The cryptocurrency landscape towards 2035 will be influenced by technological, economic, regulatory, and geopolitical factors, including current war conflicts, such as those persisting in 2025 (e.g., tensions in Ukraine, the Middle East, or other regions). The key elements are analyzed below:
Adoption and decentralization: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) have demonstrated resilience in contexts of instability. In conflict zones, where banking systems collapse or are restricted, decentralized currencies offer an alternative to preserve value and conduct cross-border transactions without intermediaries. For example, in 2022-2023, Ukraine received millions in crypto donations during the war with Russia, a precedent that could be repeated.
War impact: Current conflicts, as of March 18, 2025, could accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrencies in regions affected by sanctions, inflation, or financial blockades. However, they also generate risks: warring governments could attempt to regulate or confiscate digital assets to finance war efforts, while economic volatility could affect crypto prices.
Technological evolution: In a decade, blockchain will likely advance towards greater energy efficiency (e.g., Ethereum post-merge) and scalability, with altcoins like Solana or Cardano gaining ground if they solve speed and cost issues. Stablecoins linked to physical or digital assets (gold, digital dollar) could dominate to mitigate volatility.
Global regulation: Current war conflicts are pushing governments to closely monitor cryptocurrencies for their use in evading sanctions (e.g., North Korea accumulating BTC). By 2035, there will likely be a stricter international regulatory framework, balancing innovation and control, which could limit the anonymity of certain cryptos but legitimize their widespread use.
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs): The competition between private cryptocurrencies and CBDCs will be fierce. Countries in conflict may accelerate their CBDCs (like the Chinese digital yuan) to counter sanctions, while decentralized cryptos will strive to maintain relevance against these centralized alternatives.
Synthesis:
In the next 10 years, cryptocurrencies will evolve in an environment shaped by geopolitical instability and technological advancements. Bitcoin will continue as a store of value, akin to 'digital gold,' especially in regions affected by wars or economic crises. Ethereum and other smart contract platforms will lead in decentralized applications (DeFi, NFTs), while stablecoins will gain ground in everyday transactions. The war conflicts of 2025 reinforce the utility of cryptos as a refuge against fragile financial systems, but also attract greater regulatory scrutiny and risks of state manipulation. CBDCs will compete directly, potentially displacing some less adaptable cryptos, but decentralization will maintain its appeal in a divided world.
Conclusion
By 2035, the most used cryptocurrencies will be those that combine security, scalability, and regulatory acceptance: Bitcoin for its stability as an asset, Ethereum for its versatility, and stablecoins for their practicality. The war issues of 2025 will have accelerated their adoption in crisis contexts, consolidating them as tools of financial resilience, but they will also have forced a tense coexistence with stricter regulations and CBDCs. Their success will depend on adapting to a world where technology and geopolitics are in constant clash, offering solutions to both individuals in conflict zones and transforming global economies.
DYOR
