BITCOIN: A TARGET WITHOUT AN ARMY TO DEFEND IT (OP-ED)

Bitcoin, the decentralized digital currency, often sparks debate about its resilience and security.While proponents champion its independence and inherent robustness, the reality is more nuanced. The Senate s directive to explore blockchain for military applications, the adoption of military contracts with blockchain companies, and the House s passage of the FIT 21 bill indicate legislative support for blockchain technology in this area.Imagine a world where Bitcoin users are specifically targeted by a powerful, authoritarian regime.Would Bitcoin's inherent decentralization be enough to protect its users? Both economist Paul Krugman and famed Uber venture capitalist Jason Calacanis made a similar argument to defend the dollar against Bitcoin. Both men state that the dollar hegemony in the world as it s preferred reserve currency is guaranteed for years to come, not because of the dollar strength of course, but because the US still has the largest standing army.Contrarians argue that Bitcoin needs no defense, citing its mathematical foundation and distributed nature. 243 subscribers in the TWTauto community. The Washington Times Automated News Feed No Censorship, Just News.They may have a point, but the growing politicization of cryptocurrency, particularly by figures like former President Donald Trump, introduces new vulnerabilities. Without a token, the system will need to be controlled by a set of trusted third parties. With Bitcoin acting as the base layer, new digital cash systems, such as the Lightning Network, are able to be built without the risks of regulation or shutdown that were associated with the centralized systems of the past.This op-ed explores the complex question of whether Bitcoin, despite its technological prowess, is ultimately a target without a dedicated army to defend it, especially as blockchain technology itself is being explored for military and national security applications.Can a decentralized digital currency truly stand against centralized power structures, and what are the implications for its future?

The Illusion of Impenetrability: Bitcoin's Decentralized Nature

One of Bitcoin's core strengths, and perhaps its greatest weakness in this context, is its decentralized nature.Unlike traditional financial systems controlled by central banks and governments, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network. 685 subscribers in the rBitcoin community. The true bitcoin community Top Stories with the Inside take.This means no single entity controls the network, making it incredibly difficult to shut down entirely.The blockchain, the underlying technology, is a distributed ledger, meaning that a copy of every transaction is stored on thousands of computers worldwide.This inherent redundancy makes it almost impossible to alter or censor transactions.

This decentralized architecture has led many to believe that Bitcoin is impervious to attack.With algorithmic regulation, it expands every 10 minutes, circulating an abundant flow of life to all directions across the network.As one U.S. In January 2025 the SEC approved 11 exchange traded funds to invest in Bitcoin. There were already a number of Bitcoin ETFs available in other countries, but this change allowed them to be available to retail investors in the United States. This opens the way for a much wider range of investors to be able to add some exposure to cryptocurrencySpace Force Major has urged, the Defense Department should integrate Bitcoin, emphasizing the importance of proof-of-work protocols.However, this perception overlooks the subtle ways in which Bitcoin can be targeted, even without directly attacking the blockchain itself.

The Vulnerabilities: Where Bitcoin Can Be Attacked

While the blockchain itself might be secure, the surrounding ecosystem is not.Here are a few key vulnerabilities:

• On-ramps and Off-ramps: Exchanges and other platforms where users buy and sell Bitcoin are centralized entities and can be easily regulated or shut down by governments. The Op-Ed Project is a terrific resource for anyone looking to strengthen their op-ed writing. It provides tips on op-ed writing, suggestions about basic op-ed structure, guidelines on how to pitch op-ed pieces to publications, and information about top outlets that publish op-eds. Started as an effort to increase the number of women op-edThink about it: While the Bitcoin network might remain operational, if access to it is blocked, its practical use is severely limited.
• User Privacy: While Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, not anonymous, sophisticated tracking techniques can be used to deanonymize users, especially when they interact with centralized services. Google's service, offered free of charge, instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.Tools like blockchain analytics firms are constantly improving their ability to link Bitcoin addresses to real-world identities.
• 51% Attack: Although highly improbable, a coordinated attack where a single entity or group controls more than 50% of the network's mining power could theoretically manipulate transactions and censor others.This would undermine the trust in the entire system.
• Malware and Exploits: As with any digital asset, Bitcoin is susceptible to theft through malware and exploits targeting individual users.An ""Exploit Jack"" technique, for instance, could be used to steal Bitcoins without requiring advanced programming skills, exploiting vulnerabilities in user devices or software.
• Social Engineering: Phishing attacks and other forms of social engineering are a constant threat, tricking users into revealing their private keys or sending Bitcoin to malicious actors.

Weaponizing Blockchain: The Military's Perspective

Interestingly, the very technology that underpins Bitcoin, the blockchain, is being explored for military applications. Contrarians in the crowd would be very fast to add that Bitcoin needs no defense, and they would be right. But what if, in some totalitarian dystopia, Bitcoin users were hunted down?The Senate's directive to explore blockchain for military applications, the adoption of military contracts with blockchain companies, and the House's passage of the FIT 21 bill all point to legislative support for this.A US defense researcher explained on a podcast how bitcoin can now play a key role in national security, highlighting the advantage of buying bitcoin to maintain superpower status. Do tariffs end up leading to lower interest rates, more liquidity, and ultimately a higher Bitcoin price?Drawing on @FedGuy12's analysis, @_dsencil breaks doProperly weaponized, blockchain would significantly alter the military and political landscape.

