Why Is a Nobel Prize-Winning Economist Saying That Bitcoin Is ‘Economically Useless’?

As a seasoned crypto investor and economist who has closely followed the evolutions of global financial markets for several decades, I find Paul Krugman’s latest opinion piece in The New York Times both insightful and concerning. Having witnessed firsthand the rise and fall of various currencies and financial systems, I can attest to the power that money wields in shaping political landscapes.


Paul Krugman’s latest article for The New York Times, titled “Tech Bro Elegy: The Path of JD Vance,” offers a pointed analysis of JD Vance’s political journey and the significant impact that tech billionaires, particularly those involved in cryptocurrency, have had on his rise to power.

Renowned American economist Paul Krugman is celebrated for his work in areas such as international economics, trade theory, and economic geography. In 2008, he was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his groundbreaking work in New Trade Theory and New Economic Geography. Beyond academia, Krugman has made a name for himself as a prolific author and columnist for The New York Times, where he discusses a wide range of economic and political topics. His writing frequently touches on subjects like fiscal policy, income disparity, and the impacts of globalization. Furthermore, Krugman serves as a professor at the City University of New York and has penned numerous influential books on economics.

On Monday’s New York Times op-ed, Krugman delves into the intricate forces driving Vance, an apparently unskilled political figure, to secure the Republican vice-presidency nomination, supported by a mighty yet compact circle of tech tycoons.

To start off, economist Krugman emphasizes the shortcomings in the political realm that JD Vance displays, citing instances such as his unsuccessful attempt to soften contentious statements about “childless cat ladies” and his unfounded claim that Vice President Kamala Harris was against the child tax credit. Remarkably, despite these blunders, Vance has garnered substantial political influence, mainly due to the monetary support from tech tycoons like Peter Thiel, who heavily funded Vance’s 2022 Senate bid.

The article emphasizes the unusual partnership between JD Vance and certain sectors of the tech world that initially backed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but later changed direction. Vance notes that these tech-savvy individuals, often characterized as having conservative views, have largely abandoned their traditional libertarian beliefs to align with Donald Trump. This shift was reportedly driven by Vance’s strong positions on immigration and political retribution.

As a researcher examining the tech sector’s political leanings, I find it essential to clarify that Krugman’s observations primarily focus on a particular affluent segment within this field, rather than the tech sector as a whole. Interestingly, this group has shown a notable alignment with figures like Trump and Vance, which appears closely connected to their involvement in the cryptocurrency market.

Economist Paul Krugman argues that Bitcoin lacks practical value for everyday transactions outside the cryptocurrency world, primarily used for illicit activities such as money laundering and extortion. However, he suggests that proponents of cryptocurrencies see Trump as an ally because, although he once labeled Bitcoin a “scam,” he now portrays opposition to crypto as stemming from “left-wing extremists.”

The piece underscores the integration of pro-cryptocurrency measures within the 2024 Republican Party’s blueprint, showcasing the substantial impact crypto supporters have on their strategic plans. Moreover, it mentions that Trump has proposed establishing a national Bitcoin reserve, an action economist Krugman views as a misjudged effort to rescue an industry plagued by problems and environmental concerns.

Generally speaking, Krugman notes that a suspicious or fearful political mindset is quite prevalent among extremely wealthy individuals, not only in the tech industry. He believes this stems from the habit of billionaires to be surrounded by people who agree with them and a feeling of resentment towards the constraints on their wealth.

Paul Krugman suggests in his conclusion that although J.D. Vance portrays himself as an advocate for the working class, it’s clear that his loyalty is actually aligned more with a technology-oriented ideology that diverges significantly from populist views.

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2024-07-31 18:44