Strategies Countries will use to get more Bitcoin

Bitcoin is about to become the global resource for which the nations of the world will fiercely compete.

Offensive Realism predicts the strategies countries will pursue to gain as much of the Bitcoin pie as possible. Countries will not only try to get as much Bitcoin as possible, but will also try to control as much of the Bitcoin mining industry as they can.

What is Offensive Realism?

The theory that predicts the behaviour of countries in the anarchic system of world geopolitics. With no central authority this system consists of competition and conflict between countries.

Countries all try to survive by focusing on their own interests, maximising their own power and they fear each other because they can’t be sure of each other’s intentions. Offensive realism provides strategies countries will follow to maximise their chances of survival.

Strategies to get as much Bitcoin as Possible

If countries prioritise their survival and security it automatically follows that in a world where Bitcoin is the most important strategic resource, they will prioritise getting as much Bitcoin as possible.

1. Cooperation

Countries can decide to pool their resources and work together.

Example: Two countries deciding to jointly develop their Bitcoin mining industries.

2. Economic statecraft

This involves countries using economic policy tools to influence the behaviour of other states.

Example: One country selling important technical know-how or essential resources (like foodstuffs) in return for the receiving nation’s Bitcoin.

3. Military Power

Military power leveraged to secure a country’s Bitcoin interests.

Example: A country can invade the Bitcoin mining region of another country and take control of its Bitcoin mining infrastructure

4. Coercion

Under the threat of war one country can blackmail another country into getting what it wants.

Example: A stronger country can blackmail a weaker country into handing over Bitcoin or run the risk of getting invaded.

5. Bribery and Corruption

Bribes and corruption can be used to influence another country’s behaviour.

Example: A country can bribe government officials of another country in order to let them pass regulation that will damage its Bitcoin mining industry. Giving the bribing country the opportunity to increase its share of global hash rate.

6. Information Warfare

Propaganda, disinformation and psychological operations are used to shape public opinion in another country.

Example: Propagandising the population of another country into believing Bitcoin mining is bad for the environment, putting pressure on that country’s hash rate.

7. Economic/Technological Development

The final (most constructive) strategy is investing in your own Bitcoin industries.

Example: A country investing in its energy sector to make sure domestic Bitcoin miners have access to the cheapest energy.