Jason Lowery’s groundbreaking book ‘Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection and the National Strategic Significance of Bitcoin’ has recently come under scrutiny from the Department of Defense (DoD), leading to restrictions on its distribution and availability.
Lowery, a US Space Force officer and research fellow at MIT, delves into the concept of Bitcoin’s proof-of-work mechanism as a form of cyber power projection in his book. He argues that Bitcoin could potentially serve as a strategic asset for national security, revolutionizing cybersecurity and modern warfare.
The DoD’s decision to subject Lowery’s book to a security and policy review highlights the government’s concerns about potential sensitive information that could impact national security or reveal protected insights. This review process aims to prevent unauthorized disclosure of classified information and ensure that published materials align with established policies and do not compromise operations security.
The retroactive nature of the review has led to limited availability of physical copies of ‘Softwar,’ with prices skyrocketing to over $300 due to scarce supply. While digital copies are still in circulation, the official distribution of the book remains uncertain pending the outcome of the DoD’s assessment. Additionally, the copy archived by the Internet Archive is currently unavailable following a recent breach of the site.
Lowery’s thesis has sparked widespread interest for its innovative perspective on integrating Bitcoin into national defense strategies. By proposing Bitcoin’s proof-of-work as a tool for power projection in cyberspace, he suggests that the digital asset could play a crucial role in safeguarding digital information against malicious actors and reshaping geopolitical power dynamics.
In conclusion, the review of ‘Softwar’ by the Department of Defense underscores the potential strategic significance of Bitcoin in national security and raises questions about the government’s approach to aligning with national security protocols. As the assessment process unfolds, the impact of Lowery’s theories on the future of cybersecurity and warfare remains to be seen.