Jason Lowrey, the author of Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection and the National Strategic Significance of Bitcoin, has withdrawn his book from public access, prompting speculation among readers and academics alike. The work, which was presented as a thesis to the System Design and Management Program at MIT in February 2023, has additionally been removed from the MIT library’s inventory.

Lowrey did not disclose reasons for this action other than to say that he was directed to remove the text from circulation. He wrote on Twitter: “For those asking what’s been going on w/me, I was ordered to take SOFTWAR down & asked to stop talking about the subject publicly. Can’t talk details but things are good & I’m working hard behind the scenes. Appreciate the kind words.”

Proof-of-work in national security

Softwar examines Bitcoin’s proof-of-work technology in the context of national security, proposing an innovative theoretical framework for considering Bitcoin’s potential strategic influence as an electro-cyber security instrument instead of viewing it strictly as a financial technology. The book posits Bitcoin as a potentially transformative tool for national security and power projection within the digital realm.

Critical reviews commended Lowrey’s fresh viewpoint, which suggested that the landscape of modern warfare is evolving towards non-physical, non-kinetic forms. Under this framework, Lowrey proposes that Bitcoin, through its proof-of-work consensus mechanism, could provide a formidable mechanism for power projection within the cyber realm, thus bolstering cybersecurity. Lowrey’s analysis emphasized Bitcoin’s potential not only as a financial technology but also as a security asset capable of protecting sensitive data and deterring cyberattacks by implementing physical costs on assailants.

The thesis, supervised by Joan Rubin, Executive Director of the System Design & Management Program, stressed the potential of Bitcoin’s proof-of-work technologies to function as a novel type of electro-cyber power projection tool. This groundbreaking idea, which he dubbed “softwar,” was considered to hold transformative potential for national strategic security in the 21st century.

The abrupt and unexplained removal of “Softwar” from the public sphere has created a cloud of unanswered queries. Lowrey’s cryptic tweet has further intensified the enigma. His innovative approach to Bitcoin and cybersecurity had begun to resonate, and his work’s disappearance from the public eye has left a palpable gap in the ongoing discussion.

At press time, Softwar had been removed from Amazon, Google shopping listings, Thriftbooks, and other major booksellers, as well as from the MIT Press site. It is still available for online viewing through the Air University library system.