Activity 5

Lutao, Patricia Joy T.

STS 1-M

Dynamics of Science, Technology, and Society

Conflict (warfare, security, surveillance, etc.)
SCRIPT:
Good day everyone! I am Patricia Joy Lutao, and for this presentation, I will discuss the
dynamics of science, technology, and society, especially regarding conflicts.

I. Introduction

According to Alvin and Heidi Toffler (1995; as cited in Anand, 1999), “Armies that could reach
further, hit harder, and get there faster usually won, while the range-restricted, less well-armed, and
slower armies lost. For this reason, a vast amount of human creative effort has been poured into extending
the range, increasing the fire power, and accelerating the speed of weapons and of armies.” From this,
technology has accelerated advancements that were unthinkable years ago, however, it has also given rise
to a new type of grievance that society needs to be aware and wary of.

Fundamentally, technology is “the process of manipulating the material world for human
purposes (Roland, 2009).” What people decide to do with technology determines whether it does good or
bad, hence, technology, in itself, is not inherently evil. With this said, rapid technological advancement
has profoundly changed how conflicts arise and play out, as well as how peacebuilders deter and reduce
bloodshed.

Throughout history, technology has shaped conflict or warfare and global security as it has been
the primary source of military innovation. War has afflicted mankind way before most civilizations were
even discovered. Conflict occurs when two or more parties have opposing views and conflicting interests
leading to the incitement of violence and force. Over the centuries, wars have progressed from conflicts
between tribal societies to conflicts between industrialized societies (Anand, 1999). Moreover, the state of
weaponry has significantly evolved as well–from fighting with bows and arrows to utilizing guns,
missiles, and bombs. However, the history of war has been marked by long phases of technological
stagnation intermingled with sporadic bursts of revolutionary change brought about by a number of
factors (Knox and Murray, 2001; as cited in Chin, 2019). Scientific and technological advancements were
slow in the 18th and 19th century but it has significantly accelerated when the 20th century came in.

II. Timeline (Marshall, 2009)

●
● 20,000 B.C. - Bows and arrows were used, although it was argued that they were invented much
earlier.
● 5300 B.C. - Horses were first domesticated during this period, revolutionizing transport in
general and have become an indispensable instrument in the history of warfare.
●
● 800 to 1300 A.D. - Gunpowder was invented in China, leading to the development of primitive
firearms called the “fire lance.”
● 1200 to 1600 - Egyptian soldiers first used hand cannons and other small arms at the Battle of
Ain Jalut.
● .
● 1750 to 1800s - Rocket artillery has become a permanent fixture on the battlefield.
● 1862 - The first iron-clad warship, the USS Monitor, has been launched.
● 1884 - The first fully automatic machine gum, called the Maxim gun, was produced.
● 1893 and 1909 - the first ever bulletproof vest and gun silencer were developed.
● 1914, 1942, and 1952 - The first tanks, nuclear bomb, and hydrogen bomb was developed.
● 2000s - high-energy lasers were developed, tested, and utilized.

With the use of rifles in the 19th century, the range, accuracy, and lethality of individual weapons
and artillery expanded and increased which directly impacted the tactics, strategies, and methods of
command and control of military organizations. Consequently, as much as science and technology were
crucial in the development of weapons that could easily wipe out large numbers of troops, that is not the
only thing it is utilized in. As it has been emphasized in this presentation, heavily investing in science and
technology enables nations to counter threats that will jeopardize the overall welfare of society. In order
to pursue the goals of promoting stability and precluding conflict, technology also broadens military
alternatives that policymakers have at their disposal. Science and technology support the intelligence
capabilities required to assess the challenges our country faces and help counter unique threats like
terrorism that cannot be handled by conventional warfighting troops.
III. Impact of Science and Technology on Peace, Security, and Conflict
Conflict Prevention
From the previous discussion, it was evident that science and technology played a great role in
shaping warfare or conflict, what with the development of numerous weapons and artillery. However,
science and technology can also be utilized in preventing conflict. With the availability of new
technological tools and the advancement of Information and Communications Technology, it makes it
possible to gather information on crime and conflict and bridge the gap between warning and response.
To better understand conflict, the data produced by these techniques can assist find patterns linked to both
war and peace prevention efforts, or monitor violations of cease-fires or human rights (The Impact of New
Technologies on Peace, Security, and Development, 2016). Utilizing technology to help information flow
faster and smoother among institutions will enable them to improve connectivities between initiatives that
aim to prevent violence and conflict in the local and national context.

Information Warfare
When we hear the word conflict, we immediately think of people engaging in battle, equipped
with arms and protective suits. However, there are different forms and types of conflict–including
information warfare. Over the past few years, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation have been
pervasive in the Philippines. Given the variety of emergent technologies being evaluated and utilized,
there are many different types of digital dangers that threatened to jeopardize user security. When
cyberspace vulnerabilities are exploited by the wrong people, there will be devastating effects brought
about and in order to deter the attempts of adversaries to potentially harm society, institutions ensure that
forces are equipped and trained to improve and strengthen security and recovery.

IV. Conclusion

With the help of science and technology, states and governments are able to transform their
acquired resources into something that is necessary for them to develop and progress. However, when
utilized incorrectly, technology may worsen the situation that a country is currently in and can
compromise its national security. Thus, despite the benefits of these new technologies, it is also important
to recognize the dangers they pose to our safety and security.

References
Anand, V. (1999). Strategic Analysis: Impact of Technology on Conduct of Warfare. CIAO:

Columbia International Affairs Online. Retrieved from

https://ciaotest.cc.columbia.edu/olj/sa/sa_99anv02.html#note*

Chin, W. (2019, September 26). Retrieved from https://watermark.silverchair.com/iiz106.pdf?

token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAuAwggLcBgkqh

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Mn0ifdndde5yeJGJUAgEQgIICk5gy40Fhd771MT--1sc7Rddsdy1rT8uixCAVHTEBOgJu3e7w-

The Impact of New Technologies on Peace, Security, and Development. (2016, April).

Independent Commission on Multilateralism. Retrieved from

https://www.icm2016.org/IMG/pdf/new_tech_paper.pdf

Marshall, M. (2009, July 7). Timeline: Weapons technology. New Scientist. Retrieved from

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17423-timeline-weapons-technology/

Roland, A. (2009, February 27). War and Technology. Foreign Policy Research Institute.

Retrieved from https://www.fpri.org/article/2009/02/war-and-technology/