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Non-lethal weapons technologies--the case for independent scientific analysis.

J Altmann1

  • 1Experimentelle Physik III, Universität Dortmund, Germany. Altmann@EP3.Ruhr-Uni-Bochum.DE

Medicine, Conflict, and Survival
|October 2, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Many non-lethal weapon (NLW) technologies lack evidence. A review found claims for chemical, biological, and acoustic NLW improbable or untrue, urging scientific analysis for arms control.

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Area of Science:

  • Military technology
  • Arms control
  • Scientific analysis

Background:

  • Numerous non-lethal weapon (NLW) technologies have been proposed, with varying degrees of scientific substantiation.
  • Strong claims for some NLW have been made without adequate evidence or references, necessitating critical evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine five proposed non-lethal weapon technologies.
  • To assess the credibility of claims made for these NLW.
  • To inform the application of preventive arms control to NLW.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature and available data on proposed NLW.
  • Analysis of claims regarding the efficacy and safety of selected NLW.
  • Comparison of proposed technologies with current civil and military NLW programs.

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Main Results:

  • Claims for chemical and biological NLW are improbable due to lack of information and scientific plausibility.
  • Acoustic weapon claims were found to be largely untrue, with inaccuracies in presented physiological data.
  • US civil and military NLW programs prioritize simpler, short-term technologies over exotic ones.

Conclusions:

  • Unrealistic promises surrounding NLW pose dangers that can be mitigated by preventive arms control.
  • Scientific analysis of proposed NLW, their effects, and target impact is a crucial first step.
  • Detailed scientific investigation is required for each novel NLW technology before widespread consideration.