About the book
Techniques for reducing casualties, torture devices, tools for conflict resolution, or the technology of political control?
Ostensibly the major impetus for the development of ‘non-lethal’ weapons has been to apply force without causing permanent injury or death, thereby reducing the need for lethal force. This book sheds light on a more complex story, with varied drivers, contradictory policy, premeditated and unanticipated results, and challenges to social, ethical and legal norms.
With particular attention to the ongoing development of drugs, lasers, microwaves, and acoustics as incapacitating weapons, it provides an up-to-date analysis of the key technologies and weapons programmes, and highlights the major policy issues and concerns. There has been much conjecture about new and emerging “non-lethal” weapons. This book separates what is known from the speculation about developments at this intersection of technology and weapons development.
Table of contents
Foreword by Paul Rogers
Introduction
The Early History of ‘Non-Lethal’ Weapons
‘Non-Lethal’ Weapons in the 1990s
The Contemporary Development of ‘Non-Lethal’ Weapons
Chemical and Biochemical Weapons
Directed Energy Weapons
Acoustic Weapons
Conclusion
Notes
Index
