Unconventional Weapons explores the history, technology, and implications of weaponry that falls outside standard military practice, examining how these tools reflect technological innovation and evolving moral considerations. From ancient incendiaries to modern cyber warfare, the book traces the development and deployment of weapons designed to provide a decisive advantage. What was once unconventional can become commonplace, challenging established rules of war and demanding continuous reevaluation.
For example, non-lethal technologies, initially developed for crowd control, now play a significant role in military strategy, raising ethical questions about their effectiveness and potential for misuse. The book follows a chronological and thematic approach, from ancient incendiaries and siege engines to the introduction of chemical and biological agents and into the exploration of non-lethal technologies. It blends historical narratives with technical explanations, ensuring readers grasp both the context and science behind each weapon system.
The study culminates by considering the future of warfare and examining emerging technologies such as directed-energy weapons and autonomous systems, analyzing their potential to further blur the lines between conventional and unconventional conflict.
