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Old Paradigms Die Hard: Proof of Resilience: How Ukraine Built a Sovereign Digital Economy in the Face of War with Russia
In the face of war with Russia, Ukraine has built a sovereign digital economy, or a national 'State in a Smartphone,' by leveraging digital technologies, cryptocurrencies, and digitized artwork, to rebuild their financial system and fund their government and military. This book sheds light on how Ukraine has built this 'State in a Smartphone,' a brand-new paradigm, and how other nations around the world could do the same, especially when faced with extreme adversity. This book demonstrates Ukraine's incredible resilience through Crypto Hipster podcast interviews. with founders, artists and government officials in Ukraine from February to May 2022.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 14, 2023
This book is an education in itself...
My meagre knowledge of Crypto currency, Blockchain technology and digital economy prompted me to read this book.
The author has given compelling evidence to point out that the Future is Digital, based on the very pressing current situation of Ukraine. At the very outset he clearly lists the reasons for this venture, scope, and finally gives a critical analysis on the rapid development in war-torn Ukraine.
The book contains several interviews that the author aired as podcasts at the beginning of the Russian bombing on Ukraine, in February 2022. The chronicles illustrate the resilience shown by the people of Ukraine in the face of the mighty Russian attack. The podcasts printed here are from widely different experts, artists, rescue mission organisers, so on. What becomes evident quite early is that the people of Ukraine are tough, determined to win, also superbly flexible in dealing with the crisis. Early on the government itself decides to embrace digital technology to the hilt. In no time at all the presiding government facilitated the implementation of a 'State in a Smartphone'. Decentralised identy, which helped anyone to get most paper work completed by using their smartphones. Quickly, Crypto currency came to be the main source of funds for all operations.
Right at the start, the governing powers realised that usual banking system cannot work properly while serious bombing was ongoing on the capital. Hence, the country, wholeheartedly, entered into digital financing of all their activities, including relief and evacuation of civilians. Doing this has kept aid pouring in, also the pooling of efforts from far and near. It's incredible how well Ukraine swiftly adapted itself to changing reality. It showed to the world what a strong, advanced technology rich nation it is really.
Each individual interviewed here, most of them experts in their field, has poured his/her heart out into the project handled. Funding for Ukraine on digital platforms, organising shelters for those forced to flee, food and basics to reach the affected. Well coordinated efforts became possible because technology made it quick and efficient to buy, transport supplies from outside. Contributions poured in from around the world to the Ukraine pool. Relief came regularly from Ireland, from other countries, all organised and paid for by volunteers.
There's critical acclaim by the author to which I fully agree, that Ukraine, against all odds, has made a paradigm shift to deal with the threats that hit them. The nation has plenty technology, high educational levels, strong minded people, and adaptability to fight for their sovereignty. Thus, it appears that there is a new paradigm has stepped in, which may shine a light to other parts of the world.
Fascinating.
My meagre knowledge of Crypto currency, Blockchain technology and digital economy prompted me to read this book.
The author has given compelling evidence to point out that the Future is Digital, based on the very pressing current situation of Ukraine. At the very outset he clearly lists the reasons for this venture, scope, and finally gives a critical analysis on the rapid development in war-torn Ukraine.
The book contains several interviews that the author aired as podcasts at the beginning of the Russian bombing on Ukraine, in February 2022. The chronicles illustrate the resilience shown by the people of Ukraine in the face of the mighty Russian attack. The podcasts printed here are from widely different experts, artists, rescue mission organisers, so on. What becomes evident quite early is that the people of Ukraine are tough, determined to win, also superbly flexible in dealing with the crisis. Early on the government itself decides to embrace digital technology to the hilt. In no time at all the presiding government facilitated the implementation of a 'State in a Smartphone'. Decentralised identy, which helped anyone to get most paper work completed by using their smartphones. Quickly, Crypto currency came to be the main source of funds for all operations.
Right at the start, the governing powers realised that usual banking system cannot work properly while serious bombing was ongoing on the capital. Hence, the country, wholeheartedly, entered into digital financing of all their activities, including relief and evacuation of civilians. Doing this has kept aid pouring in, also the pooling of efforts from far and near. It's incredible how well Ukraine swiftly adapted itself to changing reality. It showed to the world what a strong, advanced technology rich nation it is really.
Each individual interviewed here, most of them experts in their field, has poured his/her heart out into the project handled. Funding for Ukraine on digital platforms, organising shelters for those forced to flee, food and basics to reach the affected. Well coordinated efforts became possible because technology made it quick and efficient to buy, transport supplies from outside. Contributions poured in from around the world to the Ukraine pool. Relief came regularly from Ireland, from other countries, all organised and paid for by volunteers.
There's critical acclaim by the author to which I fully agree, that Ukraine, against all odds, has made a paradigm shift to deal with the threats that hit them. The nation has plenty technology, high educational levels, strong minded people, and adaptability to fight for their sovereignty. Thus, it appears that there is a new paradigm has stepped in, which may shine a light to other parts of the world.
Fascinating.
