Digital Republic

What should a social order look like that is shaped by technologies everyone has access to? How can a democracy work when written code decides what may be said and what may not? In Digital Republic, Jamie Susskind tries to find an answer to these political and philosophical questions. In this review, you'll find out why, in my opinion, he succeeds very well.

By the way, unfortunately it's been a while since a new book review appeared here, because lately I've been very busy with my own book.

Dominium refers to uncontrolled power in the hands of private individuals and companies. The republicanism Jamie Susskind talks about has nothing to do with the American Republicans. Rather, for the digital republican, the law has one crucial purpose: it must prevent the enormous power of digital technology from slipping beyond acceptable limits of control, and ensure that the tech industry cannot (either deliberately or unintentionally) undermine the values of a free and democratic society.

"Digital Republic" is about understanding that in a democracy we all have a responsibility to think about digital technologies and question them – even if we're not bothered by how they're used.

I have to admit that "Digital Republic" is the first book with a philosophical touch. Still, I have to admit that Jamie Susskind's thoughts and arguments fascinated me. I'm passionate about technology and firmly believe that technology will help us solve some of the biggest problems in the world. But what happens when it is unregulated and in the hands of just a few people? I was interested in the answer to this question and wasn't disappointed – "Digital Republic" delivers it.

So if you're tech and digital geeks too, this book is for you. Where there is light, there is also shadow, and technology on its own is rarely apolitical. So anyone who is open to a different perspective and is also interested in political views will be very happy with "Digital Republic".

I liked Jamie Susskind's fundamental critique of society. Also that he criticizes the naivety of people who engage too little with the background and consequences of technologies. My takeaway is that code is always political. Governments need to be aware of this fact and evolve.

I liked the point that innovation is possible with regulation too – in some cases, regulation can even fuel innovation. I really liked how Jamie Susskind sheds light on this and other aspects. You could even call it a small eye-opener. That's why I'd give "Digital Republic" a very clear reading recommendation.