The military always aims at making use of technological progress. This can entail new weapon systems, new concepts or doctrines, or even entirely new domains of operation such as space or cyberspace. Currently, many technologies which were regarded as mere science fiction only a few years ago are about to enter the battlefield. This learning unit looks at recent developments, identifies key emerging technologies and discusses the problems and challenges they pose for security, peace and arms control.

After completing this unit, you will

• have an overview over several emerging technologies and their military applications.
• know the state of proliferation with regard to unmanned weapon systems and the trend toward more autonomy in them.
• be familiar with hypersonic glide vehicles and the military use of nanotechnology.
• be able to assess the challenges involved with cyber security as well as the growing demand for non-lethal weapons.
• understand the challenges of the 21st century due to the dual-use problem and the need for qualitative rather than quantitative arms control.