Bitcoin:ALiteratureReview

Bitcoin, the first decentralized digital currency, has gained significant attention since its inception in 2009. Numerous academic papers have been published on various aspects of Bitcoin, ranging from its technical underpinnings to its economic implications. In this literature review, we will explore some key English-language academic papers on Bitcoin.

1. "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System" by Satoshi Nakamoto

This seminal paper, published in 2008, introduced Bitcoin to the world. Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, outlined the technical details of the cryptocurrency, including the concept of a blockchain, proof-of-work consensus mechanism, and the decentralized nature of the network. This paper laid the foundation for the development of Bitcoin and inspired a new wave of research in the field of cryptocurrencies.

2. "The Economics of Bitcoin Mining, or Bitcoin in the Presence of Adversaries" by Joshua A. Kroll, Ian C. Davey, and Edward W. Felten

This paper delves into the economic incentives and challenges of Bitcoin mining, the process by which new bitcoins are created and transactions are validated on the network. The authors analyze the game-theoretic aspects of mining, including the role of mining pools and the potential for attacks on the network. The paper provides valuable insights into the sustainability of the Bitcoin network and the implications of mining centralization.

3. "Bitcoin: A Primer for Policymakers" by Jerry Brito and Andrea Castillo

As Bitcoin gained mainstream attention, policymakers around the world began to grapple with the regulatory implications of this new technology. This paper provides an overview of Bitcoin for policymakers, discussing its potential benefits and risks, as well as regulatory approaches taken by different countries. The authors highlight the importance of a balanced regulatory framework that fosters innovation while addressing concerns such as money laundering and consumer protection.

4. "The Anatomy of a Money-like Informational Commodity: A Study of Bitcoin" by Tim Swanson

This paper takes a closer look at Bitcoin from an economic perspective, analyzing its properties as a "money-like informational commodity." The author examines the characteristics of Bitcoin that make it function as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value. The paper also discusses the challenges facing Bitcoin, such as scalability issues and regulatory hurdles, and explores the potential evolution of cryptocurrencies in the future.

5. "Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies" by Arvind Narayanan, Joseph Bonneau, Edward Felten, Andrew Miller, and Steven Goldfeder

For those looking for a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, this textbook is a valuable resource. The authors cover a wide range of topics, including the technical foundations of cryptocurrencies, cryptographic principles, and the societal impact of decentralized digital currencies. The book is suitable for both beginners and experts in the field, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Bitcoin.

These are just a few examples of the extensive literature available on Bitcoin in the academic world. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, researchers are constantly exploring new avenues of study to deepen our understanding of this groundbreaking technology.