II. What Sovereignty Means

The Cosmos Model

Cosmos is not a blockchain. It is a framework for building sovereign, interoperable blockchains. Each chain built with Cosmos SDK:

Defines its own consensus rules. Validator selection, block times, transaction ordering—these emerge from the chain's specific needs, not generic platform defaults.

Controls its own governance. Protocol upgrades, parameter changes, emergency responses—decisions rest with the chain's stakeholders, not external token holders.

Designs its own economics. Fee structures, token distribution, inflation schedules—the economic model serves the use case rather than platform requirements.

Communicates across boundaries. Through Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC), sovereign chains exchange data and value without sacrificing autonomy. Independence and interconnection coexist.

This is the difference between renting an apartment and owning land. Both provide shelter. Only one provides sovereignty.