Small Wars Journal

The Smartphone Wars are Coming

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Sun, 11/29/2015 - 12:39pm

The Smartphone Wars are Coming by Paul Scharre, The National Interest

Information technology tools will transform the operating environment for U.S. forces in significant ways, ushering in an era of radical transparency, connectivity, and atomization of conflict. Can America's military adapt?

We are living today in the midst of the greatest democratization of information since the invention of the printing press. Smartphones transform any person into a citizen reporter, the leader of a digitally-enabled smart mob, or the spark of a new viral movement. Information technology connects people and empowers. This technology (literally) in the hands of everyday people is changing the operating environment in profound ways for U.S. military forces, creating a world of radical transparency, connectivity, and atomization of conflict…

Read on.

Comments

More to the point, this article also implies that from a military standpoint, we need to resurrect the badly atrophied practice of electronic warfare, else we cede enormous advantages in intelligence, communications, and command/control, however informally organized and implemented, to adversaries.

Dave Maxwell

Sun, 11/29/2015 - 1:21pm

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This short essay covers more ground on the future of politics and conflict and identifies some of the most significant challenges particularly for operating in the human domain than some monographs and books by so-called experts. The first paragraph of the essay alone is worthy of some deep thought as is the conclusion (both highlighted below).

Excerpts:

QUOTE We are living today in the midst of the greatest democratization of information since the invention of the printing press. Smartphones transform any person into a citizen reporter, the leader of a digitally-enabled smart mob, or the spark of a new viral movement. Information technology connects people and empowers. This technology (literally) in the hands of everyday people is changing the operating environment in profound ways for U.S. military forces, creating a world of radical transparency, connectivity, and atomization of conflict​.

Information technology tools in the hands of everyday citizens around the globe will transform the operating environment for U.S. forces in significant ways, ushering in an era of radical transparency, connectivity, and atomization of conflict. In general, these technologies increase state capabilities only marginally, while the connectivity afforded by social media increases the capabilities of non-state groups significantly. In terms of relative power, non-state groups and individuals gain more from the widespread availability of information technology. While some new technologies can help U.S. forces monitor and respond to social media trends, the most effective tools for adapting to this changed landscape will be adjusted training, doctrine, and policies to cope with a new reality on the ground.END QUOTE