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Digital Gold: Evaluating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the United States

A groundbreaking report endorsing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the United States.

Executive Summary

Bitcoin’s emergence as a decentralized digital asset has reshaped the global financial landscape, and its potential as a national reserve asset is now being seriously considered by policymakers. From its inception in 2008, Bitcoin has evolved from an experimental technology into a globally recognized digital commodity with growing implications for economic strategy, geopolitical power, and financial innovation.

The maturity of Bitcoin presents the United States with a unique opportunity to reinforce its economic leadership, accelerate its energy dominance, counter its rivals, and promote core democratic values in the digital age. This report examines the potential for establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve (SBR), weighing its benefits against potential risks and implementation considerations.

As the U.S. navigates the complexities of 21st-century digital acceleration and strategic competition, establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve represents a forward-thinking move that could advance U.S. interests across four key domains:

Economic and Monetary Stability: An SBR could provide option value against monetary devaluation and debt instability, diversifying the nation's reserves and strengthening the credibility of the U.S. fiscal position, financial system, and global influence. Bitcoin's fixed supply and decentralized nature offer a unique complement to traditional monetary reserve assets such as gold and Treasury securities

Geopolitical Competition: By embracing Bitcoin, the U.S. could gain a strategic advantage over adversaries exploring alternative digital currencies and financial systems to undercut dollar dominance and bypass dollar sanctions. At the same time, an SBR could reinforce U.S. influence on emerging global financial standards for digital assets that align with our democratic values and counter U.S. adversaries’ digital authoritarianism.

Energy and Climate: Contrary to common criticisms, Bitcoin mining could be leveraged to drive investment in renewable energy and support grid stability, and thus help achieve U.S. climate and energy security goals.

Financial Inclusion and Human Rights: Bitcoin's decentralized nature also aligns with core U.S. values of individual freedom and financial inclusion, offering potential benefits both domestically for underbanked populations and globally for people facing political or economic instability.

Implementation of an SBR would require careful planning, including the development of a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework, a phased acquisition strategy, and robust security protocols. 

While challenges and risks exist – including price volatility, potential market manipulation, and the need for public education – the strategic benefits of an SBR likely outweigh these concerns. As the global financial landscape continues to evolve, Bitcoin offers the U.S. a powerful tool to maintain its economic leadership and promote its values on the world stage.

The full report is available for download here.

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