[woodruffw]

But this is a different scenario: Iran and Venezuela were ostensibly repressive long before cryptocurrencies became viable mechanisms for exfiltrating wealth from either country. And besides, the introduction of cryptocurrencies doesn’t seem to have helped much in terms of making either country less repressive (much less eliminating basic privation in either).

To whit: what bulwark, precisely, are cryptocurrencies providing here?

[starkd]

Iran and Venezuela would not have the crypto tool if it had not been for a free society in which they can operate. The fact they were tyrannical oppressive regimes before crypto came along is besides the point. They have them now and are proving useful for their citizens. I don't know how you say they haven't helped "much". I've heard they are proving very useful. Maybe not in overthrowing the regime, but at least in helping them to survive.

It's definitely useful in the hyperinflation environments happening in those countries.