Sideways 25 Years of the 21st Century: 1. The Age of Digital Warfare
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Jan 6, 2025 Margaret MacMillan, an esteemed historian from the University of Oxford, discusses the lasting impact of 9/11 and the evolution of warfare. Sir Nick Carter shares his experiences in Afghanistan, shedding light on drone warfare's complexities. Professor Anthony King highlights the private sector’s role in modern conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, and raises ethical questions about AI in the military. The conversation also touches on the humanitarian crises and the moral dilemmas that arise from technological advancements in warfare.
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Sandcastles in Afghanistan
- General Nick Carter faced a critical decision in Afghanistan involving potential drone strikes.
- After hesitating, he realized the targets were children building sandcastles, highlighting the complexities of modern warfare.
9/11's Ripple Effect
- The 9/11 attacks were a turning point, leading to the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq.
- These actions ultimately diminished the West's moral authority and fueled anti-Western sentiment.
Misframing Terrorism
- The "global war on terror" framing mischaracterized a political problem as a war.
- This led to actions that alienated much of the world and failed to address the root causes of terrorism.