Ep. 62: Roger Huang - How Bitcoin Challenges State Control & Surveillance

My guest today is Roger Huang, an author, journalist on Forbes, Bitcoin Magazine and more, and a Bitcoin advocate, whose work bridges the intersection of Bitcoin, geopolitics, economics, and history. Roger is the author of “Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?”, an exploration of Bitcoin’s potential within China’s political and monetary landscape. From the impact of inflation on historical events like Tiananmen Square to the implications of digital surveillance and central bank digital currencies, Roger provides a comprehensive analysis of how Bitcoin can challenge state control and empower individuals. In this episode, we explore Roger’s journey from his roots in China to his upbringing in Canada, and how his disillusionment with the traditional financial system inspired him to advocate for Bitcoin as a tool for freedom and decentralization. Roger shares powerful stories about the Chinese surveillance state, the role of inflation in shaping politics, and the growing global influence of China’s economic strategies, including the Belt and Road Initiative and CBDC development. ► If you got value, please like, comment, share, follow and support my work. Thank you! -- SPONSORS -- ►► Get your TREZOR wallet & accessories, with a 5% discount, using my code at checkout (get my discount code from the episode - yep, you’ll have to watch it): https://affil.trezor.io/SHUn  -- SPECIAL OFFERS – ►► Enjoy the Little HODLer products, learn about sound money while having fun! use code EFRAT for 10% off on non-sale items: https://thelittlehodler.com/  ►► Get 10% off on all books, inc. “The Inverse of Clown World”, using the code EFRAT https://bitcoininfinitystore.com ►► Join me in any of these upcoming events: https://www.efrat.blog/p/upcoming-events  -- LINKS – Roger’s Twitter: https://x.com/Rogerh1991 Roger’s New Book “Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?”: https://bit.ly/4jePMsf  Roger’s Nostr npub: npub12qxvc5evxqt3rky25mfskywugalx5vnhppfl32cu903cnwpyu0uqkmq8u9 China Law Translate Website - Roger recommended source: https://www.chinalawtranslate.com/en/  Efrat's Twitter: https://twitter.com/efenigson Efrat's Telegram: https://t.me/efenigson Watch/listen on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/yourethevoice Support Efrat's work: ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efenigson   ⁠ Support Efrat with Bitcoin: https://geyser.fund/project/efenigson -- CHAPTERS – 00:00 Coming Up…  01:01 Introduction to Roger Huang and His Work  03:00 Roger's Background and Early Interest in Bitcoin & Writing  08:38 Mao's Economic Policies and Their Consequences  13:18 Inflation and Political Unrest in China’s History, and Tiananmen Square Protests 18:07 Human Rights Violations & Digital Surveillance in China  22:44 Social Credit Score System in China and the Rest Of the World  28:58 Censorship: The Dangers of “Everything Apps” like WeChat  35:44 What “Cashless Society” Looks Like in China  38:03 The Rise of CBDC’s in China  49:54 China's Belt & Road Initiative - Acquiring Geopolitical Power  53:51 Roger's Personal Passion for Bitcoin  57:55 Conclusion and Where to Follow Roger