February 6, 2023
I imagine many of us have read collections of short stories by particular authors. Works by Stephen King, Mark Twain, and O Henry are among a few that come to mind. Folks such as Walt Whitman have also published collections of poetry. Thomas Sowell, Charles Krauthammer, and George Will, among others, have pieced together collections of editorials. Old Paradigms Die Hard, by Jamil Hasan, is a little different. It's a series of podcasts that he has recorded under the title Crypto Hipster. Hasan is a firm believer in the use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency to fashion a digital transformation. His series of podcasts consists of interviews he has conducted with people who through various methods have been associated with Ukraine, most notably during the conflict with Russia. In Hasan's view, Ukraine is one of the leading nations in the world in the use of digital technology, and this war torn country has successfully used this technology to deal with the Russian behemoth. How? They use an app to obtain digital driver's licenses and passports. They use digital to manage creating shelters and create safe escapes for refugees. They work with big tech through digital diplomacy, attempting to get these companies to refuse to deal with their war foe. They fund donations through the organized sale of art. They use technology to fend off financial terrorism and potential corruption. Recognizing that their citizenry seldom watches TV, they focus on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These are just a few of the means cited in Hasan's
"book."
It would surprise me if any reader of this collection failed to envision a use of technology applicable to his/her own life.
"book."
It would surprise me if any reader of this collection failed to envision a use of technology applicable to his/her own life.
February 14, 2023
A Different Perspective on Ukraine
Regardless of your political perspective regarding the war in the Ukraine, there is something valuable to be gained from reading Jamil Hasan's, Old Paradigms Die Hard. Mainly the efficacy and speed of cryptocurrency to send and receive financial support in a war torn country such as Ukraine. The situation in the Ukraine provides the perfect example of how useful and effective cryptocurrency and the Blockchain can be in times of crisis. The author primarily uses interviews from his podcast from various individuals who have set up charities and other projects in order to fund the government and private individuals using cryptocurrencies and NFTs. The book is very easy to read and provides good testimony to challenge any crypto sceptics that still remain. Highly recommend.
Regardless of your political perspective regarding the war in the Ukraine, there is something valuable to be gained from reading Jamil Hasan's, Old Paradigms Die Hard. Mainly the efficacy and speed of cryptocurrency to send and receive financial support in a war torn country such as Ukraine. The situation in the Ukraine provides the perfect example of how useful and effective cryptocurrency and the Blockchain can be in times of crisis. The author primarily uses interviews from his podcast from various individuals who have set up charities and other projects in order to fund the government and private individuals using cryptocurrencies and NFTs. The book is very easy to read and provides good testimony to challenge any crypto sceptics that still remain. Highly recommend.
December 25, 2022
It is indeed very common that whatever story the media shows you is what it wants to sell rather than being the truth. The author here wants to show us the other side of the things. It's an interesting view from the excerpts from the podcasts. Although I do finish reading the book with two minds as at some places it seems too much as self advertising and there was a somewhat disjoint from the initial narrative and the end.
I would suggest one could judge for themselves about the book, as I find myself on the fence.
I would suggest one could judge for themselves about the book, as I find myself on the fence.
October 29, 2023
I do understand that in crisis like Ukrainian war NFT’s blockchains/crypto currency’s would be helpful.
But I don’t see why we should have it at the amount we do now that it’s increasing the global warming, there is honestly no reason for it imo!
The Author also uses interviews from his podcast so you could just listen to that instead
But I don’t see why we should have it at the amount we do now that it’s increasing the global warming, there is honestly no reason for it imo!
The Author also uses interviews from his podcast so you could just listen to that instead
October 30, 2025
In his book, Old Paradigms Die Hard (2022), Jamil Hasan delves into how Ukraine has used digital technology during the war with Russia to maintain sovereignty over its economy and help aid its citizens and military.
Hasan is the host of the Crypto Hipster podcast and this book is filled with interviews he did with people from Ukraine and others involved in digital technology and cryptocurrencies and how these have been used to help Ukrainians in need and in funding the military. In order to accomplish these goals, Ukraine first created a "state in a smartphone" system for citizens to access their own information, like digital driving licenses or passports and to act as a method of digital communication between the citizens and the government. Then, digital currencies were leveraged along with artwork - with work from content creators being donated - to support both the country's financial system and military in response to the conflict.
This is an interesting read for anyone who wants to know more about the Russia-Ukraine war and Ukraine's brilliant response to it. It gives a good glimpse into the culture, showing how intelligent, educated, and altruistic the Ukrainian people are. It is also a good initial look at blockchain and cryptocurrencies if you have no knowledge of them. Don't let a lack of knowledge about these technologies stop you from picking up this book. You can start with no knowledge of these and still be able to understand it, and you'll come away with a better comprehension of these digital resources than when you started.
Hasan is the host of the Crypto Hipster podcast and this book is filled with interviews he did with people from Ukraine and others involved in digital technology and cryptocurrencies and how these have been used to help Ukrainians in need and in funding the military. In order to accomplish these goals, Ukraine first created a "state in a smartphone" system for citizens to access their own information, like digital driving licenses or passports and to act as a method of digital communication between the citizens and the government. Then, digital currencies were leveraged along with artwork - with work from content creators being donated - to support both the country's financial system and military in response to the conflict.
This is an interesting read for anyone who wants to know more about the Russia-Ukraine war and Ukraine's brilliant response to it. It gives a good glimpse into the culture, showing how intelligent, educated, and altruistic the Ukrainian people are. It is also a good initial look at blockchain and cryptocurrencies if you have no knowledge of them. Don't let a lack of knowledge about these technologies stop you from picking up this book. You can start with no knowledge of these and still be able to understand it, and you'll come away with a better comprehension of these digital resources than when you started.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews