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Alexander, John B. Future War: Non-Lethal Weapons
in Twenty-First-Century Warfare. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1999.
Call Number: U 795 .A43 1999
Abstract: Written by an expert on non-lethal and advanced weaponry. The
work is divided into sections on the rationale of use (need), technologies,
operational scenarios, the issues, and appendices. Specific technologies
of interest covered are electromagnetic weapons, chemical options, acoustics,
information warfare, and biological (antipersonnel and antimateriel). Alexander,
John B. and Charles “Sid” Heal. “Non-Lethal and Hyper-Lethal
Weaponry.” Robert J. Bunker, ed. Non-State Threats and Future Wars.
London, UK: Frank Cass, 2003: 121-132.
Abstract: The article contains an introduction, a summary of emerging
threats, a discussion of effects-based weapons and their policy issues,
and a conclusion. Weapons covered include the Area Denial System (ADS),
Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL), Magic Dust, and Big Gun.
Taylor, Travis S. et al. An Introduction to Planetary Defense: A Study
of Modern Warfare Applied to Extra-Terrestrial Invasion. Boca Raton, FL:
Brown Walker Press, 2006. Call Number: UG 1530 .T39 2006
Abstract: This is a serious look at the strategy required to defend the
earth against an invasion from an extraterrestrial opponent. It is a pragmatic,
strategic assessment of what should be done to begin thinking about such
an occurrence. The important and pertinent part of this work is the emphasis
on the strategy of protection for national security, whatever the actual
threat. The analysis of planning is what is of value to the reader, whether
the opponent be Al Qaeda, a nation-state, or an extraterrestrial.
Armistead, ed. Leigh. Information Operations: Warfare and the Hard Reality
of Soft Power. Washington, DC: Brassey’s, 2004. Call Number: U 163
.I52 2004
Abstract: This is a basic primer on the developing theory and associated
doctrine of Information Operations (IO) in the context of nation state
military operations. It describes the current organization, function,
and doctrine of the United States and selected coalition partners. It
uses several case studies on how IO is now recognized as a method of power.
A recurring theme is the capability of information used at a local or
tactical level to influence strategic action and decisions.
Beason, Ph.D., Doug. The E-Bomb: How America’s New Directed Energy
Weapons Will Change The Way Future Wars Will Be Fought. Cambridge, MA:
Da Capo Press, 2005. Call Number: UG486.5 .B4345 2005
Abstract: The best overview work currently available for law enforcement
personnel on the topic of directed energy weapons (DEW). Clearly written
by a scientist with a background in laser-technology physics and threat
reduction. Provides an overview of directed energy issues—what it
offers, what it is, its military effectiveness, and its problems—and
then gets into specific treatments of high-power microwaves, high-energy
lasers, and other major DEW programs. Specific systems discussed are the
Active Denial System (ADS) and the Airborne Laser (ADL).
Borrello, Andrew. “Acoustic Force Technology.” Tactical Response.
Vol. 5, No. 3. (May-June 2007): 50-56.
Abstract: Provides a discussion of acoustic weapon technology and current
developments in the field for law enforcement. Spotlights the Long Range
Acoustic Device (LRAD) system. Also provides some insights into future
acoustic weapons.
Bunker, Robert J. Five-Dimensional (Cyber) Warfighting. Carlisle, PA:
Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, March 10, 1998. Internet:
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/ pdffiles/PUB233.pdf.
Abstract: The author expounds a scenario in which a future enemy (BlackFor)
concedes that the U.S. Army’s (BlueFor) superior technology, advanced
weaponry, and proven record of success in recent military operations make
it virtually invulnerable to conventional forms of symmetric attack. Therefore,
BlackFor seeks asymmetric ways to obviate BlueFor’s advantages.
These ways include utilizing advanced battlespace, complex concepts and
weapons technologies, and non-state forces and mercenaries.
Bunker, Robert J. “Radio Frequency Weapons: Issues and Potentials.”
The Journal of California Law Enforcement. Vol. 36, No. 1. (2002): 6-17.
Abstract: Provides law enforcement with an overview of radio frequency
weapons (RFW) based on High Power Microwave (HPM) and Ultra Wide Band
(UWB) devices. RFW dangers to electronics, target effects, law enforcement
tactical use, criminal/opposing force tactical use, and RFW countermeasures
are also provided.
Dando, Malcolm. A New Form of Warfare: The Rise of Non-Lethal Weapons.
London: Potomac Books, 1997. Call Number: U795 .D36 1996
Abstract: Begins with a basic overview of peacekeeping, non-lethal weapons
(NLW), and the inhumane weapons convention. Value of the work is on the
topic of psycho-chemical weapons such as BZ, EA-3834 (Glycolate), and
fentanyls and the functioning of the human nervous system and brain chemistry.
Discusses 21st arms control needs and a new type of potential arms race.
Dockery, Kevin. Future Weapons. New York: Berkeley Caliber, 2007. Call
Number: UF 500 .D68 2007
Abstract: A detailed review of the basics of the infantry rifle, pistol,
and certain area weapons, beginning with World War I and ending in the
present, with predictions of the next set of evolving small arms. The
author shows how operational failures, usually stemming from inadequate
weapons performance, lead to the evolutionary development of the next
advanced weapon. The book contains extensive detail and includes the reasoning
for the weapons taking their specific form and function.
