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Systemic Value Extraction

Definition

Systemic value extraction refers to the process where certain participants gain disproportionate benefits from a system at the expense of others. In blockchain and decentralized finance, this describes mechanisms or behaviors that allow privileged actors, such as validators, miners, or sophisticated traders, to capture value from network users through non-competitive means. Examples include front-running, sandwich attacks, or manipulating transaction ordering to profit from price differences. This activity can undermine fairness and trust within decentralized protocols.