CORE MAGAZINE January 2018 | Page 9

SPECIAL ARTICLES Bitcoin's Emerging Role in the Third- World B itcoin’s emerging role seems to be in absorbing fiat currencies, especially in areas of political and economic uncertainty. Countries like Venezuela have been hit hard by U.S. sanctions. The U.S. sanctions are not the only reason why Venezuela’s economy has been crippled. Corruption by its government and a sharp decline in oil prices play a vital role. Hyperinflation has also caused many Venezuelans to turn to bitcoin mining. Some people in Venezuela are even playing video games to earn bitcoin. The IMF has reported that inflation levels in Venezuela are close to 700%. Apparently, Core Magazine 9