilitate decision-making processes. Unlike traditional voting mechanisms, this model emphasizes exit rights, allowing individuals to leave the network if they disagree with its direction or governance.
Philosophical Underpinnings
The philosophical foundations of network states draw inspiration from libertarian ideas, incorporating elements that prioritize community well-being. The aim is to create a new form of sovereignty that transcends traditional geographic boundaries, fostering a sense of belonging and identity rooted in shared values rather than physical location.
Technology Integration
Network states heavily rely on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital technologies to operate. These tools are proposed as mechanisms for creating innovative forms of social organization and governance, enabling members to engage with one another and manage their community efficiently.
Goal
The overarching goal of network states is to foster communities that can innovate in governance, culture, and social organization. They aspire to achieve recognition and autonomy comparable to traditional nation-states, positioning themselves as viable alternatives in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
Challenges
Despite their potential, network states face several challenges. Balancing an effective online and offline presence is crucial, as members need to feel connected both digitally and physically. Achieving diplomatic recognition from existing states is another significant hurdle, as it requires navigating complex political dynamics. Additionally, implementing effective governance in a decentralized system presents its own set of challenges, particularly in ensuring participation and accountability.
Srinivasan’s concept of network states represents a fusion of technological innovation, social organization, and political theory. It aims to create a new form of state that is native to the digital age while still maintaining a physical presence in the world, offering a compelling vision for the future of governance and community-building.
➡️Praxis (Global)
Praxis, founded by Dryden Brown is an alternative education and apprenticeship program aimed at building a network of young people focused on practical skills and entrepreneurship. As of September 15, 2024, the community has 13,282 members, known as Praxians, and boasts a combined value of $400.5 billion from companies founded by its members.
Praxis challenges traditional education models by prioritizing real-world experience and practical skills. The organization is also pioneering the development of a new city on the Mediterranean, envisioned as a hub for technological and cultural progress. This city will serve as a space for innovation and the exploration of a new frontier.
Praxis identifies itself as the world’s first Network State — a global online community with a shared national consciousness. It aims to cultivate a distinct way of life, develop governing institutions, and eventually crowdfund the establishment of a physical city. Praxians, spread across more than 82 countries, are united by their mission to restore Western civilization and aspire to humanity’s ultimate destiny: life among the stars.
➡️ California Forever
California Forever proposes to construct a new community for up to 400,000 residents on approximately 60,000 acres of rural farmland in eastern Solano County, about 60 miles outside of San Francisco. The project is led by CEO Jan Sramek and backed by a group of Silicon Valley investors and tech billionaires. This project envisions a sustainable, tech-driven city that addresses the challenges of modern urban living.
Check the project updates here.
➡️ Culdesac (Arizona)
Culdesac, founded by Ryan Johnson is a car-free neighborhood in Tempe, designed to foster community and sustainable living. This neighborhood is built around the principles of walkability, sustainability, and community engagement.
Culdesac’s mission is to build cities for people. They develop and manage neighborhoods that prioritize community, mobility, and open space. Their first walkable neighborhood built from scratch, Culdesac Tempe, is a 1,000-person neighborhood that is now welcoming its founding residents.
➡️Prospera (Honduras)
Prospera is founded by Erick Brimen. A charter city experiment aimed at creating a new economic and governance model in Latin America. Prospera is a startup city with a regulatory system designed for entrepreneurs to build better, cheaper, and faster than anywhere else in the world. Prospera envisions a networked city that integrates cutting-edge technology with economic and political innovation.
➡️Vitalia (Honduras)
Vitalia is an innovative project aimed at creating a new city focused on accelerating life extension technologies and longevity research.
Vitalia is designed as a “longevity network city” with the primary goal of fostering rapid advancements in biotechnology and life extension research. The project aims to create an environment where longevity-focused companies and researchers can collaborate and innovate more efficiently.
The city is planned to be distributed across 3–5 hubs located in different special economic zones. It started as a temporary pop-up city, which was reportedly successful and helped prove the concept.
Accelerated Research: Vitalia aims to dramatically speed up drug development, with an ambitious goal of reducing time-to-market to just 4 months.
Regulatory Innovation: The city is designed as a real-world testbed for biotechnology research and development, aiming to overcome limitations often imposed by traditional regulatory systems.
Collaborative Environment: By bringing together researchers, companies, and resources focused on longevity, Vitalia hopes to create a synergistic ecosystem for innovation.
Network City Model: Vitalia embraces the concept of a network city, potentially collaborating or co-locating with other innovative urban projects. This approach could potentially serve as a model for future specialized research communities and cities.
Feel free to watch ‘Building Crypto Cities For Longevity Acceleration: Practical Challenges’ by Niklas Anzinger, Vitalia here.
➡️The Neighbourhood SF (California)
The Neighbourhood SF is aco-living community in San Francisco focused on fostering creativity and collaboration among residents. This community is designed to bring together like-minded individuals who value creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
➡️Cabin (Global)
Cabin, is anetwork of rural co-living spaces for remote workers, reimagining the relationship between work and living spaces. Cabin aims to create a network of flexible, adaptable living spaces that cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers.
➡️Vibecamp (Global)
Vibecamp led by Brooke Bowman, focuses on building experiential communities where individuals can connect over shared interests in a festival-like atmosphere. Their mission is to support physical manifestations of digital connections wherever they occur. They’re doing their part through the yearly vibecamp festival and their one-off events like vibeclipse, but they’d also like to support everyone else hosting these kinds of gatherings, to help keep the ecosystem anti-fragile and make it global.
