War and Technology: A Very Short Introduction - Softcover

Book 182 of 406: Very Short Introductions

Roland, Alex

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9780190605384: War and Technology: A Very Short Introduction
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0190605383 ISBN 13: 9780190605384
Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2016

Synopsis

The war instinct is part of human nature, but the means to fight war depend on technology. Alex Roland traces the co-evolution of technology and warfare from the Stone Age to the age of cyberwar, describing the inventions that changed the direction of warfare throughout history: from fortified walls, the chariot, battleships, and the gunpowder revolution to bombers, rockets, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and nuclear weapons.

In the twenty-first century, new technologies continue to push warfare in unexpected directions, while warfare stimulates stunning new technological advances. Yet even now, the newest and best technology cannot guarantee victory. Brimming with dramatic narratives of battles and deep insights into military psychology, this book shows that although military technologies keep changing at great speed, the principles and patterns behind them abide.

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About the Author

Alex Roland is Professor of History Emeritus at Duke University. He has written several books on military history and the history of technology, including Strategic Computing: DARPA and the Quest for Machine Intelligence, 1983-1993 and The Way of the Ship: America's Maritime History Reenvisioned, 1600-2000.

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Publisher
Oxford University Press
Publication date
2016
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0190605383
ISBN 13 
9780190605384
Binding
Paperback
Number of pages
152
Rating
  • 3.86 out of 5 stars
    92 ratings by Goodreads