This creates a paradoxical situation: a decentralized, anti-establishment technology being embraced by the very institutions it was arguably designed to challenge. On a podcast, a US defense researcher explains how bitcoin can now play a key role in national security. He shares why the advantage of buying bitcoin to maintain superpower status cannot beWhile the specific applications vary, the potential use cases include:

• Secure Communication: Blockchain can provide a secure and tamper-proof channel for military communications.
• Supply Chain Management: Tracking and verifying the authenticity of military supplies.
• Identity Management: Securely managing and verifying the identities of military personnel.

This adoption of blockchain by military and government entities further highlights the potential for conflict.If these entities gain control over significant portions of the Bitcoin network or develop sophisticated methods for tracking and deanonymizing users, Bitcoin's purported immunity from centralized control could be severely compromised.

The Dollar vs.Bitcoin: A Battle of Hegemony

The debate around Bitcoin often revolves around its potential to replace or challenge the dominance of the US dollar.Bitcoin proponents, particularly with the ballooning national debt and uncertainty regarding the future buying power of the US dollar, see it as a hedge against inflation and a more stable store of value.Last week BTC's rally past $94k reignited a long-running debate: is one of the world's most volatile assets finally behaving like a safe haven?

Economist Paul Krugman and venture capitalist Jason Calacanis argue that the dollar's hegemony is guaranteed for years to come, not because of its inherent strength, but because the US has the largest standing army. Leader in cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, blockchain, DeFi, digital finance and Web 3.0 news with analysis, video and live price updates. BTC $ 104,402.14The dollar has reigned supreme for nearly a century because it is backed by a well-established rule of law, a large and powerful military, and a dynamic economy.In essence, they argue that the dollar is defended by force, while Bitcoin, despite its technical innovation, lacks a comparable defense.

Tariffs, Trade, and Bitcoin's Trajectory

Economic policies, such as tariffs and trade agreements, can also influence Bitcoin's price and adoption. News and insights related to Op-ed from Bitcoin Magazine, the leading Bitcoin publication dedicated to covering news, trends, and insights since 2025. Facebook Instagram Linkedin Rumble Twitter YoutubeDo tariffs end up leading to lower interest rates, more liquidity, and ultimately a higher Bitcoin price?President Trump's proposal for a tariff-free trade pact with Canada could potentially impact the broader economic landscape, indirectly affecting Bitcoin. Bitcoin s founding ideals are under pressure as President Donald Trump turns crypto into a political tool, raising concerns over centralization and conflicts of interest.These policies, along with geopolitical events, contribute to the complex interplay that shapes Bitcoin's trajectory.

Regulation: A Double-Edged Sword

One of the biggest threats to Bitcoin's long-term viability is regulation. Watch NEWSMAX2 LIVE for the latest news and analysis on today's top stories from your favorite NEWSMAX personalities. NEWSMAX2 WEEKDAYS: 7 AM ETWhile Bitcoin is not connected to a particular nation, local regulations can significantly affect its usage. A U.S. Space Force Major has urged the Defense Department to integrate Bitcoin, emphasizing the importance of proof-of-work protocols.Governments could impose strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements on Bitcoin exchanges, making it more difficult for users to transact anonymously. An exploit is a code that utilizes a vulnerability and injects a payload into the target system. Payload might be malware. Or something else. It is supposed to get your Bitcoins. We explain a technique to build an exploit without programming skills. Thus, we call it Exploit Jack and not Exploit Programming. 2.1) Malware ExploitsThey could also ban Bitcoin altogether, as some countries have already done.In January 2025, the SEC approved 11 exchange-traded funds to invest in Bitcoin, opening the way for a much wider range of investors to be able to add some exposure to cryptocurrency.

On the other hand, regulation could also provide a level of legitimacy and stability to the Bitcoin market, attracting more institutional investors and mainstream adoption. Last week BTC's rally past $94k reignited a long-running debate: is one of the world s most volatile assets finally behaving like a safe havenThe key is finding a balance between protecting consumers and fostering innovation.Algorithmic regulation expands every 10 minutes without ever exploding, circulating an abundant flow of life to all directions across the network.The lack of clarity and consistency in regulations across different jurisdictions creates uncertainty and hinders widespread adoption.

Community and Advocacy: A Decentralized Defense?

While Bitcoin lacks a formal army, it does have a large and passionate community of users, developers, and advocates.This community plays a crucial role in defending Bitcoin's principles and promoting its adoption. With algorithmic regulation, it expands every 10 minutes without ever exploding, circulating an abundant flow of life to all directions across the network. Can this cryptocurrency preserve the value of peace and defend against mighty swords, missiles, tanks and atomic bombs?With 5.8M subscribers in the main Bitcoin community and smaller specialized communities, this decentralized network can exert influence through various means.

