About Network State Atlas
What is a Network State?
A network state is a highly aligned online community with a capacity for collective action that crowdfunds territory around the world and eventually gains diplomatic recognition from pre-existing states. The concept was popularized by Balaji Srinivasan in his 2022 book The Network State.
Unlike traditional nations formed by geography and history, network states begin as digital communities united by shared values, then gradually acquire physical presence through coordinated action.
The Ecosystem
This atlas catalogs not just network states but the broader ecosystem of innovative communities experimenting with new forms of living and governance:
- Network States
- Communities explicitly working toward the network state vision with diplomatic recognition as a goal.
- Network Cities
- Distributed networks of physical locations united by a shared community and purpose.
- Popup Cities
- Temporary gatherings that bring online communities together in physical space for weeks or months.
- Charter Cities
- New jurisdictions with special governance frameworks, often operating under unique legal arrangements.
- Intentional Communities
- Planned residential communities designed around shared values like sustainability or car-free living.
- Digital Communities
- Online-first communities that may not have physical presence yet but share network state aspirations.
- Special Economic Zones
- Designated areas with different regulatory frameworks to encourage innovation and investment.
How to Use This Atlas
Explore the map: The home page shows all communities with physical locations. Click markers to see summaries and link through to full profiles.
Browse the directory: Use filters to find communities by category, status, or search by name. The directory includes both physical and digital-only communities.
Get involved: Each community profile includes information on how to join, visit, or learn more.
About This Project
Network State Atlas is an open-source project cataloging the emerging ecosystem of network states and related communities. Our goal is to make it easy for curious explorers to discover these communities and for active participants to find their tribe.
Contribute: Know of a community that should be listed? Found an error? Submit an issue on GitHub.