US Space Force Major Jason Lowery has made a bold assertion regarding Bitcoin, describing it as a potential weapon system and emphasizing its strategic importance for 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 investigation 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 cyberattacks, likening it to traditional military assets that deter physical attacks.In a now-deleted X post, Lowery suggested that once the public overcomes the fear of government bans on Bitcoin and recognizes it as a defense system, the implications for national security will become clear. He speculated that this realization could drive the value of Bitcoin to $100 million per coin. Lowery’s perspective is rooted in his belief that Bitcoin can transform the global electric power grid into a massive, physically costly computer, or “macrochip,” which can physically constrain malicious actors and safeguard data traversing the internet. This, he claims, could kickstart a cybersecurity revolution and help the US maintain its position as a global superpower.“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’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 realm. However, the book was reportedly removed from circulation and the MIT library for undisclosed reasons, adding a layer of intrigue to his assertions. As of May 2024, the book is available again on Amazon.co.uk in self-published format.Lowery’s advocacy for Bitcoin extends to urging the US 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 stance contrasts with the current regulatory approach, which has been more focused on litigation and control rather than support and integration of digital assets.Also known as “Akiba,” Liam is a reporter, editor and podcast producer at CryptoSlate. He believes that decentralized technology has the potential to make widespread positive change.CryptoSlate is a comprehensive and contextualized source for crypto news, insights, and data. Focusing on Bitcoin, macro, DeFi and AI. Join our X community for real-time crypto news and expert insights.The S-1 filing follows the SEC’s approval of NYSE Arca’s proposed rule change on behalf of ProShares.Rob Marrocco believes crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum are unlikely without first establishing a futures market or changing regulation.Ripple said Standard Custody CEO Jack McDonald would help the firm achieve its USD-backed stablecoin plans.The examinations will determine S&C’s awareness of FTX misconduct and potential conflicts during SBF’s Robinhood shares acquisition.Miller argued that the flagship crypto remains vastly undervalued and predicts a major shift in global capital governance.The report highlights significant gaps in law enforcement’s ability to track and recover illicit digital assets moved via privacy coins, layer-2 networks, and crypto mixers. DeFi Technologies recently adopted BItcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset.Japanese firm Metaplanet saw its stock surge 10% after its most recent Bitcoin acquisition.CryptoSlate’s latest market report dives deep into the effects corporate Bitcoin purchases have on the market.Disclaimer: Our writers’ opinions are solely their own and do not reflect the opinion of CryptoSlate. None of the information you read on CryptoSlate should be taken as investment advice, nor does CryptoSlate endorse any project that may be mentioned or linked to in this article. Buying and trading cryptocurrencies should be considered a high-risk activity. Please do your own due diligence before taking any action related to content within this article. Finally, CryptoSlate takes no responsibility should you lose money trading cryptocurrencies.
