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Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War First Edition, Stated, First Printing.
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A Bill Gates Top Five Book of 2018
A Pentagon defense expert and former U.S. Army Ranger explores what it would mean to give machines authority over the ultimate decision of life or death.
What happens when a Predator drone has as much autonomy as a Google car? Or when a weapon that can hunt its own targets is hacked? Although it sounds like science fiction, the technology already exists to create weapons that can attack targets without human input. Paul Scharre, a leading expert in emerging weapons technologies, draws on deep research and firsthand experience to explore how these next-generation weapons are changing warfare.
Scharre’s far-ranging investigation examines the emergence of autonomous weapons, the movement to ban them, and the legal and ethical issues surrounding their use. He spotlights artificial intelligence in military technology, spanning decades of innovation from German noise-seeking Wren torpedoes in World War II―antecedents of today’s homing missiles―to autonomous cyber weapons, submarine-hunting robot ships, and robot tank armies. Through interviews with defense experts, ethicists, psychologists, and activists, Scharre surveys what challenges might face "centaur warfighters" on future battlefields, which will combine human and machine cognition. We’ve made tremendous technological progress in the past few decades, but we have also glimpsed the terrifying mishaps that can result from complex automated systems―such as when advanced F-22 fighter jets experienced a computer meltdown the first time they flew over the International Date Line.
At least thirty countries already have defensive autonomous weapons that operate under human supervision. Around the globe, militaries are racing to build robotic weapons with increasing autonomy. The ethical questions within this book grow more pressing each day. To what extent should such technologies be advanced? And if responsible democracies ban them, would that stop rogue regimes from taking advantage? At the forefront of a game-changing debate,Army of None engages military history, global policy, and cutting-edge science to argue that we must embrace technology where it can make war more precise and humane, but without surrendering human judgment. When the choice is life or death, there is no replacement for the human heart.
- ISBN-100393608980
- ISBN-13978-0393608984
- EditionFirst Edition, Stated, First Printing.
- PublisherW. W. Norton & Company
- Publication dateApril 24, 2018
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions6.5 x 1.5 x 9.6 inches
- Print length448 pages
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Editorial Reviews
Review
―Science
"A tour de force of the future of war technology. A former U.S. Army Ranger turned defense analyst, Paul Scharre has been there and back. He skillfully uses that background to blend personal experience and thoughtful analysis into a highly readable journey through the world of robots on the battlefield and beyond."
―P.W. Singer, author ofWired for War andGhost Fleet
"The era of autonomous weapons is upon us. InArmy of None, Scharre combines his experience as a warrior and his insight as a policy researcher to paint a comprehensive picture of exactly what such an era will look like. He masterfully weaves together threads tying future weapon systems, artificial intelligence, and policy imperatives to deliver a book that is simply a must-read for anyone interested in military technology and its broader implications."
―Amir Husain, founder and CEO of SparkCognition, and author ofThe Sentient Machine
"Technology democratizes. What was once the exclusive purview of nation-states quickly becomes accessible by everyone.Army of None serves as a smart primer to what’s to come in warfare, but also what we’re going to have to contend with in our daily lives soon after."
―Bruce Schneier, author ofData and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World
"Be very, very afraid. As this extraordinary book reveals, we are fast sailing into an era in which big life-and-death decisions in war will be made not by men and women, but by artificial intelligence. Are we prepared for the most fundamental shift in warfare in history? This illuminating book will dominate the discussion and analysis of this problem―and its execution in the field―for decades to come."
―Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO and author ofSea Power: The History and Politics of the World’s Oceans
"A clear, well-written, and richly documented discussion of an issue that deserves deep and careful study."
―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"[D]etailed, nuanced, open-minded look at an incredibly complex and technical subject…Army of None will spark important discussions as it empowers reader with knowledge about a subject with enormous implications."
―Booklist
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company
- Publication date : April 24, 2018
- Edition : First Edition, Stated, First Printing.
- Language : English
- Print length : 448 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0393608980
- ISBN-13 : 978-0393608984
- Item Weight : 1.55 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.5 x 9.6 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #741,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #179 inArtificial Intelligence & Semantics
- #267 inMilitary Strategy History (Books)
- #677 inEngineering (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Paul Scharre is the award-winning author of Four Battlegrounds and Army of None. He is the vice president and director of studies at the Center for a New American Security. Scharre is a former Pentagon policy analyst and a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. His first book, Army of None, won the 2019 Colby Award, was one of Bill Gates’ top five books of 2018, and was one of The Economist’s top five books to understand modern warfare. He has a PhD in war studies from King’s College London. Follow him on Twitter at @paul_scharre.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book well-written and fascinating, providing a comprehensive review of autonomous weapons from a practical perspective. Moreover, the book offers a great look at the future of warfare, with one customer noting how it integrates perspectives from many technical and other experts. Additionally, customers appreciate its strategic approach and ethical perspective, with one review highlighting its coverage of automated warfare's ethical implications.
