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by SllX 1174 days ago
Cryptonomicon did touch on it as part of the plot but predating that was his article for Wired, “Mother Earth Mother Board”[1][2].

[1]: https://www.wired.com/1996/12/ffglass/ (Warning, it’s a Wired link)

[2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Some_Remarks This book also has a copy of the Wired arrticle and is probably the superior way to read it. Wikipedia link so you can choose your own bookstore.

2 comments

Neal Stephenson explored international internet infrastructure in other works as well:

Reamde (2011) involves the hijacking of an undersea fiber-optic cable and the resulting disruption of internet connectivity in various parts of the world.

Interface (1994) involves a corrupt presidential candidate who seeks to control the internet through the manipulation of network infrastructure

Wasn't cryptonomicon about Alan Turing inventing bitcoin? It's been a while since I last read that book
Neal Stephenson doesn’t tend to stick to just one story in his storytelling, so also yes.

EDIT: to be a little bit less glib about it, Cryptonomicon has multiple POV characters including characters that hang around Alan Turing.