War, Science and Terrorism

This work describes the application of research to the evolution of weapons. He shows how natural, engineering, information and environmental sciences are thoroughly exploited how even social science is applied to recruitment, battlefield and logistical management, and careful preparation of terroristic acts. Have we allowed science to become "an extension of war by other means"? Today's military-industrial complex depends on creative research to conceive novel and more efficient weapons. Modern arms result from streamlined co-operation between laboratory investigators, designers, manufacturers and client governments. The killing power of the best equipped fighters depends, therefore, on scientific information. Yet, ironically, much military intervention also serves the public well. Funding of scientific research is also considered. Scientific research around the world has been funded, as much as 60 per cent, by military establishments. Therefore about half of scientists and their laboratories are funded by war budgets. With this in mind, finally the author asks whether governments can, would or should continue to be so generous with the research community in years to come.