How Bitcoin Enhances U.S. Military Power Projection in Cybersecurity

On April 21 and 22, 2026, Admiral Samuel Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM) testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasizing Bitcoin’s utility in cybersecurity for the U.S. military. Paparo described Bitcoin as a “valuable computer science tool as power projection” and revealed that INDOPACOM is running a Bitcoin node in its experimental protocols.

The admiral’s remarks followed Iran’s demand for Bitcoin payments to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, further highlighting Bitcoin’s geopolitical significance. His reference to “power projection” aligns with the work of Jason Lowery, a Bitcoiner, MIT Fellow, and Special Assistant to the INDOPACOM Commander.

Jason Lowery’s Theory on Bitcoin and Power Projection

Lowery’s book, Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection, explores Bitcoin’s cybersecurity value and its ability to deliver “power projection” in cyberspace. His thesis, later expanded into a book, argues that Bitcoin provides a unique deterrence mechanism in a domain where traditional military deterrence is ineffective.

The book gained widespread attention within the Bitcoin community but was later removed from distribution at Lowery’s request, fueling speculation about its sensitivity. Lowery’s work suggests that Bitcoin could play a critical role in national security strategies.

What Is “Power Projection” in Military Terms?

According to the U.S. Department of Defense’s 2002 Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, power projection is defined as:

“The ability of a nation to apply all or some of its elements of national power – political, economic, informational, or military – to rapidly and effectively deploy and sustain forces in and from multiple dispersed locations to respond to crises, to contribute to deterrence, and to enhance regional stability.”

In simpler terms, power projection refers to a nation’s ability to influence the behavior of other states or entities beyond its borders. This influence can take many forms, including diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, or military capabilities such as long-range missiles, drones, or naval power.

Deterrence: The Core of Power Projection

The DoD defines deterrence as:

“The prevention from action by fear of the consequences. Deterrence is a state of mind brought about by the existence of a credible threat of unacceptable counteraction.”

Lowery’s theory extends deterrence into the digital realm by drawing a parallel between microchips and the global electric grid. He argues that just as microchips encode logic through electrical currents, the world’s power infrastructure functions as a “macrochip”, with Bitcoin mining operations acting as “logic gates” that consume vast amounts of energy.

This analogy suggests that Bitcoin’s energy-intensive nature could serve as a form of cyber deterrence, where the threat of disrupting critical infrastructure acts as a deterrent against adversarial actions.