The Blockchain Trilema

Overview: In this edition of The Bridge, we present an idea central to the design of any public blockchain: the blockchain trilemma. Trilemma refers to the fact that no blockchain has been able to optimise three qualities simultaneously, decentralisation, security, and scalability. We discuss the advantages of each of the qualities, why they are desirable and their trade-offs. We illustrate the trilemma with live blockchain examples.