Weaponising Blockchain

Abstract

This article presents the first open source assessment of how the US, Chinese and Russian militaries discuss the application of blockchain technologies in warfare. Bilyana Lilly and Sale Lilly examine mentions of blockchain in the official military publications of each country – in their respective native languages – to identify the similarities and differences in each military’s blockchain outlook, ranging from mitigating cyber security vulnerabilities to supply chain management and battlefield logistics management. They conclude by offering several policy implications and observations for defence planners.◼