Maritime Nation: A Live Recording with Dr. P.W. Singer

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Apr 12, 2024

In this lively discussion, futurist Dr. P.W. Singer, a strategist at New America and professor at Arizona State University, explores the U.S. Navy's evolution over the next 30 years. He dives into how AI and hybrid warfare will shape military strategies, and the role of 'Useful Fiction' in understanding complex technologies. Singer also touches on the dangers of misinformation on social media and its impact on national security. This rich conversation highlights the need for innovative thinking in adapting to the changing landscape of warfare.

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ANECDOTE

Singer's Early Influence

P.W. Singer's grandfather, a retired Navy captain, sparked his interest in national security.
Reading history books and Sea Power Magazine as a child influenced Singer's career path.

INSIGHT

Inspiration for Wired for War

P.W. Singer noticed a disconnect between real-world military robotics use and policy discussions.
This inspired him to write "Wired for War," exploring the implications of robots in warfare.

ANECDOTE

Task Force 59's Success and Challenges

Task Force 59 successfully deployed and tested unmanned systems, partnering with multiple companies and allies.
Despite this success, it still faced budgetary challenges.

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Wired for War

The Robotics Revolution and the Twenty-first Century

P.W. Singer

Wired for War, by P.W. Singer, is a seminal work exploring the impact of robotics and unmanned systems on modern warfare. The book meticulously examines the technological advancements, the human element of operating these systems, and the ethical implications of their use. Singer's research delves into the perspectives of soldiers, insurgents, and scientists involved in the development and deployment of these technologies. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the changing nature of conflict and its implications for military strategy and policy. Its insights remain relevant and continue to shape discussions on the future of warfare.

Burn In

A Novel of the Next Decade

August Cole

P.W. Singer

Burn In, co-authored by P.W. Singer and August Cole, is a near-future thriller that explores the societal and security implications of advanced artificial intelligence. The story follows an FBI agent and her robot partner as they investigate a growing threat linked to widespread job displacement caused by AI. The novel delves into the complexities of human-machine interaction, the potential for social unrest, and the challenges of maintaining national security in a rapidly changing technological landscape. It offers a compelling narrative while highlighting real-world concerns about AI's impact on society and the workforce. The book serves as a cautionary tale and a thought-provoking exploration of the future.

LikeWar

The Weaponization of Social Media

August Cole

P.W. Singer

LikeWar, by P.W. Singer, examines the intersection of social media, open-source information, and modern conflict. The book explores how these platforms are used to spread disinformation, influence public opinion, and wage information warfare. Singer analyzes the tactics employed by various actors, including governments and non-state groups, to manipulate narratives and shape perceptions of conflict. The book highlights the challenges of combating misinformation and the need for greater media literacy. It also explores the implications for national security and the future of warfare.

Ghost Fleet

A Novel of the Next World War

August Cole

P.W. Singer

Rich Orlow

In this 2015 techno-thriller, P.W. Singer and August Cole explore a future war scenario where a post-communist China, aided by Russia, attacks the United States in the Pacific, leading to the occupation of the Hawaiian Islands. The novel highlights the reactivation of the US Navy's antiquated 'Ghost Fleet' and the rise of an insurgency by US military personnel and civilians against the Chinese occupiers. The story incorporates various advanced technologies such as electromagnetic railguns, swarm UAVs, and space-based weaponry, and includes over 400 endnotes to support its technological and geopolitical themes.