Through a Marxist analysis of Bitcoin, Edemilson Paraná offers a precise definition of the cryptocurrency, which itself contains the explanation for many of its limitations: Bitcoin does not represent the overcoming of politics in terms of monetary administration because, precisely due to the characteristics touted as driving this overcoming, it fails to fulfill its intended purpose. Instead of replacing global currency, it has a low volume and limited circulation; instead of producing monetary stability, it is highly unstable due to its role as a speculative asset; and finally, instead of guaranteeing decentralized governance, the concentration of relative power among its users only increases.

The critique of the cryptocurrency's limitations and the belief in purely technical-scientific solutions to the problems of capitalism does not imply a technophobic or conservative perspective. This book discusses and leaves open the possibility of using some of the technologies present in Bitcoin—especially Blockchain—in service of popular interests and revolutionary perspectives. Whether this will be possible, we don't know. The only certainty, reinforced by the book, is that any significant social transformation requires new values, new democratic decision-making mechanisms, a different form of socioeconomic organization, and a different relationship between the state and society. Outside of these perspectives, any bluster that defends the idea that significant changes can be achieved through "apolitical" or purely technological solutions, such as Bitcoin, will fail.

This is an essential work not only for those who want to understand the workings and prospects of cryptocurrency, but fundamentally for anyone seeking a better understanding of the dynamics of contemporary capitalism.