Introduction
Softwar represents one of the most revolutionary frameworks for understanding Bitcoin ever published. Written by Major Jason Paul Lowery, a U.S. Space Force astronautical engineer and MIT National Defense Fellow, this 365-page thesis fundamentally reframes Bitcoin—not as digital currency, but as revolutionary defense technology with profound implications for national security and global power dynamics.
If you’ve only thought of Bitcoin as “digital gold” or a payment system, Softwar will completely transform your understanding. This comprehensive guide breaks down Lowery’s groundbreaking theory and explains why military strategists are calling it essential reading.
The Core Softwar Thesis
Bitcoin as Defense Technology
At the heart of Softwar lies a simple but radical proposition:
Bitcoin’s proof-of-work mechanism represents the first true method of projecting physical power into cyberspace, creating unprecedented implications for national security, warfare, and digital sovereignty.
This isn’t about Bitcoin replacing the dollar or becoming a store of value. According to Lowery, those are secondary features. Bitcoin’s primary innovation is creating a defense system in digital space that operates on the same principles as physical military infrastructure.
Just as nations build walls, deploy troops, and maintain weapons to project power and protect territory, Bitcoin enables the projection of physical power (energy) into digital space (blockchain) to protect digital property rights.
The Three Pillars of Softwar Theory
Lowery’s framework rests on three foundational concepts:
1. Physical Power Projection in Digital Space
Traditional cybersecurity relies on information secrecy—passwords, encryption keys, security through obscurity. This creates a fundamental problem: if someone discovers your secret (through hacking, social engineering, or brute force), your security collapses instantly.
Bitcoin solves this through proof-of-work:
- Mining converts electrical energy into immutable ledger entries
- Physical resources (electricity, hardware) create digital security
- Attacking the network requires outspending all honest miners combined
- Security is thermodynamic, not informational
Key Insight: You cannot hack Bitcoin without massive physical resource expenditure. This makes it the first “cyber-physical” security system.
2. National Security Imperative
Lowery argues that Bitcoin adoption is not optional for nations wanting to maintain strategic advantages in the 21st century:
- Hash rate = cyber-territorial power: The nation controlling the most mining power controls digital space
- Energy dominance enables Bitcoin dominance: Countries with abundant energy can project more power
- First-mover advantage: Early Bitcoin adoption by nation-states creates insurmountable strategic positioning
- Adversary implications: If China or Russia dominates Bitcoin mining, they control critical cyber infrastructure
The United States, according to Lowery, must lead in Bitcoin adoption to maintain global strategic advantage. Our comprehensive guide to strategic Bitcoin reserves provides actionable frameworks for nations.
3. The Electro-Cyber Dome Concept
Perhaps Lowery’s most distinctive contribution is the “electro-cyber dome”—a defensive shield created by proof-of-work that protects digital infrastructure.
Think of it like this:
- Physical walls protect cities by requiring physical force to breach
- Bitcoin’s PoW protects digital property by requiring energy expenditure to attack
The more hashpower securing Bitcoin, the stronger the dome. This creates an escalation-resistant defense system—attackers face increasing costs as the network grows stronger.
Why This Framework Matters
For Military Strategists
Softwar provides the first rigorous military analysis of Bitcoin, applying frameworks from:
- Game theory: Nash equilibrium and incentive structures
- Military strategy: Power projection doctrine
- Defense economics: Cost-benefit analysis of cyber-physical security
- Geopolitics: National strategic positioning
It answers questions like:
- How does Bitcoin change warfare?
- Should nations stockpile Bitcoin?
- What are the strategic risks of Bitcoin adoption (or non-adoption)?
- How does proof-of-work compare to traditional defense systems?
For Bitcoin Advocates
Most Bitcoin discussions focus on:
- Price predictions
- Store of value properties
- “Sound money” economics
- Libertarian philosophy
Softwar adds an entirely new dimension: national security value. This reframing:
- Provides policy makers with strategic (not just economic) rationale for adoption
- Explains Bitcoin’s importance beyond financial speculation
- Connects cryptocurrency to established military strategy frameworks
- Positions Bitcoin as critical infrastructure, not just an asset class
For Policy Makers
Lowery’s work offers actionable frameworks for:
- Strategic Bitcoin reserves (how nations should acquire and manage Bitcoin)
- Mining infrastructure policy (why domestic mining is national security)
- Energy policy integration (connecting Bitcoin to energy independence)
- Regulatory approach (supporting vs. restricting Bitcoin development)
The Controversial Reception
Why It Was Restricted
Softwar was ordered removed from distribution by military authorities—an unprecedented action that actually increased public interest. The restriction likely occurred because:
- Strategic sensitivity: Reveals Bitcoin’s defense applications
- Adversary advantage: Outlines opportunities for hostile actors
- Policy implications: Challenges existing national security frameworks
- Geopolitical ramifications: Discusses U.S. vulnerabilities
Despite the restriction, over 50,000 copies have been distributed through civilian channels, and it’s now available on Amazon.
