The Next World War: Computers Are the Weapons & the Front Line Is Everywhere - Hardcover

Adams, James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0684834529 ISBN 13: 9780684834528

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 1998

Synopsis

The Washington bureau chief of the London Sunday Times draws on two decades of research and intelligence to present his theory that information is becoming the ultimate weapon as computer chips have permanently changed the nature of warfare. 30,000 first printing.

About this title

Review

Has the computer chip changed the nature of warfare? Will it eventually change war beyond current recognition? Adams, the former defense correspondent and Washington bureau chief for the London Sunday Times, believes that information will become the ultimate weapon and that future battlegrounds will be everywhere we live and work. While the weapons and technology of war will improve beyond even technofiction's expectations, it's the "information warfare" that will be critical in foreign wars and in the war against domestic crime.

We've already seen some of what is to come in the Gulf War's camera-equipped smart bombs. Soldiers can now be equipped with hand-held computers that can send messages and information back to superiors. And among the weapons to come: microwave cannons; plasma guns; devices that can see, smell, and hear; and even robotic "ants" that can swarm and explode around the enemy. Soldiers will wear uniforms powered by body heat that automatically relay important information back to their base camp. Helmets will be able to locate incoming fire, help a soldier see under all kinds of conditions, and locate others in a patrol.

The ability to attack an enemy's civilian infrastructure, such as communication networks, air traffic control, bridges and dams, and electric grids, will be part of the new era of war. With the advanced state of digital imaging, misinformation campaigns in enemy countries can take on a much more convincing role. All it takes is for one country to have a few skilled hackers, and suddenly the number of troops, the hardware, and the nuclear devices don't matter. Could there be an "electronic Pearl Harbor?"

Adams's research and journalism experience has made him aware of how much information warfare is being planned for and how much is already in place. His concern, in part, is that there has been little public debate about this, even though it affects our future so dramatically. Adams says "As David proved against Goliath, strength can be beaten. America today looks uncomfortably like Goliath, arrogant in its power, armed to the teeth, ignorant of its weakness." --Elizabeth Lewis

About the Author

James Adams is the Chief Executive Officer of United Press International.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0684834529
• ISBN 13: 9780684834528
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368