This is Sealand. As I understand it, it's self proclaimed independant nation whos habitants does not actually live there.
Sealand is an extreme example of an isolate society that can not sustain itself.
But can an isolated society actually sustain itself?
This post is not about Sealand, although I do find the subject very interesting and would love to talk with someone who lives or has lived there.
A closed society in itself will have many up- and downsides.
The example in this post is a small country, roughly the size of the small island south of Sweden, Bornholm (part of Denmark). In the example we are not completely cut off from the outside world, but all things would have to be done within own borders.
Subjects to cover
- Welfare & togetherness
- Economy
Welfare & togetherness
Some might argue that an isolated society would be of limited services when it comes to welfare, but if done right, everyone would thrive with what they're doing in their daily lives.
There would need to be taken serious consideration for each and every citizen to make sure they're satisfied. If this is neglected there could easily be an uprising leading to a revolution.
However, if everyone is kept happy, and not feel 'trapped' in this society, I do think it's very possible to have a thriving society where people help each other from the good of their hearts.
This may not be welfare as we think of it, but if everybody has a chosen area of expertise, the welfare for people in between jobs would be almost non-existent.
What about the kids?
No reason to be worried, since people are helping from the good of their heart, there won't be much of this 'extra' welfare needed. Schools are free, teaching is done all over the society (again, people help each other) so everyone gets a equal good chance of learning new things and specializing in an area of their choice.
Economy
This is a bit more tricky, and I'm no financial expert, but I believe that a tokenized society (a crypto currency made just for this country) would be the way to go about this.
Outsiders would of course have the possibility to buy the tokens, but with the right destribution, this would only increase the value of this currency.
My brain tells me that a proof of work concept would work best, with a fixed supply - like Bitcoin.
If there were an infinite amount of tokens, the value of the currency would decrease over time and eventually it would reach a point as it was in Germany once, where people would have to transport their money in a car or whatnot.. just to buy a cup of coffee.
Closing thoughts
The comment section is for your thoughts, questions and 'critics', so to say.
I am sure that I have forgotten something or overlooked details. Feel free to bring all this up or your opinions as to why this would or wouldn't work.
Disclaimer
Due to insufficient knowledge, the above view is most likely very limited, narrow and possible short sighted.