Beast in the Machine - by George M Dougherty (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A defense technology expert and military leader reveals the future of robotic warfare, and illuminates the path to navigate the approaching storm of global change

The world is plunging into a new era of warfare dominated by robotic systems and artificial intelligence. As drones and other new weapons fill the headlines, militaries, governments, and concerned citizens are asking urgent questions about this emerging revolution. Author George M. Dougherty provides much-needed answers from a unique perspective as a senior military leader of US Air Force science and technology and a strategic business consultant to companies facing disruptive change in their industries.

Beast in the Machine offers a fascinating exploration of the future of combat. It takes the reader on a whirlwind journey through previously secret robotic combat missions from the World Wars to the War on Terror, and today's lethal battlefields in Ukraine and beyond. With vivid examples and easy-to-understand explanations of emerging technologies, Dougherty reveals the trends driving change and helps us to anticipate and prepare for what comes next.

Informed by insider expertise as well as a humane moral perspective, Dougherty tackles this controversial subject head-on. In these pages, readers will learn:

How the revolution's early stages are disrupting current conflicts and how its consequences will transform tomorrow's global balance of power Why traditional military platforms like tanks, ships, and airplanes will be replaced by robotic systems that we may not recognize today How self-organizing drone units will make the "atmospheric littoral" the new key terrain What threats from military AI are more dangerous than all-powerful artificial intelligence How we can ensure the ethical use of robotic weapons and AI in combat Why the winners and losers of the new era may not be who we expect

These fast-moving technologies are disrupting the military world, and with it, international stability and the balance of power. The US and other global democracies must navigate this disruptive era wisely, or risk becoming its victims. Beast in the Machine is a timely invitation for all of us to join the conversation on the future of human armed struggle . . . while there's still time to shape what's coming.

Review Quotes

"George Dougherty's eminently readable new work offers deep insights into the implications of robotic combat systems, not only from a technical standpoint with associated challenges and opportunities, but with a moral and ethical view as well. It should be required reading for defense technologists, military historians, or anyone with even a casual interest in the inevitable push towards proliferated autonomous weapons systems."
--Dr. Mark Lewis, former US director of defense research and engineering, and chief scientist of the US Air Force

"Beast in the Machine is a must-read for military professionals--those engaged in developing future force capabilities, and those involved in planning and executing current operations. George Dougherty contributes significantly to a most crucial discussion of the future of human conflict affected by the proliferation of robotics and artificial intelligence. America's armed forces cannot afford to be late in adapting to the changes upon us."
--Colonel Don Sando, USA (ret.), former deputy to the commanding general for the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence

"A rigorously thorough and piercingly insightful look at where today's mil-tech revolution came from . . . and where it's heading. Beast in the Machine is a vital book for anyone who wants to understand how the rising tide of robotics and AI will shape twenty-first century conflict."
--Lieutenant Colonel Dan Ward, USAF (ret.), author of F.I.R.E., LIFT, and PUNK

"George Dougherty's Beast in the Machine provides key insights into the robotic transformation of combat that is now underway. The understanding it provides will be of value to security leaders, defense industry, and warfighters alike. A must-read."
--Lieutenant General David A. Deptula, USAF (ret.), architect of the Desert Storm air campaign and dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

"This incredible work is a critical current classic that is essential reading for tech warriors, tech bros, and transformative leaders at all echelons because it comprehensively covers the global robotics and AI revolution . . . The nation that leads in the next four years will lead the world in the next two hundred--so read, heed, and lead to WIN!"
--Major General John M. Olson (ret.), former US Space Force chief technology and innovation officer and first Air Force chief data and AI officer

"Even as it's changing our schools and offices, artificial intelligence is transforming battlefields--both literal and political--in new, startling ways. Beast in the Machine is a highly accessible guide for making sense of it all."
--Dr. Victoria Coleman, CEO of Acubed, director of DARPA, and chief scientist of the Department of the Air Force

"Drawing from a career at the intersection of technology and warfare, George Dougherty has delivered a compelling set of lessons on the history and future of robotics and its ability to transform warfare. Beast in the Machine raises important ethical and policy questions, shares informed practical knowledge, and offers guidance to navigate the future."
--Dr. Arun Seraphin, executive director of the Emerging Technologies Institute for the National Defense Industrial Associatio