Acoustic anti-personnel weapons: an inhumane future?

Area of Science:

• Military technology
• Acoustic weaponry
• Humanitarian law

Background:

• High intensity sound is a novel military technology considered for warfare and civil disorder control.
• Potential deployment of acoustic weapons is imminent, particularly in the United States.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine military applications of high energy sound.
• To describe adverse effects on humans.
• To review existing research and criticize weapon use under international humanitarian law.

Main Methods:

• Review of military applications of acoustic energy.
• Analysis of adverse health effects on humans.
• Examination of existing research projects.

Main Results:

• Acoustic weapons can cause serious, persistent, and potentially lethal harm.
• Military applications have been contemplated and researched.
• Use in warfare violates international humanitarian law principles against unnecessary suffering.

Conclusions:

• The use of high intensity sound weapons in warfare is ethically and legally problematic.
• Humanitarian protection in conflict must be advocated.
• International humanitarian law prohibits weapons causing 'unnecessary suffering'.