These are years of extreme acceleration for technology companies. Increasingly richer and stronger, to the point that they could have the strength of real "governments", or create a new "digital feudalism" in which citizens become modern subjects. They pay their "tributes" to companies, no longer to states, to then receive privatized services. What if it went differently? What if there was a future where every citizen was a “super citizen,” armed with knowledge, responsibility and power to actively shape their own government? What if, instead of losing ground, democracy became “Super”?
A future where blockchain technology guarantees transparency and security, while the decision-making process is based on merit and the common good. This future has a name: Super Democracy. A new White Paper (called just that, “Superdemocracy”) explores the benefits of this hypothetical and innovative governance system, which would revolutionize the way nations are governed and citizens engage in civic life. If you want to learn more, you can find the study here. I'll summarize it briefly for you. Starting with a question: how many times have you thought "you would need a driving license to be able to vote"? Here you are.
From democracy to SuperDemocracy: a quantum leap
Forget the "same old" democracy. With its elected representatives, its electoral campaigns, its endless parliamentary debates. SuperDemocracy is another beast: a fusion of the impeccable precision of the blockchain and the collective wisdom of a super-informed citizenry. In this brave new world, “Super Citizens” are not just voters, but actual legislators. Thanks to an intensive training program and continuous testing, these new civic heroes are always ready to make informed decisions on complex issues. And with blockchain ensuring the transparency and immutability of their every action, there is no room for corruption or manipulation.
It is a system that exudes efficiency and intelligence from every pore. Imagine public debates where every argument is supported by facts and analysis, not empty slogans. Imagine laws evolving in real time to keep up with society's needs, instead of plodding years behind. Imagine a government that is truly "of the people, by the people, for the people", because the people themselves are its driving force.
Anatomy of a Super Citizen
Obviously don't think that becoming a Super Citizen is a walk in the park. The champions of democracy must sweat to earn their mantle. First of all, they must undergo an educational program that would make a doctorate pale in comparison: courses on political theory, law, ethics, social policies, economics… All peppered with workshops on critical thinking and policy analysis. And that's not all. To become a Super Citizen, candidates must pass a series of tests that evaluate not only knowledge, but also the ability to apply it to real-world scenarios. And ethical tests that delve into their moral judgment. Because a Super Citizen must not only be informed, he must be a moral compass for his community.
The great thing, then, is that in this form of democracy feared in the white paper, learning never ends. Before each vote, Super Citizens must pass a test on the specific legislation under consideration. They have access to dynamic learning modules that keep them updated on the latest developments. And they receive ongoing feedback to improve their legislative skills. It's like a perpetual doctorate in governance, but without the graduation ceremony.
In direct democracy 3.0, voting is not a duty: it is an obligation
Super Citizens must participate in a minimum number of legislative votes each month, to ensure that the pulse of citizenship always beats strong. And they don't just vote: they can also propose new laws, becoming direct catalysts for social change. Each proposal must be accompanied by a video presentation, in which the Super Citizen explains his idea in a clear and accessible way. It is a way to promote transparency, stimulate public debate and hold legislators accountable.
Imagine being able to discuss a new law directly with its creator, being able to ask questions, offer suggestions, express concerns. Imagine being able to see the faces and hear the voices of those who are shaping the future of your country. It is a democracy so direct and participatory that it makes the Athenian Agora look like a Bridge club.
The super-powers of Super Democracy
But what are the real advantages of this seemingly utopian system?
Well, let's start with more informed decisions, high quality debates and excellent results. With an educated and constantly updated citizenry, SuperDemocracy ensures that every vote is based on understanding, not instinct.
Then there is transparency and security. With the blockchain recording every government action, there is no room for malfeasance. And with its cutting-edge security measures, the system is hacker- and manipulation-proof. The result? An unprecedented trust in government and a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of the nation.
And what about innovation and adaptability? With such engaged and informed citizens, Super Democracy is a hotbed of creative ideas and effective solutions. Laws evolve at the pace of progress, they do not frantically chase change. It is a system designed for the future, not anchored in the past.
SuperDemocracy's greatest “superpower” is its ability to transcend partisan divides. Here, what matters are the facts and the merit of the arguments, not ideologies. The common good is the north star that guides every decision, not the interests of this or that faction. It is a system in which reason prevails over rhetoric, and collaboration over competition.
Will such a system ever be created?
Of course, SuperDemocracy might seem like a utopian dream. And perhaps it is, despite today's technologies (and the vision of tomorrow). It will be a challenging journey. It will require a radical rethinking of our institutions and our civic values. The reward, however, could be a governance system that is up to the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. And then, what would the alternative to a “hyper-aware” society be? The wild state?
