The concept of freedom is inherently misconstrued around the world. The US believes its country is born from freedom, Europe and parts of Asia often think they are freer than their Atlantic cousins, and the West views those in Russia, China, North Korea, and other such states as lacking freedom altogether. Meanwhile, most of the world forgets about the rest of the developing world.
The US especially seems to have an obsession with 'freedom,' especially 'handing out freedom' to specific places in the world where they deem it necessary. Yet, what is this freedom? Freedom to healthcare? Freedom to a living wage? Freedom to choose who to love? Freedom to think for yourself? There are many ways Americans aren't as free as people in other places in the world. Moreover, there's a subliminal suppression of what I would consider true freedom through the use of corporate and media discrete propaganda and messaging.
While countries like China and North Korea may limit the freedom of movement for their citizens abroad, only 48% of US citizens have passports. You can leave, but we'll make it so you think you shouldn't bother...
Freedom around the globe
The dynamics of media freedom and control vary significantly across different regions, with distinct mechanisms employed by the US, EU, China, Russia, Asia, and developing countries.
In the US and EU, media freedom is often challenged by corporate interests and political lobbyists. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) aims to address these issues by ensuring editorial independence, transparency of media ownership, and protection against political interference. The Act also seeks to prevent media concentration and safeguard journalists from harassment and the misuse of spyware. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the effectiveness of these measures, particularly in countries like Hungary and Poland, where media capture by government allies is prevalent
In contrast, China and Russia employ direct government control to restrict media freedom and personal liberties. China’s Great Firewall and Russia’s sovereign internet law exemplify the extensive censorship and surveillance systems in place. These measures are part of a broader strategy to maintain authoritarian rule and suppress dissent. The collaboration between China and Russia in sharing internet control tactics further emphasizes their commitment to controlling information flow and stifling opposition.
In developing countries, freedom is often subverted through a combination of external and internal pressures. Western states and international financial institutions exert significant influence over the economic and political decisions of these nations, often prioritizing their own interests over the needs of the local population. This hegemonic control hampers the exercise of economic self-determination and sustainable development in these regions. Additionally, the authoritarian models promoted by China and Russia offer an alternative path that emphasizes centralized control and limited freedoms, which some developing countries may adopt in pursuit of economic gains.
Overall, the US and EU face discrete challenges from corporate and media interference, and China and Russia more overtly maintain strict government control over media and personal freedoms. In developing countries, freedom is undermined by both external hegemonic influences and the adoption of authoritarian models.
As Matt Stone and Trey Parker said, "freedom isn't free," and that's truer than maybe even they intended. The cost isn't always as obvious as you may expect and its drenched in nuance, something the world continues to struggle with daily.
In reality, as Michael Saylor recently stated in Prague, freedom can only be truly achieved through Bitcoin. Bitcoin is decentralized, censorship-resistant, and undeniably resilient. No one (known) person has a claim to its creation, and no nation-state can control it.
If freedom exists in this world, Bitcoin is one of the few paths to achieve it. However, we have a lot more to do before we have a world where Bitcoin is ingrained into enough aspects of the global socio-economic zeitgeist for this to be realized.
The conclusion? We're not as free as tell ourselves, wherever we are. Stack sats and hope tomorrow the world gets just a little bit brighter.
