According to Lowery’s theory, Bitcoin could become a cornerstone of US defense strategy.
Major Jason Lowery made a bold statement about Bitcoin, calling it a potential weapon system and emphasizing its strategic importance. Lowery, who’s also a national defense fellow at MIT, has been advocating for the US military to prioritize integrating proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism could serve as a significant deterrent against cyberattacks, he says, comparing it to traditional military assets that deter physical attacks.
In a now-deleted X post, Lowery suggested that once the public recognizes Bitcoin as a defense system and overcomes its fear of government bans, its implications for national security will become obvious. In his opinion, this realization could drive Bitcoin’s value to $100 million. As Lowery sees it, Bitcoin can transform the global electric grid into a massive, physically costly computer, or “macrochip,” which can physically constrain malicious actors and safeguard data in transit. In the process, he claims, the US could maintain its status as a global superpower and spark a cybersecurity revolution.
“Once we move past the fear of govt banning u-know-what & are comfortable calling it a weapon/defense system, the 2nd Amendment will come into play. But the real excitement begins when everyone simultaneously realizes its importance for national security (think $100M per “coin”)”
Lowery explores Bitcoin’s potential as a tool for national security and power projection within the digital realm in his book Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection and the National Strategic Significance of Bitcoin. The book was reportedly removed from circulation and the MIT library for undisclosed reasons, making his claims more intriguing. The book is back on Amazon.co.uk in self-published format as of May 2024.
Lowery has called on the US Department of Defense to investigate the national strategic importance of proof-of-work systems. According to him, due to the high physical costs associated with maintaining Bitcoin’s network, adversaries are likely to be deterred from cyberattacks.
In light of increasing regulatory scrutiny, Lowery’s views have broader implications, especially as the US grapples with Bitcoin’s strategic value. He’s opposed to the current regulatory approach, which focuses on litigation and control rather than support and integration.
Jason Lowery’s post on X
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