➡️ The Commons (San Francisco)
The Commons’ mission is to foster Community & Collaboration. The organization is dedicated to building a community-oriented framework that emphasizes mutual support and collaboration. It creates an inclusive space for individuals to connect, share resources, and engage in collective learning and action. By promoting resource sharing, The Commons enhances productivity and innovation among its members. The organization also organizes events and workshops to empower members to take collective action on issues they care about, fostering a sense of agency. Additionally, The Commons supports local initiatives, emphasizing community engagement and social impact. Overall, it embodies a vision of collaborative community life, driving positive change through shared resources and connections.
The Commons motto:
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
– Howard Thurman
➡️ Fractal (New York)
Fractal, by Andrew Rose and Priya Rose, seeks to create decentralized communities that are autonomous and self-sustaining. Fractal University offers in-person, community sections of the best online courses in the world. They offer the classes at low cost, to anyone in New York City. The first semester includes courses in AI, community-building, NYC government, and computer science. It aims to democratize enjoyable, community education and public research culture by creating an easily replicable model for a decentralized university — and the economic, social, and creative opportunities they create. The intellectual + cultural commons is something they create together, whether it’s on X, LinkedIn, Facebook or over the dinner table. Founders want to help students become public writers, researchers, scientists, artists, and engineers, all collaborating together in public.
➡️ Nomad (Global)
Nomad is founded by Zach Milburn who is building a worldwide network of co-living villages with truly flexible, furnished leasing. Custom-designed and built from scratch, our residences were created specifically for remote workers and digital nomads. Our first co-living village development is located in Raleigh, NC, USA. Members can pay one rent and live in all locations with no min/max number of days to stay. Current locations are available in Raleigh, North Carolina and Roatan, Caribbean.
Don’t Die (Global)
The Don’t Die Community, founded by Bryan Johnson, is a movement centered on advancing human longevity and well-being. It promotes health optimization by encouraging members to adopt practices that enhance both physical and mental health. The community provides a supportive network where individuals can share their experiences, strategies, and resources related to longevity. By leveraging cutting-edge research and technology, members are empowered to explore innovative solutions for improving their health. Education is a key focus, with Johnson aiming to inform members about the latest research and techniques in health optimization. The community emphasizes a proactive approach, urging individuals to take charge of their wellness journeys. The Don’t Die Community seeks to inspire and equip people to enhance their quality of life and extend their lifespan.
THE NEW REALITY: How Networks Will Transform Society?
As networked communities and cities evolve, they are poised to reshape major aspects of society, including education, work, politics, and social structures. The future will be marked by fluid, interconnected networks that redefine the boundaries of traditional institutions and create new pathways for personal and collective progress.
Education
- Transformation of Traditional Schooling: Networked learning communities will emerge as alternatives or supplements to traditional education systems. Emphasizing practical skills and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, these communities will enable students to learn in ways that align with their individual interests and goals.
- Online Platforms and Mentorship Networks: The rise of online learning and mentorship networks will democratize access to knowledge, providing global opportunities for personalized education and project-based learning across those communities (skills sharing and peer-to-peer knowledge transfer).
Work
- Growth of Remote Work and Digital Nomadism: People will increasingly choose communities based on shared values rather than geographic proximity. The gig economy will continue to expand as digital platforms and distributed, remote cities connect freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employers worldwide.
- Fluid Careers: The concept of a lifelong job may disappear, replaced by portfolio careers in which individuals move between projects, companies, and industries. Professional networks will be essential for finding opportunities, learning new skills, and advancing careers.
Politics
- Emergence of New Governance Models: Networks will enable direct forms of democracy, potentially challenging the dominance of nation-states. Blockchain technology may facilitate secure, transparent voting systems, allowing citizens to participate more directly in decision-making.
- Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): DAOs could not really replace but complement traditional governments in some areas, giving people more control over their communities and resources through decentralized, networked governance.
Social Structures
- Fluid and Purpose-Driven Communities: Social structures will become more fluid as people belong to multiple overlapping networks, transcending geographic constraints. Communities will form around shared purposes and values, blurring the lines between physical and digital spaces.
- New Forms of Reality: As networks grow, our connections with others will form the foundation of a new reality where both the physical and digital worlds blend, shaping how we live and interact and where individuals have freedom of belonging.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” — Coretta Scott King
The rise of network-centric communities and cities, as seen in initiatives mentioned above, represents a shift in how societies are organized. The science of networks provides a powerful framework for understanding the interconnected world, and as these networks expand, they will reshape how we approach education, work, politics, and community building.
In this networked future, the ability to navigate and contribute to these networks will become a vital skill. The freedom to choose and join the evolving structures and have a real impact on shaping the way they work can be a fulfilling mission for some of the visionary leaders who stay behind those initiatives. Those who can leverage the power of networks will drive both individual success and collective progress. As we enter this new era, it is clear that networks are not just the infrastructure of society — they are the very fabric of our existence, whether it’s online, real-life, distributed, or concentrated and focused on a small community.
Do you want to learn more about network cities, network states, network sovereignties, coordi-nations, network nations, and other adjacent ideas?
➡️ Apply for the Network Society Camp in Austin (OCTOBER 11–14, 2024). Three days of connection, coherence, and fun at a classic American summer camp for founders, builders, and leaders of the network society ecosystem.
➡️ Check other resources:
- Live stream of The Network State Conference2023 here.
- Live stream of The Network State Conference 2024 here.
- The Network State with Balaji Srinivasan
- Read The Network State ebook for free here.
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