Bitcoins are becoming a powerful force in many different ways, but for people living in failed states, bitcoins are a lifeline to the outside world. Bitcoins are money that is difficult for governments to control, they are global and virtual. Bitcoins in Venezuela is a special case because electricity is almost free (although supply is unreliable) and the government is failing. It is the perfect storm for bitcoin miners and a lifeline for the Venezuelan economy.
http://reason.com/archives/2016/11/28/the-secret-dangerous-world-of
