Theorising Future Conflict: War Out to 2049

The book explores the changing tactics, technologies, and terrains of twenty-first-century war, arguing that the world in 2049 will be shaped by three broad tendencies: the impure, the granular, and the machinic. It examines how these tendencies might evolve in the different geopolitical futures and types of war ahead of us and provides a thought-provoking and distinctive framework through which to think about the changing character of war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the evolving strategies, technologies, and landscapes of warfare in the twenty-first century. It presents a compelling argument that the world in 2049 will differ significantly from the dystopian vision depicted in Blade Runner 2049, where climate change and artificial intelligence (AI) have led to a violent and conflict-ridden future. Instead, the book suggests that the world will be characterized by a complex interplay of factors, including the rise of China as a global military power, the proliferation of advanced technologies such as drones, robotics, AI, and quantum computing, and the emergence of new geopolitical dynamics.

The book explores these trends through a multidisciplinary lens, drawing on insights from thinkers such as Zygmunt Bauman and Paul Virilio. It identifies three broad tendencies that will shape future warfare: the impure, the granular, and the machinic. These tendencies encompass a wide range of tactics, technologies, and trends that will redefine the nature of conflict.

The book examines how these tendencies might evolve in different geopolitical futures and types of war. It discusses topics such as cybersecurity, urban warfare, robotics, AI, climate change, science fiction, and new strategic concepts. By analyzing these issues, the book provides a thought-provoking and distinctive framework through which to understand the changing character of war.

One of the key conclusions of the book is that while the future of warfare presents many novel and dangerous challenges, the futuristic possibilities of warfare will likely continue to be shaped by problems familiar to students of international relations and the history of war. These problems include the complex dynamics of power, the role of technology in warfare, the ethics of warfare, and the impact of war on society.

The book will be of immense interest to students of critical war studies, security studies, science and technology studies, and International Relations. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the evolving landscape of warfare and provides valuable insights into the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032113654