Major Jason Lowery, a US Space Force officer and author of the influential thesis 'Softwar,' has reignited the debate over the global reserve asset by making a strong case for Bitcoin. In a series of posts on X, Lowery argued that Bitcoin—and only Bitcoin—should be the digital reserve of choice for nations worldwide, particularly those outside the US sphere of influence.
Why BRICS Would Choose Bitcoin Over Alternatives
Lowery emphasized that the selection of a reserve cryptocurrency is not solely a US domestic matter but a geopolitical one. He posed a pointed question: 'Do you really think BRICS is interested in adding a meme coin to their reserves, or one controlled by an American CEO? Do you believe they’d choose a USD stablecoin issued by an American company trying to position itself as a neo-Federal Reserve Bank?'
Many interpreted this as a direct reference to recent allegations that Ripple is lobbying to include XRP in the still-developing US national digital asset stockpile proposal. Jack Mallers, CEO of Zap, previously claimed that Ripple is spending millions of dollars to undermine the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve initiative.
Lowery highlighted that for nations like BRICS—many of which are geopolitical competitors of the US—the primary criterion for a reserve asset is its independence from American control. 'The next global reserve asset, by definition, will be the one chosen by other nations—particularly our global competitors. And BRICS will almost certainly favor the asset that offers the greatest independence from U.S. influence,' he stated. Bitcoin, with its decentralized, censorship-resistant network and existing infrastructure, fits this requirement perfectly.
Critique of US Bitcoin Policy
Lowery has been a vocal critic of the previous US administration's stance on Bitcoin. In December 2025, when the government hinted at a possible sale of 19,799.989 BTC, Lowery called it 'a huge strategic mistake,' adding, 'They have no idea what they own.'
He believes that Bitcoin's scarcity, security, and independence make it a strategic asset comparable to land, oil, or gold. The US, by not formally adopting a strategic Bitcoin reserve, risks forfeiting its financial leadership to competitors who understand Bitcoin's geopolitical value. According to Lowery, the ongoing debate over a US strategic Bitcoin reserve is not just about finance but about national security and long-term economic sovereignty.
Broader Implications for Global Cryptocurrency Adoption
Lowery's arguments come at a time when the crypto industry is divided over which digital asset should be considered a 'national reserve.' While some advocate for a multi-asset approach including XRP and stablecoins, Lowery insists that only Bitcoin offers the neutrality and robustness required for a truly global reserve. He concluded, 'The choice is clear: Bitcoin is the only asset that operates beyond U.S. control. If we don't secure it, our competitors will.'
As the US Congress continues to deliberate on a national digital asset stockpile, and with lobbying efforts from Ripple and others intensifying, Lowery's perspective adds a crucial geopolitical dimension to the conversation. Whether policymakers heed his warning remains to be seen, but the debate over Bitcoin's role as a global reserve asset is far from over.