Dr Singer is considered one the world's leading experts on changes in 21st century warfare. He has written for the full range of major media and journals, including Boston Globe, L.A. Times, New Times, amongst many others. He is also the author of Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry and Children at War. He is also a founder and organizer of the US-Islamic World Forum, a global conference that brings together leaders from across the US and the Muslim world.
“. . . As Singer explores the issues raised by military
robotics—meeting with entrepreneurs, engineers and operators,
ethicists, and pundits—his enthusiasm becomes infectious. With its
informal style and cultural references, and because of its
topic, Wired for War is a book of its time: this is
strategy for the Facebook generation.” —Foreign Affairs
“An engrossing picture of a new class of weapon that may
revolutionize future wars. . .” —Kirkus Reviews
". . . As Singer explores the issues raised by military
robotics-meeting with entrepreneurs, engineers and operators,
ethicists, and pundits-his enthusiasm becomes infectious. With its
informal style and cultural references, and because of its topic,
Wired for War is a book of its time: this is strategy for
the Facebook generation." -Foreign Affairs
"An engrossing picture of a new class of weapon that may
revolutionize future wars. . ." -Kirkus Reviews
Brookings Institute fellow Singer (Children at War) believes that "we resist trying to research and understand change" in the making of war. Robotics promises to be the most comprehensive instrument of change in war since the introduction of gunpowder. Beginning with a brief and useful survey of robotics, Singer discusses its military applications during WWII, the arming and autonomy of robots at the turn of the century, and the broad influence of robotics on near-future battlefields. How, for example, can rules of engagement for unmanned autonomous machines be created and enforced? Can an artificial intelligence commit a war crime? Arguably more significant is Singer's provocative case that war itself will be redefined as technology creates increasing physical and emotional distance from combat. As robotics diminishes war's risks the technology diminishes as well the higher purposes traditionally used to justify it. Might that reduce humanity's propensity for war making? Or will robotics make war less humane by making it less human? Singer has more questions than answers-but it is difficult to challenge his concluding admonition to question and study the technologies of military robotics-while the chance remains. (Jan. 26) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
