Technology and Strategy: Lessons and Issues for the 1990s

Abstract

Throughout history, technology has exerted an important, if not decisive, influence on military strategy, tactics, and operational art. It has been demonstrated to increase the options available to states as they consider their strategic requirements and their force posture needs. Only by understanding the implications of new technologies can we begin to utilize them in preparing for and deterring future conflict. The utilization of advanced technologies within an appropriate strategic concept forms a central element of U.S. defense policy planning. Moreover, given the tendency in peacetime to cut defense spending, the force-multiplying effect that new and emerging technologies promise to have in the future may, as it did in the Persian Gulf war, serve to offset force posture deficiencies, while providing for a lower level of collateral damage and casualty figures. While it is not possible to conclude whether new technologies will favor the offense or the defense or how they will affect the future conduct of war, it can be stated with great certainty that the relationship between strategy and technology will grow in importance in the years ahead.