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Proof-of-Stake Foundations

Definition

Proof-of-Stake Foundations comprise the core principles, cryptographic mechanisms, and economic models that establish the security and operation of Proof-of-Stake consensus protocols. These foundational elements include staking, where validators commit digital assets as collateral; validator selection algorithms; and slashing conditions that penalize malicious or negligent behavior. They rely on game-theoretic incentives to align participant actions with network security and liveness, contrasting with Proof-of-Work’s energy-intensive computational race. Understanding these underpinnings is essential for assessing the stability and decentralization claims of various digital asset networks.