The review of a published work by a serving military officer raises questions about the government’s potential alignment with national security protocols. Further, the DoD’s decision to place the book under security review may suggest it fears other nations adopting the theories it sets out and wants to reduce its publication to ensure US dominance in the area.
As a US Space Force officer and research fellow at MIT, Lowery explores in “Softwar” the concept of Bitcoin’s proof-of-work mechanism as a form of cyber power projection. He argues that Bitcoin could serve as a strategic asset for national security, proposing that its underlying technology may transform cybersecurity and modern warfare.
The DoD’s security and policy review process is designed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of classified information and ensure that published materials do not conflict with established policies or compromise operations security. Typically conducted before publication, such reviews assess content related to military operations, technological advancements, and national security issues.
The retroactive nature of the review suggests the DoD may have concerns about sensitive information within the book that could impact national security or reveal protected insights. This action has resulted in limitations on the book’s availability, mandated revisions, or other restrictions until the review concludes.
Physical copies of “Softwar” have reportedly become scarce, with prices increasing to over $300 due to limited supply. While digital copies still circulate, the book’s official distribution remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the DoD’s assessment. Further, the copy archived by the Internet Archive is currently unavailable
Lowery’s thesis has garnered significant attention for its innovative perspective on integrating Bitcoin into national defense strategies. By framing Bitcoin’s proof-of-work as a means to project power in cyberspace, he suggests that the digital asset could play a critical role in securing digital information against malicious actors and reshaping geopolitical power structures.
