Conceptual questions about EigenLayer
Is EigenLayer a DeFi protocol?
No, EigenLayer is not a DeFi protocol. EigenLayer is a platform to bootstrap new proof of stake (PoS) decentralized systems. Through the EigenLayer protocol, users CANNOT engage in any financial activities such as swapping and lending.
However, for the decentralized services built on top of EigenLayer (we call them AVSs, Actively Validated Services), these services could be DeFi applications themselves or support key functionalities in other DeFi protocols. These AVSs are external to the EigenLayer contracts.
Does EigenLayer reuse the same economic security?
Yes, EigenLayer does reuse the same economic security by enabling different AVSs to share a common economic security base. This concept, known as 'pooled security.' Similar to how various dApps share Ethereum's economic security, EigenLayer aims to let different decentralized PoS networks share the same economic security base.