Bitcoin and the End of War

Author Adam Livingston argues that bitcoin, a decentralized and capped supply form of money, can reduce warfare by eliminating government money-printing that funds conflicts through inflation. He explained that bitcoin challenges the financial mechanisms that allow wars to be financed without public consent.

Livingston highlighted the world wars of the 20th century, where central banking expanded and the gold standard eroded, showing how fiat money fueled long wars. He cited examples such as the collapse of paper currency under the Song dynasty in 13th-century China and the hyperinflation of assignats in 18th-century France, both proving how states financed war and debased their money. He stressed: “Monetary power is political power. When governments create currency at will, they gain the means to extend violence far beyond what citizens would accept if paid through direct taxation. Fiat currency is the silent partner of modern wars.”

The U.S. dollar has lost more than 90% of its value since 1913 because of inflation. Bitcoin, according to Livingston, represents a way to fix this by enforcing fiscal discipline.

Advocates of sound money emphasize bitcoin’s ability to separate money from governments, reshaping humanity much like the printing press changed civilization by weakening centralized authority.

Bitcoin supporters believe that sound money is vital for human prosperity. A bitcoin-based standard, they argue, fosters technological progress, social cohesion, artistic growth, and freedom. Saifedean Ammous, author of The Bitcoin Standard, explained that earlier monetary systems like gold centralized control, while paper currencies lost value due to printing. He noted that every time governments print more, it steals future value from currency holders.

A society that relies on weak money systems discounts the future, while a society with sound money like bitcoin encourages saving, innovation, and building lasting civilizational capital. Thus, bitcoin is viewed not only as a financial revolution but also as a foundation for peace, prosperity, and human freedom.