Braden Allenby

Throughout history, technological evolution and military activity have been linked. The existential challenge to society represented by warfare, combined with the immediate advantage that new technology can deliver, tends to accelerate technological innovation and diffusion. The relationships between the resulting technology systems, and consequent social and ethical issues and changes, are quite complex, however, and understanding and managing them to enhance long term military advantage and security, is a critical and underappreciated challenge. This is particularly true when, as now, technological change is both rapid and accelerating; posing the risk of cultural backlashes that could affect both short term mission capabilities and longer term security interests.

Many technologies of sufficient power to be of interest militarily have at least the potential to be deeply destabilizing to existing economic, social, and technological systems. Examples might include the possibility that military RFID sensor systems, insect robots and cyborgs are shifted from theatre intelligence to domestic intelligence; that telepathic helmet technology transitions from a small unit communication enhancement to a non-intrusive thought detection device in civil society; or that warrior enhancement technology results in radical life extension for selected civilian populations. Emerging technologies are likely to have similar destabilizing effects within the military as well, potentially affecting not just military operations, but military culture and organization, as well as broader social perspectives on military initiatives generally.

These challenges are far more profound than is usually realized, in part because it is not just military and security domains that are being destabilized by accelerating technologies, but also the institutions and social structures upon which they are predicated, such as the nation-state and the idea of war as a public, not private, activity. It is our belief, however, that despite the complexity and unpredictability of the environment within which we all find ourselves, it is still possible to respond rationally, responsibly, and ethically to these challenges. It is that belief which lies behind the establishment and work of this Consortium.

Brad Allenby,

Founding Chair, Consortium for Emerging Technologies, Military Operations, and National Security