## 3 Research Design of the Fieldwork and Results: Comparing Three Paradigms
### Research Results: Comparative Analysis of Three Paradigms
#### 3.2.1 Network State [61]  
Here is the definition of _Network State_ as interpreted by this article: digitally native, decentralized communities that establish their own governance and social contracts, transcending traditional nation-state boundaries through the use of blockchain and other Web3 technologies to create new forms of collective identity and sovereignty. Ideological Layer: Crypto-Libertarian Worldview  
The ideological layer of the Network State is deeply rooted in a crypto-libertarian worldview, characterized by market-driven governance and the financialization of social relationships [62; 63]. This ideology is critical of statism and highly techno-solutionist, aiming to leverage technology to create new countries from scratch [64]. Several key principles can be characterized:  
1. Startup Society: The Network State operates like a startup, driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. This approach emphasizes efficiency, scalability, and a lean governance structure, mirroring the dynamics of tech startups. 2. Sovereign Individuals: At its core, the Network State prioritizes individual autonomy, advocating for minimal state intervention and maximal personal freedom. This aligns with the broader libertarian ideal of sovereign individuals who are free to make their own choices without excessive governmental oversight. 3. Market-Driven Governance: Governance within the Network State is primarily market-driven. Decision-making processes and governance structures are influenced by market principles, where financial incentives and competition play central roles. 4. Financialization of Social Relationships: The Network State embodies the financialization of social relationships, where interactions and memberships are often mediated by financial contributions or transactions. This reflects the broader Web3 ideology of tokenized interactions and on-chain monetarism. 5. Critical of Statism: The Network State is inherently critical of traditional statism, viewing centralized governmental control as inefficient and often oppressive. It promotes decentralized alternatives that empower individuals and communities. 6. Techno-Solutionism and Techno-Utopianism: The Network State is underpinned by a strong belief in techno-solutionism--the idea that technology, particularly blockchain, can solve societal problems more efficiently than traditional governance. This belief extends to techno-utopianism, where technology is seen as a path to an ideal society. Governance Layer: Structure and Legitimacy  
The governance of the Network State is multi-faceted, with distinct approaches to both internal and external legitimacy:  
1. External Legitimacy: The Network State seeks recognition on the global stage by complying with international law and the traditional criteria of statehood. This compliance is crucial for gaining diplomatic recognition and operating within the existing global order. 2. Internal Legitimacy: Internally, the legitimacy of the Network State is consent-based, with governance structures prioritizing the interests of financially invested members. This consent is often formalized through social smart contracts, where _code is law_, ensuring that rules are transparently enforced through cryptographic means. 3. Power Distribution and Decision-Making: Power within the Network State is distributed in a manner reminiscent of a tech startup. A Founder or CEO, along with a core group of engineers, typically holds administrative privileges, although these are limited by the rules encoded in the network's governance protocols. Decision-making is thus both centralized in key figures and decentralized through community consensus. 4. Association and Membership: Membership in the Network State is voluntary, with entry often requiring a financial contribution, which suggests an entrance barrier for those that cannot afford it. The process of joining or leaving the Network State is streamlined through digital ID verification, making association fluid and transactional. 5.