Brookings: Topics - Military Technology

Video Game Veterans and the New American Politics

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

According to Peter Singer, video games have become an effective recruiting tool for the military, and gaming technology has been used in everything from battle training to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. However, while creating a new generation of soldiers primed for the fast-pace of modern warfare, Singer cautions that these games may also be desensitizing young people to the realities of war.

CNO Admiral Gary Roughead: The Future of Unmanned Naval Technologies

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 02, 2009, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On November 2, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead. Admiral Roughead discussed the U.S. Navy’s use of new technologies, and its development and integration of unmanned systems into the current and future Navy force structure.

A Revolution Once More: Unmanned Systems and the Middle East

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Amidst growing use of robotics in warfare, Peter Singer explores the future of unmanned systems in the Middle East and South Asia. Singer concludes that while the United States remains -- and likely will remain -- the top developer of such technology, it is only a matter of time before other nations begin deploying robotics in large numbers.

Light Fighter Planes: From Crop-Dusting to Counterinsurgency?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Air Force recently announced a plan to explore purchasing 100 "light fighters" for use in counterinsurgency operations in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Peter Singer explores why the Air Force should not follow through on this plan, and he argues that unmanned systems already developed are better options moving forward.

Wired for War: The Future of Military Robots

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though robots are currently being used by the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, Peter Singer says this is just the beginning and much more advanced types are coming. In an extract from his book Wired for War, Singer examines the future of robotic warfare on the ground, in the air and from space.

Are Chinese Aircraft Carriers a Threat?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In addition to an aircraft carrier purchased from Russia, China is reportedly planning to add four more to its fleet by 2020. Peter Singer analyzes the future of China's sea power projection and argues that U.S. defense planning should focus on shorter-term concerns ranging from Chinese hackers accessing sensitive material to anti-ship ballistic missiles capable of hitting targets 1,500 miles away.

Counterterrorism: Kill or Be Killed?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the post-9/11 era, the United States is grappling with many ethical, operational and political questions regarding the targeted killings of terrorists. Dan Byman argues that such strikes are a painful necessity in a time when U.S. foes cannot be found or fought onconventional battlefields.

Do Targeted Killings Work?

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CIA Director Leon Panetta has cancelled a secret CIA plan to train anti-terrorist assassins, but Daniel Byman notes that strikes by U.S. military drones have had mixed success as a tactic for combating al Qaeda in Pakistan. Given the humanitarian and political risks, each strike needs to be carefully weighed. But equally important is the risk of not striking—and inadvertently allowing al Qaeda leaders free reign to plot terrorist mayhem.

Tactical Generals: Leaders, Technology, and the Perils

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

General Charles Krulak coined the term “strategic corporal” (a junior member trained to make time-critical decisions in response to the dynamic ground fight). Peter Singer examines a similar phenomenon occurring among senior officers, observing that modern technology allows generals to personally engage on the tactical level from remote locations.

Our Dangerous Defense Policy Addiction

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer writes that the United States is a nation of thinking big, but he cautions against continuing to translate this interest to national security and defense policy. Singer believes the Pentagon should encourage more competition to create leaner, cheaper and less time-draining weapons systems and vehicles.

Attack of the Military Drones

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In modern warfare, precision drones can dramatically reduce human casualties. Peter Singer explores the debate surrounding this mechanization of warfare and exposes the battle of ideas—both for and against military robotics use—that it has sparked.

The Rise of the Tactical General

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer frames the ongoing robotics revolution within militaries around the world through the idea of the tactical general who—given the ability through unmanned systems—can micromanage even the lowest-level operations. Singer believes that even though the capabilities in war are changing, lessons of the past should guide military leaders who are tempted to stray from their job of setting broad goals and battlefield objectives.

Obama Administration's Sound Thinking On Missile Defense

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A central critique of the Obama administration’s new defense budget proposal is that it underfunds missile defense systems. Given how far the systems have progressed over the years, Michael O'Hanlon argues the critique is overblown and examines the relatively minor cuts to the program.

