Bitcoin as a Tool of Self-Defense: Exploring Major Jason Lowery’s Unconventional Proposal

On March 31st, Major Jason Lowery of the US Space Force proposed an unconventional approach to cybersecurity and defense. He suggested that the United States should stockpile Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence. Lowery pointed out that the workload of Bitcoin proves that the system can be used as a channel for power competition in the network field, and this competition has little destructive power. This competition played a role similar to that of chess and the Olympics during the Cold War.

US space officer: The US should store Bitcoin as a self-defense weapon

In a remarkable proposal on March 31st, Major Jason Lowery of the United States Space Force put forward an unconventional approach to cybersecurity and defense. He suggested that the US should consider stockpiling Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence. Lowery argued that the Bitcoin network has the potential to be used as a channel for power competition with little destructive power. In this article, we will explore the rationale behind Lowery’s proposal and examine the role that Bitcoin could play in the future of national security.

Table of Contents

– Introduction: The Unconventional Proposal
– Bitcoin as a Non-Kinetic Weapon
– The Potential of Bitcoin as a Tool of Power Competition
– The Logistics of Stockpiling Bitcoin
– The Challenges Ahead
– The Ethics of Bitcoin as a Weapon
– The Future of Bitcoin as a Tool of Self-Defense
– Conclusion
– FAQs

Bitcoin as a Non-Kinetic Weapon

Lowery argues that Bitcoin can be thought of as a non-kinetic weapon, similar to propaganda or cyber warfare. It has no direct destructive power but can be used as a tool for competition and influence. He suggests that Bitcoin can be used to level the playing field between small and medium-sized nations and great powers in a way that traditional military power cannot. By stockpiling Bitcoin, the US could maintain an advantage in the global power struggle without resorting to aggressive military action.
Lowery compares Bitcoin to the games of chess and the Olympics that were used during the Cold War to compete with the Soviet Union. These competitions did not involve direct military action but provided a way for nations to demonstrate their superiority and maintain dominance in the global arena.

The Potential of Bitcoin as a Tool of Power Competition

Bitcoin’s decentralized and distributed nature gives it unique qualities that make it a potentially powerful tool of power competition. The mass adoption of Bitcoin around the world has created a new type of network, one that is wholly independent of state control. The miners who maintain the network are distributed globally, making it difficult for any one nation to exert control over the system. As Lowery says, “Bitcoin is the first digital system that exists outside of the control of any state, and it does this through the use of a decentralized, distributed ledger.”
By stockpiling Bitcoin, the US could gain leverage over other countries that rely on the US dollar or other fiat currencies. If the US were to dump its Bitcoin holdings onto the market, it could cause a significant disruption in the global economy. Such an action could be used to retaliate against nations that do not comply with US interests or to prevent other nations from taking hostile action against the US.

The Logistics of Stockpiling Bitcoin

However, the idea of stockpiling Bitcoin for national security purposes raises many logistical challenges. For one, Bitcoin is a volatile asset, with prices fluctuating wildly on a daily basis. The value of Bitcoin could drop significantly, erasing any gains made by the US in stockpiling the asset. Additionally, storing large amounts of Bitcoin securely would require significant effort and resources.
Moreover, any large purchases of Bitcoin by the US government could result in a significant price increase, making it expensive to acquire enough Bitcoin to make the strategy worthwhile. There is also the issue of how to acquire Bitcoin without drawing attention or causing a market frenzy that would drive up the price.

The Challenges Ahead

Bitcoin’s development and market conditions are still in a state of flux. While the potential of Bitcoin as a tool of power competition cannot be denied, it remains to be seen whether it will live up to this potential. The US may have to navigate many hurdles before it can truly consider stockpiling Bitcoin as a viable national security strategy.

The Ethics of Bitcoin as a Weapon

The use of Bitcoin in power competition raises significant ethical concerns. It is unclear how the use of a non-kinetic weapon like Bitcoin would be viewed under international law. Furthermore, using Bitcoin to manipulate another country’s economy could be seen as an act of aggression. The international community may view any attempts by the US to use Bitcoin in this way as an overt challenge to the global economic order.

The Future of Bitcoin as a Tool of Self-Defense

Despite the many questions and challenges around using Bitcoin as a tool of self-defense, Lowery’s proposal raises some fascinating questions about the intersection of national security and cryptocurrency. As Bitcoin becomes more prevalent in the global economy, it could play a significant role in the competition between nations. Lowery’s proposal is just one example of how unconventional thinking could shape the future of national security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Major Jason Lowery’s proposal to stockpile Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence is an unorthodox approach to national security. However, it raises important questions about the potential of Bitcoin as a non-kinetic weapon of power competition. While there are many challenges in implementing this strategy, the unique properties of Bitcoin make it an intriguing possibility for the future of national security.

FAQs

1. Is the use of Bitcoin as a tool of national security legal under international law?
There is no clear consensus on whether using Bitcoin in power competition would be legal under international law. The ethical implications of using a non-kinetic weapon like Bitcoin are also a concern.
2. How would the US government acquire enough Bitcoin to make this strategy worthwhile?
Acquiring large amounts of Bitcoin would require significant effort and resources, as well as a strategy for avoiding market manipulation.
3. How might other nations respond to the US using Bitcoin as a tool of self-defense?
The international community may view using Bitcoin in this way as a challenge to the global economic order, potentially leading to diplomatic and economic backlash.