SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND CRYPTOCURRENCY: CONCEPTS TO HARNESS INNOVATION FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
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Authors
Rowen, Michael S.
Subjects
cryptocurrency
special operations
SOF
Bitcoin
USSOCOM
USASOC
digital assets
financial technology
special operations
SOF
Bitcoin
USSOCOM
USASOC
digital assets
financial technology
Advisors
Blanken, Leo J.
Date of Issue
2022-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Concepts to harness positive opportunities inside the cryptocurrency ecosystem to advance national security objectives have yet to be fully explored in government organizations. This thesis, focuses on cryptocurrency as a subset of digital assets and attempts to answer the question: Is there utility for cryptocurrency in U.S. special operations (USSOF) and could it support broader U.S. national security strategies? A whole-of-government approach for the responsible development of digital assets should include Department of Defense (DOD) and USSOF perspectives. The cryptocurrency ecosystem does offer utility for special operations as a complimentary tool for tactical concepts and as a component to financial intelligence assessments. International use cases for cryptocurrency offer a framework for USSOF during research and development to deliver exquisite capabilities in support of resistance movements and supplement U.S. security strategies in the financial battlespace. The DoD and USSOF should coordinate with allies and across U.S. government departments to develop a pilot program that places cryptocurrency in the hands of SOF operators and tactical teams with the intent to develop new operational concepts. USSOF should continue to expand public-private partnerships to improve awareness, capacity, and competency in the digital asset ecosystem and leverage blockchain research and development directives to inform innovative concepts for cryptocurrency in special operations.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
USASOC
1SFC
1SFC
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.