Denning, Dorothy E. Information Warfare & Security. Reading, MA:
Addison-Wesley Professional, 1998. Call Number: U 163 .D46 1999
Abstract: This extensive work by a recognized expert in the field of computer
security is a baseline book for understanding past, present and emerging
forms of information warfare. The theory is based on a set of components
of the information world network and the offensive and defensive interplay
that occurs around this interactive manipulation of information. Described
in a succinct but detailed manner, the book provides both a framework
for understanding and for decision making in the evaluation of the potential
and power of information management.
Edwards, John. The Geeks of War: The Secretive Labs And Brilliant Minds
Behind Tomorrow’s Warfare Technologies. New York: American Management
Association, 2005. Call Number: U 393 .E38 2005
Abstract: A veteran journalist focusing on emerging trends in technology
characterizes and categorizes the advanced research of federal labs, academia,
and industry in support of the Department of Defense. Edwards sorts these
defense technologies into tactical systems, information, biotechnology,
transportation, security and protective equipment. Much of the research
has potential crossover to law enforcement and other industries. The author
offers proof that the disaggregated method of American invention produces
better results than other more organized approaches.
Giri, D.V. High-power Electromagnetic Radiators: Nonlethal Weapons and
Other Applications. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2004. Call
Number: U 795 .G6577 2004
Abstract: Focused on impulse-like electromagnetic-pulsed radiators for
weapons and transient radars. The work is divided in chapters on weaponry
progression, nonlethal systems, electromagnetic NLW technologies, high-power
microwaves (HPM), meso and hyperband systems, optical, acoustic, and chemical
NLW technologies, and a final summary. Contains some advanced scientific
formulas but the work is still readable.
Hall, J. Storrs. Nanofuture: What’s Next For Nanotechnology. Amherst,
NY: Prometheus Books, 2005. Call Number: T 174.7 .H35 2005
Abstract: J. Storrs Hall, Ph.D., sets a foundation for understanding nanotechnology
and then predicts where the research and application of the technology
will go, based on current research and the most probable applications.
Readers do not need a solid background in science to understand the explanations,
but should have an interest in science to profit from the reading. It
is clear, pragmatic, and interesting. Storrs speculates on the social
reaction as nanotechnology develops and advances beyond the tipping point.
Ratner, Daniel and Mark A. Ratner. Nanotechnology and Homeland Security:
New Weapons for New Wars. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall PTR, 2004.
Call Number: UA 927 .R38 2004
Abstract: The authors focus on first giving a clear description of what
nanotechnology is, how it was conceived by the imminent physicist Feynman
and where it has gone in research since inception. Then, with direct example
and clear explanation, the Ratners describe how nanotechnology research
in materials, sensors, biomedical structure, energy, optics and fabrication
can be used for homeland protection.
Sullivan, John P. et al. Jane’s Unconventional Weapons Response
Handbook. Alexandria, VA: Jane’s Information Group, 2002. Call Number:
HV6431 .J35 2002
Abstract: The work, prepared by subject matter experts on unconventional
weaponry and response, provides an excellent overview of this topic for
law enforcement readers. The work is broken down into sections on strategic
overview, pre-incident planning, weapon types (IEDs, projected IEDs, conventional
military, radiological, lasers, radio-frequency, and non-lethal), incident
response, post-incident management, case studies, and appendices.
Weinberger, Sharon. Imaginary Weapons: A Journey Through the Pentagon’s
Scientific Underworld. New York: Nation Books, 2006. Call Number: UF 503
.W46 2006
Abstract: A story of combined human interest and scientific development
that describes the pursuit of a high risk weapons technology by the Departments
of Defense and Energy that may not be possible. The author, a regular
reporter for the Washington Post on issues of aerospace and defense, tracks
the discovery, support, and attempted development of a not-yet-proven
weapon technology. This skeptical description of personalities, politics,
and on-the-edge science journals the difficulties and disappointments
of championing unproven science that is wrong, or if correct, cannot be
proven and repeated by current scientific capability.
Wilson, Clay. High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) and High Power
Microwave (HMP) Devices: Threat Assessments. CRS Report for Congress.
Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, August 20, 2004. Internet:
www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL32544.pdf.
Abstract: Provides an overview of the disruptive effects of electromagnetic
pulse weapons to electronic devices and how HEMP and HPM devices differ
in both construction and use. Highlights hardening against electronic
disruption, military applications, and the capabilities of foreign nations
and terrorist use potentials in the policy analysis section.
Wilson, Daniel H. How to Survive a Robot Uprising. New York: Bloomsbury
Publishing, 2005
Call Number: PN 6231 .R58 W55 2005
Abstract: The tongue-in-cheek title of this succinct tome belies its purpose:
To educate those unfamiliar with current and future robotic research on
the mechanics and methods of robot technology. The result is an understanding
of the how robots are built to work and the relevant limitations and possibilities,
not unfettered science fiction. Using humor, the author gives a tutorial
on reality of robot research and utility.
Compiled by Dr. Robert J. Bunker and Matt Begert, 9/07
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