On Technology & War

On Technology & War: The Power of Uncertainty examines how artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space colonization, and cyberspace will redefine warfare, shattering Newtonian paradigms. Through evolving science fiction vignettes and deep philosophical inquiry, it urges unlearning rigid doctrines, embracing complexity, and forging ethical frameworks to avert extinction in an artificial intelligence-driven, multi-planetary era of conflict. In an era where technology accelerates humanity toward unprecedented battles—from orbital terrorism to quantum uncertainties—On Technology & War delivers a gripping wake-up call. Combat veteran and philosopher Ben Zweibelson blends riveting science fiction narratives with cutting-edge analysis, weaving a science-fiction cast of characters through each chapter to entertain readers while providing clear metaphoric devices that extend into the academic subject matter and philosophy. This isn't just theory; it's a provocative blueprint for enabling our species sufficient strategic opportunities to navigate new and infinitely more dangerous cosmic and technological currents.

Zweibelson draws from over three decades working in the U.S. Department of War, including multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Infantry Officer, directing strategic innovation for space military organizations, and working extensively with elite special operations units. Here, he presents rigorous research into complexity science, sociological paradigms, and speculative futures, offering tools to navigate ethical dilemmas in human-artificial intelligence symbiosis. Ideal for military professionals, policymakers, scholars in security studies and international relations, artificial intelligence ethicists, space policy experts, and science fiction enthusiasts, On Technology & War: The Power of Uncertainty challenges readers to consider strategic challenges well outside current institutionalized limitations.

"This anthology of Dr Ben Zweibelson's insightful publications brings together various key ideas into a single volume. In keeping with his literary style that will be already familiar to many, he tackles some of the more vexing and emerging technology issues facing today’s security sector agencies. A further strength of this book is the fact that each chapter can be read in isolation and in any order. This means it will appeal to a wide range of critical thinkers who have specific topics that they need to get after and fast." Dr. Murray Simons

"Provides a sober, analytical critique of the limits of classical military planning methods when confronted with five concurrent, real-time technological disruptions expected over the next decade. By pairing a continuous near-future narrative with descriptions of how these events will disrupt and render obsolete our established methods and tools, this work provides intellectual context for military professionals seeking to challenge linear checklists and outdated models in the face of rapidly emerging security challenges. Recommended for any professional who wants to get a head start on the upcoming cognitive contest, which will hopefully precede but inevitably follow the events Ben describes." Lt Col Matthew Nash CSM (Rtd), Australian War College

"On Technology and War is a truly thought-provoking book in the best sense of the term.   While no reader is likely to agree with every element of a book this ambitious, all readers will come away re-evaluating their own assumptions and thinking in more sophisticated ways about the future of warfare." Dr. Lewis Griffith, Teaching Professor, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, University of Denver