DDRO 25A52 - Money in the Age of Cryptocurrency – The Legal and Socioeconomic Debate

Money is everywhere in our social life. Although it can be subject to technical definitions from lawyers, economists, central bankers and all sorts of experts, it remains an obscure concept. And the more technical the usage of money, the less understandable its meaning. Considering that money cannot be considered as a homogenous, neutral instrument of exchange, left only to economists, this course aims at providing a deeper understanding of what money is and how it works in today’s interconnected world.

Using mainly law, sociology, and economics, but also philosophy, literature, and psychology, and focusing on different actors such as States, central banks, financial institutions, and consumers, the course will deal with current controversial issues such as the role of money and technology, the erosion of monetary sovereignty, the move towards dedollarization, and the legal and economic challenges raised by cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

No specific knowledge on bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies is required for this seminar. An interest in law, economics, or social sciences is recommended.

Each class will include a presentation by the teacher, an interactive discussion on the session’s readings, and 15-minute group presentations.

• “Exposé” – total 50%