At the recent Bitcoin Policy Summit in Washington, Human Rights Foundation Chief Strategy Officer Alex Gladstein discussed how Bitcoin can serve as a protective measure against authoritarian control.
Bitcoin's Impact on Authoritarian Regimes
Gladstein argued that Bitcoin's fixed supply and decentralized network have 'completely decimated' the power of dictators, enabling individuals to protect their assets from seizure and inflation. He emphasized that self-custodied Bitcoin wallets shield individuals from common tools of authoritarian control. 'Bitcoin is bad for dictators,' Gladstein stated, highlighting the threat decentralized money poses to unchecked state power.
Historical Case: Ukraine 2013
Gladstein provided an example from 2013 during the Ukrainian protests. He recalled that many activists had frozen bank accounts and no access to fiat. Bitcoin, trading at around $100, became an avenue for funding democracy efforts in Kyiv's Maidan Square. 'It got the value to them where traditional money couldn't go,' he noted, emphasizing Bitcoin's real-world impact in challenging circumstances.
Next Steps for Lawmakers
Attendees at the summit included staff from the Treasury, Federal Reserve, and Congress. Gladstein's remarks set the stage for upcoming hearings on digital asset policy in the House Financial Services Committee, scheduled for July 2025. Observers expect Bitcoin's human rights arguments to shape those discussions.
Gladstein's speech in Washington highlights the growing view that Bitcoin may serve as a strategic asset in the fight for global financial freedom and human rights protection.
