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BTC Sessions

Money Printer WAR MACHINE: Bitcoin the Solution? ft. Scott Horton

Mar 26, 2025
Scott Horton, a prominent libertarian thinker and director of the Libertarian Institute, unpacks the complexities of fiat money and its role in fueling global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. He argues that the U.S. central banking system obscures the true costs of war. Horton critiques the economic incentives behind military service and discusses the historical failures of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding allies. He also explores the potential of Bitcoin as a solution to dismantling this 'war machine,' making a compelling case for sound money.
01:35:37
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Episode guests

Scott Horton

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Fiat money enables governments to wage wars without immediate taxpayer costs, disconnecting citizens from the financial reality of military conflicts.
  • Military spending diverts resources from productive uses, resulting in economic detriment and loss of investment in societal development.

Deep dives

Impact of Fiat Money on War Costs

Fiat money allows governments to fund wars without upfront costs to the taxpayers, creating a disconnect between citizens and the financial burdens of military conflicts. This system enables preemptive wars and extensive military occupations by obscuring the fiscal implications, leading to massive expenditures that accumulate without public awareness. For instance, the lengthy durations of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, costing trillions, would likely have been intolerable to the public if they were required to pay for these costs upfront. Ultimately, the manipulation of currency and the government's ability to print money result in a hidden tax on the populace through inflation, which disproportionately affects the average citizen.

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