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The Evolution of War in the 20th Century and Its Consequences Essay

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Summary

It is crucial to think about the long-term effects of continual exposure to fictional conflict as technology develops and the line between reality and virtuality fades. Division of labor may boost efficiency and lessen human deaths, but it also desensitizes us to the reality of battle and may have terrible genocidal effects. This idea of separating ourselves from the effects of violence is a double-edged sword. A particularly urgent concern is the current emphasis on the development of AI-driven or autonomous weaponry. A prohibition on future research into these technologies was demanded by the UN’s Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, which raised worries about the potential for dystopian outcomes and the blurring of the borders between reality and virtuality (Rees, 2021).

Nonetheless, plans to include “killer robots” in military forces raise concerns about the place of people in future conflicts. The introduction of sophisticated weapons systems during the First World War represented a fundamental shift in military and technical history, resulting in unparalleled levels of murder and damage, helped by the widespread employment of machine guns, which depersonalized killing (Sondhaus, 2020). With developments in drone technology, armchair strategists may now witness actual conflict from the comfort of their own homes, raising problems about involvement and desensitization.

The Impact of Technology and Media on the Perception of War: Ukraine

The invasion of Ukraine has drawn attention to the shifting experience of conflict as a result of technological and media breakthroughs. Remote-controlled warfare, made feasible by contemporary technology such as satellite systems and drones, has added a new dimension to how conflicts are waged and viewed. Furthermore, media coverage of the battle has created a virtual reality of what is happening on the ground, bringing the horrors of war into people’s homes. The use of satellite systems and drones allows military personnel to manage their activities from a distance, which may give the impression that they are detached from the repercussions of violence.

If not managed correctly, this division of labor, which separates those who make choices from those who carry out instructions, might have terrible, genocidal results. The thought of a virtual citizen-soldier using technology to prolong combat is alarming. As armchair tacticians evaluate drone assaults, the evolving battle experience raises issues about desensitization or enhanced participation. The advancement of AI-powered weaponry raises concerns about the future of combat, as humans may no longer be required to engage (Klare & Scharre, 2018). Following the screening of the dystopian short film “Slaughterbots,” the United Nations called for a moratorium on further research into this technology.

The Use of Video Games in Recruitment

Potential recruits can have a better understanding of military life by playing video games in recruiting. Investigating the use of video games in military recruiting was the PBS show Digital Nation. The emphasis of the documentary was on the use of video games by the US military as a recruiting tool. To entice potential recruits interested in action, adventure, and technology, the military used video games to mimic real-life combat situations and experiences. By leveraging these interactive and realistic experiences, the military was able to give prospective recruits a taste of what it would be like to serve in the military.

The Changing Experience of War

As seen by the invasion of Ukraine, advances in technology and communication have affected our perceptions of combat. Remote-controlled battles via drones and satellite systems, along with virtual reality coverage in the media, have altered the public’s perception of conflict. Video games have also gained popularity in military recruiting because they provide prospective troops with a realistic combat experience. This raises ethical concerns regarding the influence of technology on human perceptions of violence and conflict, emphasizing the importance of studying its long-term repercussions.

References

Rees, M. (2021). On the future: Prospects for humanity. Princeton University Press.

Sondhaus, L. (2020). World war one. Cambridge University Press.

Klare, M., & Scharre, P. (2018). Paradigm Shift: The Advance of Autonomous Weapons. Arms Control Today, 48(9), 39–43. Web.

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IvyPanda. 2024. "The Evolution of War in the 20th Century and Its Consequences." May 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-evolution-of-war-in-the-20th-century-and-its-consequences/.

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