US Space Force Major Jason Lowery has made a bold claim about Bitcoin, describing it as a potential weapons system and highlighting its strategic importance to national security. Lowery, who is also a National Defense Fellow at MIT, has been vocal about the need for the US military to prioritize the research and integration of proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin. He argues that Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism could serve as a significant deterrent against cyber attacks, comparing it to traditional military tools that deter physical attacks.
In a now-deleted X post, Lowery suggested that once the public gets over fears of a government ban on Bitcoin and recognizes it as a defense system, the national security implications will become clear. He speculated that this realization could push Bitcoin’s value to $100 million per coin. Lowery’s perspective is rooted in his belief that Bitcoin can transform the global power grid into a massive, physically expensive computer, or “macrochip,” that can physically stop malicious actors and protect data traveling over the Internet. He claims this could spark a cybersecurity revolution and help the US maintain its position as a global superpower.
“Once we get past the fear of the government banning you-know-what and can safely call it a weapon/defense system, the Second Amendment will come into play. But the real excitement begins when everyone simultaneously realizes its importance to national security (think $100 million per “coin”).”
Lowery’s views are detailed in his book Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection and the National Strategic Significance of Bitcoin, which explores Bitcoin’s potential as a tool for national security and power projection within the digital world. However, the book was removed from circulation and the MIT library for unknown reasons, adding a layer of intrigue to his claims. The book will be available again from May 2024 Amazon.co.uk self-published format.
Lowery’s advocacy for Bitcoin extends to urging the U.S. Department of Defense to formally investigate the national strategic importance of proof-of-work systems. He has argued that Bitcoin’s consensus mechanism could deter adversaries from cyberattacks due to the high physical costs associated with maintaining the network, similar to how military assets deter physical attacks.
Lowery’s views have significant broader implications, especially as the US grapples with the strategic value of Bitcoin and crypto amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. His position is in stark contrast to the current regulatory approach, which focuses more on litigation and control than on support and integration of digital assets.