Gaming the Robot Revolution

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer examines the growing military robotics industry in light of the Terminator: Salvation and thoughts that robots may someday turn on their human creators. Singer concludes that while many of our inventions come from science fiction, we already have become so reliant on technology that we should not worry about a takeover.

Isaac Asimov's Laws of Robotics Are Wrong

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When people talk about robots and ethics, they always seem to bring up Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." But Peter Singer argues there are major problems with these laws and their use in our real world. Singer believes that instead of focusing on the morality of the robots themselves, we should examine the ethics of those behind the machines.

The Future of Global Engagement: A Discussion with Adm. Michael G. Mullen

Mon, 18 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 18, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On May 18, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Mullen discussed the nature of global military engagements over the next decade and how our national security institutions should assess the future spectrum of threats in order to properly organize, resource and respond.

A Defense Force of Terminators is Almost Here

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer addresses a recent Australian white paper envisioning a military force for 2030. Noting that the white paper places very little emphasis on military robotics, Singer writes, “in planning for the future, we should not ignore the technological trends that are already in action.”

Reasons to Love Washington (D.C.): We're Inventing the Future

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explains why the Washington, D.C. area can be compared to a science fiction laboratory where the future of technology is created.

The Air Force's Role in Irregular Warfare and Counterinsurgency

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 24, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM

On April 24, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted General Norton A. Schwartz, chief of staff of the United States Air Force, for a discussion of the Air Force’s strategic and operational role in conducting irregular warfare and counterinsurgency operations.

The 3 Laws May Not Be Enough To Guide Robot Warriors

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What does the Pentagon think about a possible robot uprising? Is Star Trek's view of combat realistic? Peter Singer addresses these questions and others in an interview with io9 about his new book, Wired for War.

Budgeting for Hard Power : Defense and Security Spending Under Barack Obama

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This timely book is the worthy successor to previous Brookings volumes on defense spending, including most recently O'Hanlon's Defense Strategy for the Post-Saddam Era (2005) and Defense Policy Choices for the Bush Administration (2001 and 2002). It continues our proud tradition of nonpartisan empirical analysis of defense issues.

The Robot Wars Have Arrived

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just as the computer and ARPAnet evolved into the PC and Internet, robots are poised to integrate into everyday life in ways we can't even imagine, thanks in large part to research funded by the U.S. military. Peter Singer discussed his new book, Wired for War with CNET, and explored the future of U.S. war fighting tactics.

Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, on the Future of Unmanned Naval Technologies

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 12, 2009, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

On March 12, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings will host Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, for a discussion on the U.S. Navy’s use of new technologies, and its development and integration of unmanned systems into the current and future Navy force structure.

Robots and the Rise of "Tactical Generals"

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explores the most amazing robotics revolution taking place in the history of war, and even perhaps of humanity.

The U.S. Military's New Warriors: Robots

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:32:27 GMT

Peter W. Singer discusses advances in the use of robots by the U.S. military and the ethical concerns they raise.

War as Entertainment?

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer joined bigthink.com to explore if force is used more liberally when humans are removed from the battlefield and replaced by robotics.

Wired for War? Robots and Military Doctrine

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The growth in of unmanned systems by the U.S. military has taken place so rapidly that we often forget how far we have come in just a short time. Peter Singer analyzes these changes in warfare and what it means for the future.

Military Robots and the Laws of War

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explores how unmanned systems are rapidly transforming armed conflict and how the U.S. military fights wars.

Inside the Rise of the Warbots

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer's Wired for War has been praised by everyone from former National Security Advisor Anthony Lake to Jon Stewart as a definitive look at the growing use of robots on the battlefield. Wired.com interviewed Singer about the rise of the machines.

Wired for War: American Killing Machines

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As science fiction becomes reality on our battlefields, America has a new corps of warriors fighting on its behalf. Peter Singer examines the robotic revolution now underway in the U.S. military and how it may shape the future of war.

Military 2.0: Should You Fear the Killer Robots?

