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Cory Levy and Balaji on Where Talent Should Go
Balaji Srinivasan

Cory Levy and Balaji on Where Talent Should Go

Dec 27, 2025

Key Takeaways


  • The American governmental and economic systems may be too entrenched to reform effectively, suggesting innovation and new systems are the way forward.
  • Economic indicators, like the devaluation of the dollar against gold and Bitcoin, signal a significant reduction in the dollar's global influence, akin to global taxation without representation.
  • There is a growing movement to embrace a "code-based" order using cryptographic systems, making systemic trust unnecessary through smart contracts and digital identities.
  • Geopolitical shifts are leading to a potential strategic withdrawal of American influence, similar to historical empires' decline, pressuring talent to explore opportunities outside traditional hubs.
  • Tech talent should consider new global hotspots such as Dubai, Singapore, Warsaw, and Shanghai, which offer more innovative and less regulated environments compared to traditional centers like San Francisco.
  • The next wave of innovation is anticipated to emerge from the decentralization of technology and reduced reliance on legacy regulatory frameworks.
  • The U.S. identity is being devalued alongside its currency, with international relations fraying, as evidenced by tighter travel restrictions for U.S. passport holders.
  • Inflation in the U.S. is increasingly impacting global economies, sparking debates about the sustainability of the current economic model.
  • A second passport or maintaining global mobility is essential for talent in today's volatile environment, facilitating access to diverse opportunities and reducing political risk.
  • The internet may become a more stable and significant platform than national entities, prompting a greater focus on digital residency and assets.
  • Emerging technologies and decentralized finance suggest a paradigm shift akin to historical transitions from colonial to constitutional frameworks.
  • Achieving platforms that underpin digital innovation requires recognizing and combating the geopolitical and economic limitations of current systems.
  • The regulatory harmonization of the 20th century may recede, creating opportunities for more localized and innovative regulatory environments worldwide.
  • With the decline of the American Empire, much like the past Soviet Union, there is an urgent call for modernization through tech-driven governance.
  • Current digital assets may provide a hedge against the uncertainties of traditional financial and political systems, urging people to diversify their holdings.

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