Brookings: Topics - Revolution in Military Affairs

21st Century Defense Initiative

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:33:39 GMT

The 21^st Century Defense Initiative produces cutting-edge research, analysis, and outreach that address some of the most critical issues facing leaders shaping defense policy in the coming century. The initiative focuses on three core issues: the future of war, the future of U.S. defense needs and priorities, and the future of the U.S. defense system

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Game Changers" and the Military: Exploring Innovation and Leadership

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 31, 2008, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Brookings’ 21st Century Defense Initiative and the U.S. Army War College hosted Rep. Ike Skelton, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, for a discussion on fostering innovative leaders within the U.S. military. Often referred to as “game changers,” these individuals are essential as the military faces a continually changing global environment. Rep. Skelton speech focused on the deep challenges the military faces in how to foster, train, integrate and retain these unique leaders.

Outsourcing the Fight

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer writes about the increased reliance on and the weaknesses of private military contractors. He believes that the U.S. military needs to re-assess which jobs are appropriate to outsource and which are not as well as increase regulation in the contractor market.

U.S. Overseas Military Presence in the 21st Century

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The next American president will inherit an overseas military base realignment process guided by an effort known as the Global Posture Review. As Michael O'Hanlon argues, a successful outcome will depend on the next U.S. administration refining the current plan—and redefining the broader national security policy context in which base realignment will be viewed.

Blackwater: The Roger Clemens of War

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer discusses a lawsuit against Blackwater USA that claims employees in the field have used steroids and other "judgment-altering substances."

COIN of the Realm: U.S. Counterinsurgency Strategy

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 22, 2007, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

The 21st Century Defense Initiative and the Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute co-organize a seminar series entitled “Future Defense Dilemmas.” The first seminar looked at the many questions that now surround counterinsurgency. A group of leading experts explored whether the new COIN strategy and its implementation captures the realities and needs on the ground successfully, as well as whether the current focus on COIN capabilities and training is being properly balanced with regard to other military capabilities and needs.

Seven Questions: The Hired Guns of Iraq

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer discusses why he believes the Blackwater Scandal won’t prompt the U.S. to stop outsourcing their wars.

Can't Win with 'Em, Can't Go To War without 'Em: Private Military Contractors and Counterinsurgency

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer says that the use of private military contractors appears to have harmed, rather than helped, the counterinsurgency efforts of the U.S. mission in Iraq.

Banned In Baghdad: Reactions to the Blackwater License Being Pulled

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer argues that “when it comes to military outsourcing: We dealt these cards to ourselves.”

Petraeus Doesn't Cook the Books

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Michael E. O'Hanlon

Department of Defense Energy Strategy

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Gregory Lengyel (August 2007)

The State of the Military Today

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 29, 2007, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have stretched the U.S. military thin. Brookings’s Opportunity 08 project and 21st Century Defense Initiative examined the state of the U.S. military today and the challenges it faces for the future.

Europe Based Antimissile System: Defense We Just Don't Need (Yet)

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Michael E. O'Hanlon, The New York Times (5/17/07)

The U.S. Navy Beyond Iraq - Sea Power for a New Era

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 03, 2007, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

The 21st Century Defense Initiative hosted Admiral Michael G. Mullen, then chief of naval operations, for a discussion of the U.S. Navy's efforts to draft a new maritime strategy and prepare for the challenges of the twenty-first century. Adm. Mullen was recently sworn in as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

How to Judge Defense Secretary Robert Gates

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Michael E. O'Hanlon, The New Republic (4/3/07)

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

War Made New: The History and Future of Technology and Warfare

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 12:15:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 26, 2006, 12:15 PM to 2:00 PM

The Future of Weapons, Technology and International Law

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 17, 2006, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Transforming Military Training: Using the Lessons of the Past to Build the Army of the Future

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 14, 2006, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Brookings's Saban Center for Middle East Policy and 21st Century Defense Initiative co-hosted a discussion with General David H. Petraeus, who discussed the reforms that the U.S. military is undertaking to confront the new challenges of warfare.

Out of Uniform, Out of Touch?

Thu, 22 May 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Sott Livezey and William C. Prillaman, Christian Science Monitor (5/22/03)

The Ultimate Military Entrepreneur

Sat, 01 Mar 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Article by P.W. Singer in Military History Quarterly (Spring 2003)

Technological Change and American Security

Thu, 15 Jun 2000 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 15, 2000, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Rethinking the Joint Strike Fighter

Mon, 05 Jun 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Rethinking the Joint Strike Fighter, Opinion in Defense News, June 5, 2000, by Michael O'Hanlon, Senior Fellow, foreign-policy, The Brookings Institution

Spare a Dime for the Pentagon

Mon, 14 Dec 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Spare a Dime for the Pentagon, Los Angeles Times, December 17, 1998, by Michael O'Hanlon. ""Military: No big defense spending increase is needed. But the balanced-budget deal's furhter cuts would go too far.

Beware the ""RMA'nia!""

Wed, 09 Sep 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Michael E. O'Hanlon, Fellow, Foreign Policy Studies, Presented at the National Defense University, September 9, 1998. Do the high-tech accomplishments of U.S. forces in Operation Desert Storm a decade ago herald a new 21st-century era of adv