Military uses of nanotechnology - Too much complexity for international security?

Abstract

Nanotechnology, converging with other advanced technologies, will bring benefits and risks. Particular dangers can arise from military uses. Weapons and other systems that are autonomous and/or small, cheap, and numerous will greatly increase complexity. Proceeding from criteria of preventive arms control, several potential military applications should be limited preventively. Here the USA plays a key role. In the future verification of compliance would have to be very intrusive, with inspection rights and criminal prosecution as within states. Would this be compatible with nation states maintaining armed forces for their security? Or does mastering the complexity brought about by the new technologies require changes in the international system? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.