• Education and Awareness: Spreading knowledge about Bitcoin and its benefits.
• Open-Source Development: Contributing to the development and maintenance of the Bitcoin protocol.
• Advocacy and Lobbying: Engaging with policymakers to promote favorable regulations.
• Grassroots Activism: Supporting businesses that accept Bitcoin and promoting its use in local communities. This has been a main talking point of Bitcoin proponents, particularly with the ballooning national debt (Vigna, 2025) and uncertainty regarding the future buying power of the US dollar. However, while Bitcoin is not connected to a particular nation, local regulations can affect its usage.A reporter from Los Angeles recently talked to a man about the protests and he said the best form of protest was to purchase bitcoin.

However, the effectiveness of this decentralized defense is limited.The community is fragmented, with diverse opinions and priorities. The dollar has reigned supreme for nearly a century because it is backed by a well-established rule of law, a large and powerful military, and a dynamic economy. But US policymakers cannot affordFurthermore, it lacks the resources and political influence of governments and large corporations. Amidst a decline in traditional democratic structures and financial systems, cryptocurrencies emerge as a revitalizing force.The true Bitcoin community is diverse and active but lacks the centralized command structure necessary for a coordinated defense against powerful adversaries.

Bitcoin and the Future of Finance

Amidst a decline in traditional democratic structures and financial systems, cryptocurrencies emerge as a revitalizing force. Source code of the paper: RetrievalQA: Assessing Adaptive Retrieval-Augmented Generation for Short-form Open-Domain Question Answering [Findings of ACL 2025] - hyintell/RetrievalQABitcoin is often touted as the currency of the Internet: a distributed, worldwide, decentralized digital money. A reporter from Los Angeles recently talked to a man about the protests and he said the best form of protest was to purchase bitcoin.Users can buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin easily on Bitcoin Markets pages, where live BTC prices, historical trends, and real-time market analysis are provided.New digital cash systems, such as the Lightning Network, are able to be built without the risks of regulation or shutdown that were associated with the centralized systems of the past.

However, Bitcoin is not a perfect democracy. This does not mean Bitcoin is a perfect democracy. Many philosophers have tried to come up with conceptions of what a perfect democratic community would be, whether it consists of everyone in the community having an equal say in decision-making, its members having power in decision-making relative to their interest in the decision being made, and so on.Many philosophers have tried to come up with conceptions of what a perfect democratic community would be, whether it consists of everyone in the community having an equal say in decision-making, its members having power in decision-making relative to their interest in the decision being made, and so on. 5.8M subscribers in the Bitcoin community. Bitcoin is the currency of the Internet: a distributed, worldwide, decentralized digital money. UnlikeThe live Bitcoin price reflects its fluctuating value in the market, influenced by supply, demand, and a myriad of external factors.

Conclusion: Bitcoin's Ongoing Struggle

So, is Bitcoin a target without an army to defend it?The answer is complex. Users can buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin easily on our Bitcoin Markets page, where we provide live BTC prices, historical trends, and real-time market analysis. Stay informed about Bitcoin news, price movements, and market insights, empowering you to make informed decisions in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Read MoreWhile its decentralized architecture provides a significant degree of resilience, it is not immune to attack. Roubini argues that the usual crypto critique of fiat currencies that can be debased via inflation is nonsense: for the last 30 years commitment to inflation targeting in advanced economies and most emerging markets has led to price stability (the 2% inflation target of most central banks) and for the last decade the biggest problem ofCentralized points of vulnerability, such as exchanges and user privacy, can be exploited. iframe src= gtm_auth=tfAzqo1rYDLgYhmTnSjPqw gtm_preview=env-130 gtm_cookies_win=x height= 0 width= 0 styleThe increasing interest in blockchain technology by military and government entities raises the specter of potential conflicts and control.Ultimately, Bitcoin's fate depends on a combination of technological innovation, regulatory developments, and the strength of its community.

Key Takeaways:

• Bitcoin's decentralization is a strength, but not a guarantee of immunity.
• Regulation and government policies pose significant threats.
• The community plays a crucial role in defending and promoting Bitcoin.
• The dollar's dominance is supported by military power, a stark contrast to Bitcoin's reliance on code and community.

As Bitcoin navigates the evolving landscape of finance and technology, its ability to maintain its independence and resist centralized control will be constantly tested.Whether it can truly become a resilient alternative to traditional systems remains to be seen. The live Bitcoin price today is $104,364.35 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $50,255,072,425.45 USD. We update our BTC to USD price in real-time.Stay informed, educate yourself, and participate in the ongoing conversation about Bitcoin's future. Properly weaponised, blockchain would significantly alter the military and political landscape. For those unaware, blockchain is the fundamental technology behind cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.Will this cryptocurrency preserve the value of peace and defend against mighty swords, missiles, tanks and atomic bombs?