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In his new book, Wired for War, Peter Singer takes an in-depth and at times frightening look at the growing use of robotics by the military—a development that he argues will be looked on as "something revolutionary in war, maybe even in human history." Singer spoke with Mother Jones about the unforeseen ripple effects of these new technologies, the folly of calls to use robots in Darfur, and whether we should ban these machines before it's too late.

The Future of Robotics at War

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When the United States invaded Iraq, there were only a handful of aerial drones and no unmanned ground systems. Today there are thousands of each, and the technology continues to improve. Brookings Senior Fellow Peter Singer joined Jon Stewart to discuss this technological revolution in light of his new book Wired for War.

In the Loop? Armed Robots and the Future of War

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the next generation of unmanned vehicles, ships, and planes hits the battlefield, Peter Singer explores the ramifications of the new battlefield reality involving robots at war.

Prepare for the Robot Wars

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In his latest work, Wired for War, Peter Singer confesses his passion for science fiction as he introduces us to a glimpse of things to come–the new technologies that will shape wars of the future. In this interview with Scott Horton, Singer discusses the future of military technology.

Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 26, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Brookings hosted the launch of Wired for War, a new book by Peter W. Singer, who discussed the ways in which robotics have and will change the face of war, as well as the larger implications of these revolutionary developments. Following Singer’s presentation, General James Mattis, USMC, joined the discussion of the issues surrounding war, politics and technology in the 21st century.

Robots at War: The New Battlefield

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It sounds like science fiction, but it is fact: On the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, robots are killing America’s enemies and saving American lives. But today’s PackBots, Predators, and Ravens are relatively primitive machines. Peter Singer says the coming generation of “war-bots” will be immensely more sophisticated, but their development raises troubling new questions about how and when we wage war.

"Wired for War" Explores Robots on the Battlefield

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Robot soldiers are no longer just the stuff of sci-fi fantasy. As Peter Singer explains, some military tasks previously assigned to humans are now being handled by machines.

Wired for War? Robots and Military Doctrine

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer writes that it is clear that the American military must begin to think about the consequences of a 21st-century battlefield in which it is sending out fewer humans and more robots. Just as the technologies and modes of wars are changing, he argues, so must our concepts of how to fight and win them.

A New Approach to Missile Defense in Europe

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer addresses the Bush administration's continued desire to install a missile defense system in Europe to counter Iranian weapon threats. Pifer believes that because Iran has not yet developed a missile capable of reaching all of Europe or the U.S., the program's timetable should be slowed to ensure all interested parties, including Russia, are comfortable with the plans.

A Look at the Pentagon’s Five Step Plan For Making Iron Man Real

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the movie Iron Man debuts in theaters, Peter Singer writes that the superhuman strengths enabled to the star character, through use of a suit, are "no mere fiction." Instead, Singer details how this vision of technology overcoming the weaknesses of the human body has led the Pentagon to invest billions of dollars into creating a military of supersoldiers.

Thoughts on the Nanjing Massacre

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Seventy years ago the Japanese Imperial Army seized Nanjing and killed Chinese soldiers and civilians on a scale that will never be known. Richard Bush demonstrates how defective decision-making processes helped lead to the conflict that created the conditions in which the Nanjing Massacre and other atrocities took place.

Right-Sizing the People’s Liberation Army: Exploring the Contours of China’s Military

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 24, 2007, 1:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice once commented on China’s military buildup as looking "outsized for its regional concerns." What might armed forces consistent with Beijing's legitimate self-defense requirements look like? Panelists presented their findings on the “right-size” for China’s national security strategy, strategic forces, and ground forces at this seminar.

Beyond the 'Buy America' Debate: Sustaining America's Industrial and Technological Edge amid the Challenges of Globalization

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Christopher Robinson (July 2007)

From ""Second Life"" Back to Reality

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 18, 2007, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Have Guns, Will Travel

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by P.W. Singer, The New York Times (7/21/03)

Terrorism and Nuclear Energy: Understanding the Risks

Fri, 01 Mar 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Gweneth Cravens (Spring 2002)

Winning the War of Words: Information Warfare in Afghanistan

Tue, 23 Oct 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Analysis Paper by Peter W. Singer (10/23/01)