Transhumanizing War: Performance Enhancement and the Implications for Policy, Society, and the Soldier

Breede, H.christian

ISBN 10: 0773559485 / ISBN 13: 9780773559486

Published by McGill-Queen?s University Press, 2020

About this Item

. 2019. Paperback. . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9780773559486

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Transhumanizing War: Performance Enhancement and the Implications for Policy, Society, and the Soldier
• Publisher: McGill-Queen?s University Press
• Publication Date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0773559485
• ISBN 13: 9780773559486
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The concept of soldier enhancement often invokes images of dystopian futures populated with dehumanized military personnel. These futures serve as warnings in science fiction works, and yet the enhancement of soldiers' combat capability is almost as old as war itself. Today, soldier enhancement is the purpose of military training and the application of innovative technologies, but when does it begin to challenge individuals' very humanity?

Bringing together the work of a diverse group of practitioners and academics, Transhumanizing War examines performance enhancement in the military from a wide range of perspectives. The book builds on two key premises: that rapid advances in science and technology are outstripping governments' and military organizations' capacity to adapt, and that this has put pressure on the connection between the military and the public. The contributors to this collection grapple with the implications of continued technological advancement and the possibility that innovative solutions to performance enhancement will risk further alienating the soldier from society. Navigating the fine line between technological promise and ethics, this volume presents a guide to responsible implementation in Canada and abroad.

Offering unique insights into a debate on the bleeding edge of public discourse, Transhumanizing War considers the best ways to improve combat effectiveness while still preserving soldiers' humanity.

Contributors include G. de Boisboissel (St Cyr), Linda Bossi (Defence Research and Development Canada), David Bryant (Defence Research and Development Canada), Colin Farrelly (Queen's University), Sara Greco (Queen's University), Monica Jones (University of Michigan), Thomas Karakolis (Defence Research and Development Canada), Allan Keefe (Defence Research and Development Canada), Maxwell Mehlmen (Case Western Reserve University), Farzana Nabi (US Army), K. Niall (Defence Research and Development Canada), David Tack (Defence Research and Development Canada), A. Vergin (Deutsche Bundeswehr), Randall Wakelam (Royal Military College of Canada), and Vicki Woodside-Duggins (Canadian Defence Academy)

About the Authors

H. Christian Breede is associate professor of political science at the Royal Military College of Canada, a serving infantry officer, co-editor of Going to War? Trends in Military Interventions, author of The Idea of Failed States, and editor of Culture and the Solder.

Stéphanie Bélanger is a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada.

Stéfanie von Hlatky is Canada Research Chair in Gender, Security, and the Armed Forces at Queen’s University.