Cryptocommunism Book Review: Revolution, Blockchain, and Milwaukee’s Future

Introduction

The relationship between cryptocurrency and communism may seem paradoxical, but Mark Alizart’s Cryptocommunism argues that blockchain technology could help fulfill Marx’s vision of a stateless, classless society. By eliminating the need for centralized financial intermediaries, blockchain offers a revolutionary tool for organizing economic life without reliance on hierarchical capitalist structures.

Alizart draws connections between historical struggles for liberation—such as the French and Russian Revolutions—and today’s crypto movement. Just as past revolutions sought to abolish monarchs, priests, and bourgeois rulers, blockchain challenges the control of banks and financial elites. But how do these ideas apply in practice? Could blockchain provide Milwaukee’s leftist movement with tools to redistribute power and resources? This article explores the key themes of Cryptocommunism and how Milwaukee can implement its principles in tangible ways.

The Revolutionary Potential of Blockchain

At its core, Cryptocommunism argues that blockchain is not just a financial tool but a new tool for collective governance. Traditional banking relies on centralized authorities to verify transactions and manage wealth, reinforcing capitalist hierarchies. Blockchain disrupts this by creating trustless, decentralized networks where verification occurs collectively rather than through elite-controlled institutions.

Alizart sees this as a modern form of “democratic centralism,” echoing early socialist ideals of self-governance. By distributing control across a decentralized network, blockchain eliminates the need for financial gatekeepers. However, he warns against libertarian crypto-utopianism. Without collective control, blockchain could become another tool for capitalist exploitation rather than a means of liberation. Instead, Cryptocommunism calls for actively shaping this technology to serve the people.

While some may dismiss blockchain as a speculative tool for tech elites, Alizart argues that its potential lies in its ability to create transparent, autonomous systems for managing resources—something communists have long envisioned. Rather than relying on state bureaucracies or corporate control, blockchain allows communities to self-organize, track resources, and hold institutions accountable.

Building a Cryptocommunist Milwaukee

Milwaukee, with its deep labor history and strong working-class traditions, is well-positioned to apply cryptocommunist principles in practical ways. One of the most immediate applications of blockchain is its ability to track and verify public spending, ensuring greater accountability in social programs.

Imagine a system where every dollar allocated to housing, public health, or education is recorded on a transparent ledger accessible to the public. Residents could see exactly how funds are distributed and measure the effectiveness of policies in real time. By removing layers of bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption, blockchain could enable recursive policy improvement, allowing communities to refine programs based on verified outcomes rather than political rhetoric.

Additionally, community-controlled blockchain cooperatives could be developed to fund local initiatives. Instead of relying on corporate grants or government subsidies that come with political strings attached, Milwaukeeans could pool resources transparently, ensuring that investments in housing, mutual aid, and worker-owned enterprises serve collective interests rather than private profits.

However, for these tools to serve the working class, accessibility must be a priority. Milwaukee’s leftist organizers must push for open-source blockchain solutions that prevent corporate capture and ensure equitable access. If left unchecked, blockchain could become another tool of financial exclusion, reinforcing the very inequalities it has the power to dismantle.

Conclusion

Cryptocommunism challenges us to rethink economic structures in the digital age. Blockchain is not inherently revolutionary, but when wielded with a socialist vision, it can dismantle financial gatekeeping, create radical transparency, and empower communities to govern themselves.

For Milwaukee, this is not a theoretical exercise—it’s an opportunity. By embracing blockchain for public accountability and cooperative economics, local organizers can lay the groundwork for a truly decentralized socialist future. The revolution will not be centralized, and Milwaukee has a chance to lead the way.