Research

Conflict and Fragility

Policy briefs

Blockchain for fragile states: the good, the bad and the ugly

21 Feb 2018 - 17:57
Bron: ladislau.girona/Flickr

Proponents of blockchain technology, the technology behind cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, argue that it can lower transaction costs and increase trust. Since fragile states are often characterised by high transaction costs and low trust, many organisations are looking at blockchain applications in these contexts.

This Policy Brief highlights three areas where aid and development organisations are experimenting with blockchain technology in fragile states: remittances and banking, supply chain transparency, and land registration. It also looks at the topic with a conflict sensitive lens and examines the technical and political challenges and risks for wider adoption.