But the greatest source of the hierarchy may well be the coders themselves. They make the rules for the digital platforms they create, for the digital contracts

But the greatest source of the hierarchy may well be the coders themselves. They make the rules for the digital platforms they create, for the digital contracts, property rights, and coins they produce. The digital code may be a meritocracy, but meritocracies are, by definition, hierarchical, as those with superior skills make the rules that the others must follow.