A groundbreaking new study on Ethereum suggests a major shift in its block proposal system to counteract growing centralization. Despite Ethereum’s transition to Proof of Stake (PoS) and the adoption of Proposer-Builder Separation (PBS), approximately 80% of Ethereum blocks are currently proposed by just two entities.
This concentration of power not only undermines the network’s decentralized ethos but also allows these dominant entities to capture the majority of the maximum extractable value (MEV).
The research introduces a decentralized random block proposal system as a solution to this centralization issue. Instead of relying on specialized builders to construct blocks, the proposed method would enable all Ethereum clients, such as Geth and Nethermind, to use a uniform random algorithm.
This algorithm would select transactions and roll-up blobs directly from local mempools, ensuring that no single entity could predict or manipulate transaction ordering.
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By eliminating the predictability in block proposals, this method could significantly reduce MEV-driven arbitrage and front-running activities. Moreover, the approach could cut Ethereum’s current 12-second slot time down to 6-8 seconds while aligning with Danksharding’s future roll-up infrastructure needs.
The timing of this research coincides with significant leadership changes at the Ethereum Foundation. Core developer Tim Beiko recently described these shifts as “one of the most consequential turning points in Ethereum’s history.”
He commended the appointment of Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz Stanczak as the foundation’s new co-executive directors, highlighting their expertise and balance between innovation and Ethereum’s core principles.
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Wang, a seasoned Ethereum researcher, has played a crucial role in the development of the beacon chain, while Stanczak brings his extensive experience as a developer and leader at Nethermind. Beiko emphasized the importance of maintaining Ethereum’s foundational values while adapting to the evolving blockchain landscape.
“While it’s clear that many things need to change for Ethereum to win, it’s easy to overcorrect and kill the magic in search of maximal optimization,” Beiko noted. He expressed confidence that these leadership changes would help Ethereum stay “anchored to OG values while staying relevant for newcomers.”
Despite optimism surrounding these changes, Beiko acknowledged that Ethereum still faces considerable challenges. “There’s a lot of work ahead of us, and we shouldn’t delude ourselves into taking for granted that Ethereum will succeed at the level of its ambitions,” he cautioned.
As Ethereum continues to evolve, the proposed random block proposal system and leadership restructuring could mark the beginning of a new era—one that reaffirms the network’s decentralized vision while optimizing for scalability and efficiency.
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