Jason Lowery's groundbreaking thesis, "Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection and the National Strategic Significance of Bitcoin", proposes to use the computing power of a decentralised asset, such as Bitcoin, as a means of constraints that security forces can impose on bad actors. This idea opened up a debate not only about the geopolitical implications of the asset, but also of the US government's approach to its usage.
Lowery's theory suggests that the proof-of-work process that helps completing Bitcoin transactions can be used to make bad actors jump through hoops in order to execute their malicious activities. However, this idea comes with several caveats. Primarily, the US government is not in possession of enough Bitcoin to be a viable option for such a tool and even if it were, its utilization would imply an imperialist agenda towards nations with lesser powers.
The release of Lowery's thesis was shortly followed by the US government's sale of $215 millionworthiness in seized Bitcoin. This seems to further distance itself from Lowery's theories and the potential for it to represent a power projection tool.
Another factor to consider could be the risk of provoking a geopolitical gap between developed and developing countries. The risk of exacerbation of power imbalances is real as the asset can be used to constantly force adversaries to put forth effort in order to make their malicious activities successful.
The book recieved mostly five-star ratings from over 200 Amazon buyers, although some did criticize it for being wishful thinking and relying too much on opinion and "The Matrix".
Taking all of this into account, it is essential to understand the potential implications of Lowery's thesis when it comes to global power dynamics. As the world grapples with the consequences of a powerful nation attempting to dominate emerging technologies, it is important to consider the responsible use of crypto. Regulatory extremes such as the SEC's under Gary Gensler's leadership, might only make it more difficult to achieve.
Ethan Garcia
- 2023-04-03
Assessing Jason Lowery's Groundbreaking Theory on Power Projection and Bitcoin
Jason Lowery's groundbreaking thesis, "Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection and the National Strategic Significance of Bitcoin", proposes to use the computing power of a decentralised asset, such as Bitcoin, as a means of constraints that security forces can impose on bad actors. This article discusses the geopolitical implications of this idea and the potential risks associated with its usage.