Academic and Military Response
The book has sparked intense debate:
Supporters argue:
- First rigorous strategic framework for Bitcoin policy
- Explains value beyond monetary properties
- Provides actionable national security guidance
- Connects to established military doctrine
Critics argue:
- Energy consumption concerns inadequately addressed
- May overstate current defensive capabilities
- Implementation challenges underestimated
- Alternative consensus mechanisms dismissed too quickly
Key Concepts Explained
Proof-of-Work as Defense Mechanism
Traditional view: PoW is energy-intensive consensus mechanism Lowery’s view: PoW is defense technology converting energy into security
The mining process:
- Miners spend electricity to solve computational puzzles
- Winning miner adds block to blockchain
- Attack requires outspending all miners combined
- Economic cost makes attacks impractical at scale
- Network self-heals and strengthens with adoption
Power Projection Parallel
Military power projection:
- Deploy troops/equipment → Control territory
- Physical resource commitment → Territorial security
Bitcoin power projection:
- Deploy hashpower (energy) → Control blockchain state
- Energy commitment → Digital property security
Both require physical resources to establish and maintain control.
Cyber-Physical Security
Information Security (Traditional):
- ❌ Relies on secrecy
- ❌ Vulnerable to information leaks
- ❌ Can be hacked with knowledge alone
- ❌ No physical cost to attack attempts
Cyber-Physical Security (Bitcoin):
- ✅ Relies on energy expenditure
- ✅ Transparent and open source
- ✅ Requires physical resources to attack
- ✅ Thermodynamic cost to override consensus
Major Jason Lowery: The Author
Understanding Softwar requires understanding its author’s unique background:
Current Position:
- MIT National Defense Fellow
- Advising Joint Chiefs of Staff on Bitcoin’s strategic implications
- Consulting with Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Briefing Presidential Administration on proof-of-work technology
Military Career:
- Rank: Major (O-4), U.S. Space Force
- 28 years active duty service
- Previous: Director of Operations, 2nd Space Launch Squadron
- Specialty: Astronautical Engineering
Education:
- MS Engineering & Management, MIT
- BS Mechanical Engineering, Baylor University
- Top Secret / SCI security clearance
This combination of military experience, engineering expertise, and strategic access makes Lowery uniquely qualified to analyze Bitcoin through a national security lens.
How to Read Softwar
The Book Structure
Softwar’s 365 pages are organized as:
- Theoretical Foundation: Power projection principles
- Bitcoin Analysis: Technical PoW examination
- Strategic Implications: National security frameworks
- Policy Recommendations: Implementation guidance
- Geopolitical Analysis: Global power dynamics
Recommended Reading Approach
For Military/Policy Readers:
- Focus on Chapters 3-5 (strategic implications)
- Read with national security frameworks in mind
- Consider adversary perspectives
- Think about policy implementation
For Bitcoin Enthusiasts:
- Start with Chapter 1 (theoretical foundation)
- Connect to existing Bitcoin knowledge
- Explore technical PoW details in Chapter 2
- Apply strategic thinking to personal Bitcoin strategy
For General Readers:
- Read sequentially for complete context
- Take notes on unfamiliar concepts
- Pause to research referenced material
- Consider real-world applications
Key Takeaways
-
Bitcoin is defense technology first, currency second: Its primary innovation is projecting physical power into digital space
-
Proof-of-work is a feature, not a bug: Energy consumption creates thermodynamic security that information security cannot match
-
National security imperative: Nations ignoring Bitcoin adoption risk strategic disadvantages in cyber-physical power projection
-
Hash rate equals power: Mining concentration determines control over digital territory, similar to military base positioning
-
Strategic paradigm shift: Understanding Bitcoin through military frameworks reveals value invisible to purely economic analysis
Beyond Softwar: Continuing Your Understanding
Recommended Next Steps
For Deeper Strategic Understanding:
- Study game theory and Bitcoin
- Research proof-of-work technical details
- Explore energy and Bitcoin relationship
- Analyze national Bitcoin policies globally
For Policy Engagement:
- Follow Bitcoin policy developments
- Engage with strategic Bitcoin discussions
- Support pro-Bitcoin national security arguments
- Participate in policy discussions
For Personal Application:
- Develop Bitcoin conviction through strategic lens
- Understand Bitcoin beyond price speculation
- Consider personal sovereignty implications
- Educate others on strategic significance
Conclusion: A New Framework for Understanding Bitcoin
Softwar doesn’t just add to Bitcoin knowledge—it transforms how we understand cryptocurrency’s role in 21st-century geopolitics. By applying military strategic frameworks to proof-of-work technology, Major Lowery reveals Bitcoin’s true significance: not as digital money, but as revolutionary defense technology.
Whether you’re a military strategist, policy maker, Bitcoin advocate, or curious reader, Softwar provides essential context for understanding why Bitcoin matters beyond economics. It bridges cryptocurrency technology, military strategy, and national security policy into a coherent framework that challenges conventional thinking about digital assets.
The question isn’t whether you agree with every aspect of Lowery’s thesis. The question is whether you can afford to ignore the strategic implications of Bitcoin in an increasingly digital world where cyber-physical power projection will determine geopolitical outcomes.
Ready to dive deeper? Softwar’s complete 365-page strategic analysis provides the comprehensive framework, detailed technical analysis, and implementation roadmap that this introduction can only summarize. Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats.