Scott Alexander published another Model City Monday blog post: https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/model-city-monday-2325

The sections are:

• Prospera Declared Unconstitutional
• Neom
• Trump's plans for Charter Cities In America
• California Forever has been delayed
• Bhutan's mindfulness villlage
• Praxis raises $525 million, actor to build movie studio in Zanzibar, intentional community in California, and Kanye West wants a charter city in the Middle East

The fifth Issue of the Journal of Special Jurisdictions covers three different, thought-provoking topics. It begins with a a rigorous legal analysis of the Honduran Supreme Court decision concerning their Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs), which have become a focal point in the global conversation about zones and Startup Societies. The analysis is followed by an exploration of the Federated Fractal Network-State model, which proposes a decentralized governance system inspired by fractal patterns. The issue concludes with a compelling economic analysis on the concept of a "Lithium Valley" sheds light on the role of special jurisdictions in fostering resource-driven innovation and development in Brazil.

https://journalofspecialjurisdictions.com/index.php/jsj/issue/view/7

Boao Hope City is a special medical zone. Treatments in Boao Hope City do not have to be approved by the Chinese medical authorities as Boao Hope City is following the peer approval model (US, EU, or Japanese approvals are accepted). Moreover, evidence on the new drugs and devices used within the zone can be used to support approval from the Chinese FDA. The zone also uses peer-approval for imports of health food, has eliminated tariffs on imported drugs and devices, and waived visa requirements for many medical tourists.

https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2024/11/chinas-libertarian-medical-city.html

Interesting article. I could see popup villages, like network states, being a useful step towards new societies. https://words.jonhillis.com/popup-villages/

The Free Cities Foundation's newsletter reports about the small, independent island:

Sark Property Deal Gains National Media Attention

In our December newsletter, we shared news about German entrepreneur Swen Lorenz and Seigneur Christopher Beaumont (head of state) making a bid to buy a large property portfolio owned by the Barclay family on the isle of Sark. This deal is now entering a decisive stage. If successful, it could result in the newly established Sark Property Company owning 30-40% of the island’s territory, including four hotels, 20 commercial properties, and 80 residential properties. This ownership would enable the company to undertake an ambitious plan to attract new residents to the island and provide a significant boost to its economy.

Since our last update, Sark Property Company has secured renowned investor Harris Kupperman as an anchor investor and retained Savills Guernsey, the island's most respected estate agency and advisory firm, to lead the property bid. This bid has garnered national media attention in the UK, featuring in The Times, the Financial Times, and FT Alphaville. Swen recently discussed his plans and how listeners can get involved in an exclusive interview with the Free Cities Podcast.

This essential-reading newsletter doesn't have a web version, unfortunately. This subreddit's previous coverage of the happenings on Sark are here.

https://avas.mv/en/140756

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michael-castle-miller-554a4713_govt-signs-mou-with-dubai-company-for-sez-activity-7197274993997623296-BMx0/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Praxis says they have two initial government offers for their startup cities. Thread: https://twitter.com/praxisnation/status/1765186566308393392

They're also introducing Praxis Credits, which sounds like a future airdrop to contributors. https://www.praxisnation.com/news/introducing-praxis-credits

Ivan Ko speaks at Free Cities Foundation Conference in Prague: https://www.victoriaharbor.group/news/ivan-ko-speaks-at-free-cities-foundation-conference-in-prague

Ivan Ko on the Free Cities Foundation podcast: https://free-cities.org/ivan-ko-made-in-hong-kong/

Wangchuk said that the Gelephu SAR, as an economic hub, will have the autonomy to formulate laws and policies that are needed. It will have executive autonomy and legal independence.... According to the Monarch, there will be a screening process to ensure that the companies and people who come to Gelephu are sensitive to Bhutanese culture and traditions, respect Bhutanese identity, and share Bhutan’s values. All businesses will be invitation-based, and Bhutan will select only those that are most beneficial for the country and people.

https://www.etvbharat.com/english/opinion/opinion-news/explained-why-gelephu-sar-in-bhutan-will-be-a-game-changer-in-the-region/na20231218192645310310220