Description
Warfare and technology have a closely intertwined history. Indeed, it is commonly acknowledged that military technological innovations in times of conflict have a lasting impact on civilian life. Moreover, technology also plays a key role in strategic innovation during conflict insofar as the development of new means and methods of flighting brings a need for new strategies. However, when looking at the relationship between technology and strategic innovation, there is a risk of “putting the technology cart before the strategy horse” (Czarnekci 2014). This is especially true with the popular belief that technology will determine how future wars will be fought and won. Although the importance of technology cannot be ignored, it also mustn’t be overstated. Thus, this paper will argue that the focus on technology overshadows other key considerations having an impact on the need for strategic innovation such as the importance of the enemy’s identity and target identification in contemporary warfare. Considering this, it will be argued that emerging military technologies require complimentary strategic, doctrinal, and organizational change as opposed to solely being a driver of strategic innovation.
