Machiavelli for DAOs: Principles for fixing decentralized governance

The article argues that four Machiavellian design guidelines can fix decentralized governance in web3: governance minimization, a balanced leadership class under perpetual opposition, a pathway for continual upheaval of that leadership, and greater accountability for leaders. It says current DAO models have struggled with coordination, misaligned interests, accountability, vulnerability to attacks, and low participation. The piece notes that governance minimization has been advocated by Vitalik Buterin and implemented by Reflexer Labs and Liquity, and it outlines alternatives to token-based voting, such as proof of personhood and proof of participation. A companion piece is said to cover implementation.