Weapons for Strategic Effect How Important is Technology?

Gray, Colin S.

doi:10.21236/ada407083

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 24 publications

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“…58 Noted political and military thinker Colin Gray further argues that since war is "organized violence for political ends," then the tools of war are necessarily strategic: "It is inherent in their nature." 59 Consequently, any proper discussion of the usefulness of a weapon type should center on its potential to elicit strategic effects-that is, how it might contribute to the successful achievement of political goals. With that said, one could make the case that some weapons are more strategic than others.…”

Section: Strategic Advantages and Drawbacks Of Nonlethal Weaponsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Lethal Weapons: Setting Our Phasers on Stun? Potential Stratetgic Blessings and Curses of Non-Lethal Weapons on the Battlefield

Nutley¹

2003

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Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. DisclaimerThe views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Air University, the US government or the Department of Defense. In accordance with Air Force Instruction 51-303, it is not copyrighted, but is the property of the United States government.i Tables Page Table 1 AbstractThough still in its infancy, the emergence of non-lethal technology in recent years has the potential to change the way wars are fought. Whether non-lethal weapons become a key component of a revolutionary transformation of the military depends on an analysis of their likely strategic effects. This paper is intended to provide an overview of some of the key issues facing the development and employment of non-lethal weapons for senior military and policy leaders. The paper begins with a discussion of recent technology developments for non-lethal weapons. Next, it describes current capabilities as well as the research, development, and procurement efforts needed to bring more non-lethal weaponry into the force structure. The discussion concludes that the current emphasis in non-lethal weapons is on defensive, tactical uses.The strategic advantages and drawbacks of non-lethal weapons-their potential to affect policy outcomes-are examined next. After that, topics including legal concerns and operational issues that need to be resolved before non-lethal weapons can be fielded on a greater scale are explored. The ability of non-lethal weapons to positively influence the global war on terrorism is also assessed. It is suggested that advantages of non-lethal weapons in these operations outweigh their drawbacks. Finally, a concluding assessment of the future of non-lethal weapons is offered.v Non-Lethal Weapons …1

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Section: Strategic Advantages and Drawbacks Of Nonlethal Weaponsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Lethal Weapons: Setting Our Phasers on Stun? Potential Stratetgic Blessings and Curses of Non-Lethal Weapons on the Battlefield

Nutley¹

2003

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Technology is awesome, but so what?! Exploring the relevance of technologically inspired awe to the construction of military theories

Žilinčík

2021

Journal of Strategic Studies

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Drone warfare and contemporary strategy making: Does the tail wag the dog?

Gürcan

2013

Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict

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In the traditional Clausewitzian view, political goals and policies determine the character of war, and consequently policy forms the frame in which military strategy is shaped. This paper questions whether current experience has undermined the subjugation of military technique to military strategy, and thus to policy. The example of armed drones suggests that new technique can change the nature of war, including political and ethical views of war. An earlier example of new technique - nuclear weapons - brought similarly broad changes. Against one-way determinist views of the power of new technique, I argue that the interaction of armed drones with strategy, culture and politics has barely begun. © 2013 Taylor & Francis

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Weapons for Strategic Effect How Important is Technology?

Abstract: Subject Terms Report Classification unclassified Classification of this page unclassified Classification of Abstract unclassified Limitation of Abstract UU Number of Pages

Cited by 5 publications

References 24 publications

Non-Lethal Weapons: Setting Our Phasers on Stun? Potential Stratetgic Blessings and Curses of Non-Lethal Weapons on the Battlefield

Non-Lethal Weapons: Setting Our Phasers on Stun? Potential Stratetgic Blessings and Curses of Non-Lethal Weapons on the Battlefield

Technology is awesome, but so what?! Exploring the relevance of technologically inspired awe to the construction of military theories

Drone warfare and contemporary strategy making: Does the tail wag the dog?

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