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Customers appreciate the book's knowledge level, with one customer noting how it integrates perspectives from many technical and other experts, while another describes it as a comprehensive review of the subject from a practical standpoint.
"Good overview and definition of relevant issues, but......"Read more
"Well written book.Eye opening account of where the military is heading, and the role of technology...."Read more
"Well researched and very interesting and bit scary."Read more
"Ample information and reflections on the latest forms of warfare"Read more
Customers find the book fascinating and very readable, describing it as a must-read.
"Lot to digest in this book. That isn’t bad, but it is a hard, butgood read...."Read more
"Avery interesting and exiting lecture. Will be difficult to know how much AI is enough not to alter our life...."Read more
"Interesting read!"Read more
"...I found this adifficult read...."Read more
Customers appreciate the writing style of the book.
"Great piece of writing!..."Read more
"...This book is insightful,well written, and integrates perspectives from many technical and other experts...."Read more
"...Written in a style that makes the science and philosophy approachable to non-experts, this book is a must read for anyone concerned about the future..."Read more
"Well written book. Eye opening account of where the military is heading, and the role of technology...."Read more
Customers find the subject of the book interesting, with one mentioning it provides an engaging look at future combat scenarios.
"Thesubject is very interesting and alarming in its eventuality. However, the book is very repetitive and becomes an overkill of its message."Read more
"...It is atruly fascinating account that touches on all the critical questions surrounding new tech: technical, legal, ethical, and yes, strategic...."Read more
"...Though this book focuses on the weapons, thesubject is still an eye opener. This book is well written and not boring at all."Read more
"Incredible View of the Future of Warfare..."Read more
Customers appreciate the book's look at the future of warfare, with one customer noting its authoritative treatment of 21st century technology.
"...I really enjoyed not only the military perspective but also themany historical and philosophical aspects Paul weaved in as well...."Read more
"...Though thisbook is contemporary, the issue is something humans will have to deal with for the next hundred or so years...."Read more
"...with P.W. Singer’s Wired for War, you have theauthoritative texts about 21st century technology and the ethical implications of automated..."Read more
"Great look at the future of warfare!"Read more
Customers appreciate the ethical perspective of the book, with one customer specifically discussing the ethical implications of automated warfare and another highlighting the importance of AI for human beings.
"...on all the critical questions surrounding new tech: technical, legal,ethical, and yes, strategic...."Read more
"...review of the subject from a practical, technological andethical perspective...."Read more
"...texts about 21st century technology and theethical implications of automated warfare. It’s the trolley problem put in vivid context."Read more
"Theimportance of AI for human beeing...."Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one customer noting it is a must-read for technologists and provides a great start to understanding the complexity of autonomous weapons.
"Great start to understanding the complexity of the burgeoning autonomous world and knowing the difference in each level of autonomy...."Read more
"...and how they will shape how war is conducted in the future,great for both specialists and casual readers...."Read more
"...Heavy emphasis on game theory and strategy.Not for the novice."Read more
"Must Read for Both Technologists and National Security Experts..."Read more
Customers appreciate the strategic content of the book.
"...questions surrounding new tech: technical, legal, ethical, and yes,strategic. It is accessible both to the national-security expert and the layman."Read more
"...from virtually every conceivable angle: technical, legal, moral,strategic, etc...."Read more
"Very dry and moves slowly.Heavy emphasis on game theory and strategy. Not for the novice."Read more
"Heavy Coverage of Strategy / Tactics..."Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2018Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseIf the effect of artificial intelligence on warfare interests you, Mr. Scharre's book provides a comprehensive review of the subject from a practical, technological and ethical perspective. The Army Futures Command has just opened its headquarters in Austin, Texas, with a plan to ensure that the Army is prepared to fight the wars of the future. If this book is not on their reading list, it should be.
Here are a few of the topics that the book covers. First, U.S. Army Ranger Scharre addresses the importance of "context" in combat by drawing on some of his experiences in combat in Afghanistan. The 7 year old girl sent by possibly hostile Afghans to recon his unit's position during an operation in Afghanistan. Under the definitions of war Ranger Scharre and his unit could have shot her, but they didn't because she looked to be about 7 years old. Would an autonomous weapon with the power to kill have made the same decision? Probably not.
The book examines the question of "what is autonomy?" Not all nations define it the same way. What weapons have been built and used that could be considered autonomous. Some exist. Robots and drones - how are these being developed by the Pentagon and by private parties using off-the-shelf parts and software.
