796
8 Modern Weapons: Possibilities and Limitations
8.6 Neural Weapons
8.6.1 Military Neuroscience
This section is based on the review of materials presented in the ISAC-ISSS
conference on November 14–16 2014 in Austin.
Neuroscience is currently one of the most rapidly developing fields of science in the world.
It is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to connect and integrate “calculus, general biology,
genetics, physiology, molecular biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry,
physics, behavioral psychology, cognitive psychology, perceptual psychology, philosophy,
computer theory, and research design” [26].
It is inevitable that neuroscience research will impact on national security in
complex ways in the next decades, which has already been the subject of a 2008
Defense Intelligence Agency sponsored study by the National Research Council
[27]. It says that advances in neuroscience might even trigger a neurotechnology
arms race, as nations that could leverage neurotechnology better than others could
gain a decisive advantage in warfare [28]. This paper argues that new methods of
influencing the brain and the central nervous system and thereby mental capacity,
emotion, and thought could become central to future military strategy and the conduct
of war, conflict, and economic competition. Even though the terms “neural weapons“
and “neural warfare” still sound like something from science fiction, the specialists
already unanimously confirm that neural weapons are no longer impossible from
the technical point of view and no longer require non-existent technologies for
production. In fact, these are brand-new weapons aimed at controlling activity of
the brain and the central nervous system. Depending on the precise definition of
the term neuroweapon one could even argue that some primitive versions of them
may already exist, such as the commercially available Myotron, which overloads the
central nervous system through direct contact and thereby jams brain signals that
control voluntary muscle movements [29].
Various neuropharmacological drugs that impact on mental capacity and behavior
are currently being researched by defense establishments around the world for
possible usage in combat scenarios, among them are modafinil, oxytocin, and propranolol [30]. Monitoring or manipulating the brain and central nervous system remotely
can be done with existing technologies such as EEG or fNIRS headsets, radiofrequency waves/microwaves or pulsed ultrasound precisely targeted at specific areas
of the brain. Considering recent investments and advances in neuroscience by many
major countries, especially in areas such as brain stimulation and brain–computer
interfaces, neuroweapons, and neurowarfare could emerge already in the decade of
2015–2025 [31]. Furthermore, the potential consequences of mapping and decoding
the brain could be more grave than any other scientific breakthrough in human
history since it could affect the very concept of free will and individual autonomy on
which liberal democratic society is based. Solving problems associated with dangers
that will occur in connection with future developments and distribution of neural
weapons and further development of neural warfare methods will inevitably require
8 Modern Weapons: Possibilities and Limitations
8.6 Neural Weapons
8.6.1 Military Neuroscience
This section is based on the review of materials presented in the ISAC-ISSS
conference on November 14–16 2014 in Austin.
Neuroscience is currently one of the most rapidly developing fields of science in the world.
It is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to connect and integrate “calculus, general biology,
genetics, physiology, molecular biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry,
physics, behavioral psychology, cognitive psychology, perceptual psychology, philosophy,
computer theory, and research design” [26].
It is inevitable that neuroscience research will impact on national security in
complex ways in the next decades, which has already been the subject of a 2008
Defense Intelligence Agency sponsored study by the National Research Council
[27]. It says that advances in neuroscience might even trigger a neurotechnology
arms race, as nations that could leverage neurotechnology better than others could
gain a decisive advantage in warfare [28]. This paper argues that new methods of
influencing the brain and the central nervous system and thereby mental capacity,
emotion, and thought could become central to future military strategy and the conduct
of war, conflict, and economic competition. Even though the terms “neural weapons“
and “neural warfare” still sound like something from science fiction, the specialists
already unanimously confirm that neural weapons are no longer impossible from
the technical point of view and no longer require non-existent technologies for
production. In fact, these are brand-new weapons aimed at controlling activity of
the brain and the central nervous system. Depending on the precise definition of
the term neuroweapon one could even argue that some primitive versions of them
may already exist, such as the commercially available Myotron, which overloads the
central nervous system through direct contact and thereby jams brain signals that
control voluntary muscle movements [29].
Various neuropharmacological drugs that impact on mental capacity and behavior
are currently being researched by defense establishments around the world for
possible usage in combat scenarios, among them are modafinil, oxytocin, and propranolol [30]. Monitoring or manipulating the brain and central nervous system remotely
can be done with existing technologies such as EEG or fNIRS headsets, radiofrequency waves/microwaves or pulsed ultrasound precisely targeted at specific areas
of the brain. Considering recent investments and advances in neuroscience by many
major countries, especially in areas such as brain stimulation and brain–computer
interfaces, neuroweapons, and neurowarfare could emerge already in the decade of
2015–2025 [31]. Furthermore, the potential consequences of mapping and decoding
the brain could be more grave than any other scientific breakthrough in human
history since it could affect the very concept of free will and individual autonomy on
which liberal democratic society is based. Solving problems associated with dangers
that will occur in connection with future developments and distribution of neural
weapons and further development of neural warfare methods will inevitably require