A network state, by definition, exists as a decentralized entity composed of individuals and organizations bound by a common purpose. To maintain its sovereignty and functionality, the network state must exercise self-custody over its core primitives, each of which serves as a critical pillar for the state’s long-term viability. The five primitives outlined below emphasize the necessity of self-custody for the survival and growth of a network state.

1. Self-Custody of Territory

One of the foundational primitives of any network state is the self-custody of its territory. Unlike traditional nations, which often rely on centralized governance and external entities to maintain control over land, a network state’s territory can be governed and cultivated by decentralized, autonomous systems. These non-stationary autonomous systems (e.g., drones, AI-driven vehicles, robotic systems) will patrol, manage, and ensure the productivity of the land, thereby enforcing the network state’s self-custody. As discussed in the previous chapter, these systems themselves are under the self-custody of organizations within the network state, creating a layered custody model that ensures the sovereignty and control of land, while preventing external intervention or exploitation.

2. Self-Custody of the Means of Production

A more complex challenge arises in the network state’s self-custody of the means of production. Historically, the industrial revolution centralized the means of production, with factories, machines, and technologies controlled by centralized powers. In contrast, a network state must strive to decentralize these means, a task that appears paradoxical but is essential. Without self-custody of the means of production, advanced technological development—such as silicon foundries or space exploration—becomes unattainable. How can this be achieved within a decentralized framework? The next section will dive deeper into strategies for decentralizing the means of production while maintaining the technological and industrial prowess necessary for future development. The balance between decentralized governance and centralized production will be a key struggle for any emerging network state, and thus, it must be solved creatively to ensure long-term sustainability.

3. Self-Custody of the Identity Stack

A third primitive that is naturally suited to the network state is the self-custody of its identity stack. Unlike traditional systems, where identities are often centrally managed and externally controlled, the network state allows individuals and organizations to custody their own identities. At its core, identity in a network state is recursive, beginning with the self-custody of the individual and expanding to the collective self-custody of their relationships with sub-organizations within the state. This produces an aggregate identity, one that is not only secure but also valuable, as it grants access to resources, facilitates mobility within the network state, and fosters a strong bond between the individual and the state. This aggregate identity represents both autonomy and interconnectedness, making it a fundamental aspect of a network state’s structure.

4. Self-Custody of Communication

A network state must also maintain self-custody of its means of communication. This primitive is critical, as communication networks are often subject to interference, surveillance, or control by external powers. By maintaining self-custody over its communication infrastructure, a network state ensures that information flows freely, securely, and without obstruction. Furthermore, by controlling its own communication systems, the network state can customize how individuals interact with one another, aligning their communication methods with the state’s values and culture. This personalization reinforces the bonds within the network state, creating a cohesive and unified society that can resist external influence.

5. Self-Custody of Collective Intelligence Finally, the network state must custody its collective intelligence. In the modern world, data, information, and intelligence are valuable commodities that often determine an entity’s future success. To compete with other states and entities, the network state must aggregate and protect its collective intelligence through machine learning models and artificial intelligence. This collective intelligence must remain in the custody of the network state to ensure that it serves the state’s objectives rather than being exploited by external actors. Importantly, this intelligence should be accessible to all members of the state, ensuring that every individual benefits from the collective knowledge and remains competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.