Can autonomous weapons be used safely and, if they are used, what are the risks? Speed may be critical. If your opponent uses weapons that simply act faster than any human could, the likelihood is that other combatants will use these weapons as well.
Does mankind "summon the demon" by building and deploying these machines? The book has a lengthy review of the parties and persons fighting to ban these weapons. If also looks at the effectiveness of various weapons bans both in the last century and over hundreds of years. Arms control has a very mixed history.
One possible development may be the centaur warfighter - man plus machine. How do we control the warfighting capacities of machines with ever more capable artificial intelligence? My sense is that the range of outcomes will be tilted from "only with great difficulty" to "we can't."
I was surprised by some of the information in the book, but I hadn't looked at the subject before. I found the author to be very candid, well read, and open in his presentation of the present condition of autonomous weapons. If you have an interest in the topic, I believe that the book will reward your time. Five stars. - Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2018Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseAs a former U.S. Army ranger and a current Pentagon defense expert, Paul Scharre clearly explores the strategic, legal, and ethical pros and cons of the three degrees of autonomy, i.e. sophistication and intelligence, in weapons systems.
Autonomous weapon systems can be subdivided into:
1) semi-autonomous weapon systems (human in the loop), e.g. the homing munitions;
2) supervised autonomous weapon systems (human on the loop), e.g. the U.S. ship-based Aegis combat system;
3) fully autonomous operating weapon systems (human out of the loop), e.g., the Israeli Harpy.
Mr. Scharre convincingly demonstrates to his audience that artificial intelligence (AI) systems can outsmart humans in narrow tasks but fall short of humans in general intelligence. For example, the U.S.-led coalition lost several aircrafts due to U.S. Patriot fratricides during the second Gulf War. In reality, the blame for these fratricides was to be assigned to the weapon system …. and some of its human operators who lack the required critical mindset to make the right calls.
Furthermore, the degree of autonomy granted to weapon systems does not exist in a vacuum. It also depends on what the (potential) adversaries of the U.S. are able and willing to do for gaining an edge on the U.S. This arm race could ultimately undermine the idealized centaur model of human-machine teaming in war.
Unsurprisingly, some non-profit organizations and smaller states strive for deliberately banning fully autonomous weapons due to what they consider the accountability gap in their performance. Think for example about crisis stability, escalation control, and war termination. These non-profit organizations and smaller states consider the international humanitarian law (IHL) principles of distinction, proportionality, and other rules insufficient in the presence of fully autonomous weapons. In a nutshell, their template is the generally successful bans on land mines and cluster munitions. Alternatively, some form of regulations on the use of fully autonomous weapons could come from the countries with the most to lose from a total ban, i.e. those with the most advanced military.
In the meantime, technology in autonomous weapon systems presses forward at full speed.
Top reviews from other countries
- MantelloReviewed in Italy on March 4, 2022
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Company and Book Lovers
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseLove this company. They shipped the book with so much love and care. Will definitely use them again. - octavio herreraReviewed in Mexico on November 25, 2020
5.0 out of 5 starsInteresante
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseMuy enfocado al pinto de vista humano y toda la disyuntiva qué hay sobre el uso de sistemas autónomos . Lo interesante es que ni los organismos ni empresas que desarrollan dichos sistemas tienen claro o definido que es en si un sistema autónomo - HamaNekoReviewed in Japan on January 22, 2020
4.0 out of 5 starsAI兵器は許されるか？
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase今後、AIを使用した兵器が広く使用され、第一次、二時世界大戦の様な、国民戦争（カイヨワ）は起きない、と予想されている。
こうした状況を背景に、本書では、この分野の専門家である著者が、AI兵器の例、その能力、過去の事故例などについて説明しながら、AI兵器の問題、課題について説明している。
現在のAIの知能はニューロンの数で測ると、モルモット程度である。モルモットが誘導するミサイル、ドローン、地上、海上、海中ロボット兵器が信頼できないのは明らかである。本書でも過去の事故の例をあげて、具体的に説明されている。
更に、（１）AI兵器は、核の抑止力により、実際の核戦争はおきなかった様に、抑止の効果をもつか？（２）AI兵器の信頼度と誤動作（味方や非軍人を攻撃するなど）の可能性はどの程度あるか？（３）人間の関与により、この問題は解決できるか？（４）そもそも戦争における倫理とはなにか？などの課題、問題が提示されている。 - Piyush ShahReviewed in India on August 11, 2022
5.0 out of 5 starsTimely Delivery
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseFrankly, it is waiting to be read! - Cliente AmazonReviewed in Spain on March 21, 2025
4.0 out of 5 starsok
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
