The Politics of Emerging Strategic Technologies: Implications for Geopolitics, Human Enhancement and Human Destiny

by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan

Overview

Examines key trends in emerging strategic technologies and the implications for geopolitics and human dignity. Al-Rodhan argues that future evolution into transhumans is inevitable. In preparation, the global community is urged to establish strict moral and legal guidelines balancing innovation with the guarantee of dignity for all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230290846
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	04/28/2011
Series:	St Antony's Series
Edition description:	2011
Pages:	339
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Dr. Nayef R.F.Al-Rodhan is Senior Member of St. Antony's College, University of Oxford, UK, and Senior Fellow and Director of the Centre for the Geopolitics of Globalisation and Transnational Security at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Switzerland. He is a philosopher, neuroscientist and geostrategist. A prize-winning scholar, he has published twenty one books proposing many innovative concepts and theories in global politics, security, philosophy and history. He was educated at Yale University, the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University. He is best known for several philosophical and analytic books on global politics that include: The Role of the Arab-Islamic World in the Rise of the West (Palgrave, 2012); Sustainable History and the Dignity of Man; Emotional Amoral Egoism; Neo-Statecraft and Meta-Geopolitics; The Politics of Emerging Strategic Technologies (Palgrave, 2011); and Symbiotic Realism.

Table of Contents

General Introduction PART I: EMERGING STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES - GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS Introduction Information and Communications Technology (ITC) Energy and Climate Change Health Care Biotechnology Nanotechnology Materials Science Artificial Intelligence Conclusions of Part I PART II: EMERGING STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES - HUMAN ENHANCEMENT, DIGNITY AND DESTINY IMPLICATIONS Introduction Human Enhancement: The Nature of the Debate The Science and Technology of Human Enhancement The Geopolitics of Human Enhancement: Applying the 'Multi-Sum Security Principle' Criteria for a Regulatory Framework on Human Enhancement Conclusions of Part II General Conclusions

Editorial Reviews

'This is a fascinating account of the interplay of new technologies and national power. It goes beyond mechanistic estimates to explore social and political consequences of a world reshaped by technological change. The discussion of human enhancement through drugs or genetic manipulation is engrossing and raises new and difficult problems, both political and ethical, for what will soon be a very different world. The scope of the book, with its discussion of a full range of new technologies of consequences, makes it unique and insightful as a guide to one of the fundamental forces that will reshape international politics.' - James Lewis, Director and Senior Fellow, Technology and Public Policy Program, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, United States

'This book takes a broad look at emerging technologies and their role in enabling humanity to further its evolution. Nayef Al-Rodhan comprehensively addresses the key trends of these strategic technologies and the highly relevant geopolitical and strategic implications. Within this framework, he highlights the need for setting transnational policies in place to ensure ubiquitous human dignity and the freedom to choose our own destiny. This study is a scientific and breathtaking voyage into the future that will enchant the reader and encourage society to meditate on our human nature and subsequent responsibilities.' - Giovanni De Micheli, Director of the Electrical Engineering Institute and Integrated Systems Centre at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Switzerland

'...recommend the book for policymakers and anyone interested in the future of emerging technologies, as it gives a great introduction to each technology. It is informative, well structured and easy to follow. The style is clear and enjoyable to read. This book helps understand the landscape of the debate and gives a solid foundation for further analysis.' - Johann A. R. Roduit, Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy

From the Publisher