ISBN 978-3-03028-341-4, Springer International Publishing, September 2019, 222 pages, $139.99 hardcover
Reviewed by Darrin L. Frye, Naval Medical Research Unit – San Antonio
In this formative work, Disruptive and Game-Changing Technologies in Modern Warfare, the authors skillfully dissect modern warfare’s intricate and ever-evolving landscape. Focused on three pivotal themes—Adoption, Proliferation, and Governance of disruptive technology; challenges to strategic stability posed by disruptive technologies; and the effects of these innovations on military capabilities and operations—the book emerges as a comprehensive guide to the complex intersection of technology and warfare.
The journey begins with a meticulously crafted introduction that captures the reader’s attention and lays the groundwork for an engaging exploration of the subsequent ten chapters. Each chapter delves into a specific technological domain, presenting an in-depth analysis that seamlessly weaves together relevant context, relatable content, and insightful references. Each chapter is well-crafted and can be used independently either as a capsulated, detailed offering or consumable as a federated component featuring the whole spectrum of game-changing technologies.
The metaphorical three-legged stool, comprised of Adoption, Proliferation, and Governance, is introduced as a framework for understanding the successful integration of game-changing innovations into the competitive battlespace. The authors underscore the critical importance of each leg, emphasizing their collective contribution to ensuring the efficacy of these innovations.
Particularly noteworthy are the chapters focused on Adoption, Proliferation, and Governance. Exploring Revolutions in Military Affairs transcends the mere discussion of technological particulars. Instead, it reflects thoughtfully on the current technologies supporting military systems. The authors delve into the sobering methodology of predicting technology proliferation, exposing the futility of banning specific weaponry while shedding light on the challenges posed by lethal autonomous weapons.
Examining emerging life science technologies introduces the intriguing “dual-use conundrum,” urging serious discussion on the ramifications of precision genomic editing and targeting provided by CRISPR-Cas9 systems technology. With this remarkable DNA targeting tool and other emerging biological technologies, the potential realm of violent possibilities increases exponentially, demanding enhanced analysis of novel threats formally improbable.
In a subsequent chapter, the authors highlight the emergence of novel meta-materials and their critically important enabling contributions and capabilities. They introduce discussions on enhanced compositions that boost strength and communication and expand capabilities such as speed of action, increased stealth, and sustainability. These dynamic physical innovations could be made with precision manufacturing delivered through 3D (additive manufacturing) printing capabilities. Beyond the intricate designs, manufacturing specifications, and frequent layering of discordant material requirements, completing functional tools at or beyond the visible scale remains a remarkable achievement. These industrial technologies are producing fantastic opportunities and yet formidable challenges for the worldwide community looking to control the spread of weaponizable technologies.
Leaders in the modern era continue to govern indominately despite the psychological weight and physical threat posed by vast nuclear weapon arsenals burrowed strategically into the dirt around the world. The authors offer an excellent presentation on how emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (ML), could assist in tracking nuclear progress and potential inflection points and create best practices for deterrence. The application of advancing predictive tools like ML to counter Weapons of Mass Destruction threats—including both biological and nuclear systems, adds thoughtful depth and relevance to the exploration of disruptive technologies.
Addressing the weaponization of energy, in addition to the critical focus and attention on the subject, an interesting discriminatory methodology was introduced that emphasized the necessity of knowing whether machinery or personnel were being targeted. This distinction is essential and captured well in discussions on the powerful tool’s capabilities, options, and vitally important—its ethical usage. The detailed breakdown of passive, active, conventional, and directed energy forms driving EM weapons helped gain further insight into this relatively unknown emerging armament that holds so much influence and destructive power.
As critical as outgoing energy driving battlespace weaponry is the massive energy required flowing inward to make everything work. From complex command and control systems to vehicle coordination, down to soldier-carried devices, without power, there is no advantaged fight. Discussion on rapidly recharging destructive devices and the energy demands of battlespace operations provides a holistic perspective on the intricate interplay between technology, innovation, and strategic options.
The strategic view from the air, focusing on protecting Army Aviation and enabling military dominance, becomes paramount in facing challenges that state and non-state actors pose. As the authors emphasize, “Without air superiority, there is no asymmetric strategic advantage ensuring global freedom of maneuver for land (or other) forces.”
Appropriately positioned, the final chapter on logistics underscores the importance of supply as a prerequisite for the success of forces at all levels, primarily those actions with some duration. It adeptly draws connections to emerging technologies discussed earlier, highlighting their integral role in paradigm shifts related to support, adaptability, control, sustainability, and their impact on future logistical operations.
The sheer amount of detail and the vast scope of the narratives could be overwhelming; however, the chapters are expertly written so that readers with all backgrounds can easily relate and understand the overarching concepts. While reading technology-dense books always demands a certain level of attention and patience from the reader, a determined effort is undoubtedly rewarding.
Congratulations to the authors for successfully navigating the numbing pace of innovation and presenting such a comprehensive and entertaining discussion of disruptive and game-changing technologies. This book caters to a diverse audience, from enthusiasts tracking emerging technologies to strategic planners and civilian and military members seeking a nuanced understanding of innovative science and its implications for security forces. Because of this, Disruptive and Game-Changing Technologies in Modern Warfare is an indispensable guide for anyone invested in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
