2024

The concept of dual use—the fact that many goods serve civilian and military applications—is not new. However, with scientific and technological progress, the regulation of the hard- and software that falls into this category is becoming more complex and is increasingly posing challenges for peace...

The development of processes in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) has burgeoned in recent years, driven in particular by global tech companies and research institutions. At the same time, the application of this dual-use technology in battlefield control and data analysis in Ukraine...

Today’s wars are increasingly characterized by the vital role played by drones. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and the war in Ukraine are often apostrophized as “drone wars.” Yet, the full scope of operations that will be possible with the latest and especially future...

The following is a brief overview of the dynamics of additive manufacturing (AM) for military purposes as a means of industrial and (unconventional) decentralized production of armaments and equipment. The latter has developed particularly rapidly, both in an industrial setting and in the hobbyist sector,...

AI has increasingly been a topic of discussion in conventional arms control, battlefield management, and data analysis, as seen in contexts such as Ukraine and Gaza. Simultaneously, the growing influence of AI in various fields highlights the need for renewed discussions on policy and governance....

This chapter explores strategies for safeguarding against biological threats. It begins by examining a selection of pathogen identification methods, providing an overview of their technical capabilities, shortcomings, and underlying principles. The second part of the chapter provides a broader analysis of biological attacks, discussing microbial...

How do states view technology in the context of security policy? A comparative analysis of the national security strategies (NSS) of twelve countries between 2017 and 2023 shows that there are different approaches to how security and technology are conceived. There is both consensus and...

Certain biotechnologies have the potential to facilitate pathogen engineering, increasing the risk of large-scale biological events, e.g., major pandemics. This article assesses the dual-use potential of viral engineering using the example of oncolytic viruses. It also offers recommendations for managing the biosecurity risks associated with...