In a bold prediction that signals a seismic shift in global finance, Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley has stated that more nation-states will be forced to buy Bitcoin in 2025 or risk being left behind. Speaking at a recent financial summit, Horsley emphasized that governments worldwide are beginning to recognize Bitcoin’s potential as a hedge against inflation, a store of value, and a strategic asset in an increasingly digital economy.
“We’re entering an era where Bitcoin is no longer just an investment for institutions and individuals—it’s becoming a necessity for governments,” Horsley said. “As we’ve seen with El Salvador and growing interest from other emerging economies, Bitcoin is shifting from speculation to a geopolitical asset.”
El Salvador made history in 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, a move that initially sparked skepticism but has since gained traction as its economy reaps the benefits of Bitcoin-backed initiatives. Countries facing currency devaluation, economic sanctions, or excessive reliance on the U.S. dollar are now looking at Bitcoin as a potential alternative.
Michael Saylor, the co-founder of MicroStrategy and a vocal Bitcoin advocate, echoed this sentiment, stating that “governments that don’t embrace Bitcoin now will find themselves at a disadvantage in the coming financial revolution.” He pointed to the growing number of institutional investors pouring billions into the cryptocurrency, adding, “The writing is on the wall—Bitcoin is here to stay, and nation-states are beginning to wake up to that reality.”
Some analysts argue that Bitcoin’s adoption by nation-states could accelerate due to geopolitical tensions and increasing distrust in traditional financial systems. Countries like Argentina and Turkey, which have faced extreme currency volatility, are already seeing rising Bitcoin adoption at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, BRICS nations, particularly Russia and China, have been exploring alternatives to the U.S. dollar in international trade, and Bitcoin could emerge as a neutral, decentralized solution.
However, challenges remain. Regulatory uncertainty, concerns over volatility, and resistance from central banks could slow the pace of adoption. Yet, with Bitcoin reaching new all-time highs and becoming a major part of institutional portfolios, the pressure on governments to participate is mounting.
As 2025 unfolds, the question is no longer if nations will adopt Bitcoin, but which ones will be next and how fast they will move. Some governments have already made strategic moves, quietly accumulating Bitcoin to diversify their reserves, while others remain hesitant, weighed down by regulatory concerns and central bank resistance. However, with Bitcoin continuing to gain institutional legitimacy and proving its resilience in the global financial landscape, the pressure on governments to act is intensifying. For some, adopting Bitcoin will be a calculated step toward financial sovereignty; for others, it may become an unavoidable necessity to keep pace with an evolving economic order.