Time is a finite resource, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. As big-tech races ahead under the steam of big finance, the tide created in its wake overlaps with national security issues. I think it’s fair to ask why it matters, and what should we should do about it?
In the United States, CIA Director William Burns has warned of the depreciating technology gap, which once favored the United States. This reversal of fortune has real-world consequences. Fearing a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2027, he thinks the United States military does not have the time it needs to close the commercial technology gap. The United States, in such a case, is losing its technological advantage.
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The changing face of global security, and the military’s technological integration of commercial technology are reasons cited for why time is running out. The clock is ticking for the US Department of Defence to execute a commercial space strategy. This new era has also witnessed the utilization of old adversary strategies, once deemed partially effective.
Technology’s Shake-up of National Security
So, as times change, how do we fix this technological imbalance in our national security? A fundamental aspect of technology is its utilization. This points to tactics influencing strategy, which was the case in Ukraine. Under pressure, the Ukrainian Army innovated on the fly, and integrated commercial drone technology into their defensive strategies for their homeland.
The marvellous Ukrainian defence of their homeland is not only in its effectiveness, it is also in how it challenged established military doctrine. For example, American air superiority historically comes with a huge price tag. The return sees advanced technology integrated into aircraft, giving the United States military an edge. The offensive capabilities of such aircraft are so highly priced, I can only wonder at how the American military complex got so big.
The answer can range from complicated to simple. It’s an undisrupted market because of established US military dominance, where avarice-creep has hyper-inflated prices. These reasons may include proportional investment increases in new technology, operational costs, and quality assurance. The political rationale correctly points to national security as the only justification needed, which makes sense assuming everything else remains the same.
National Security Protection
So, all is well until it’s not. This is where disrupters come in. Desperation made Ukraine innovate with creative success. How many drone companies produced multi-million dollar drones in favor of low-cost alternatives, because of commercial reasons? If national security is the reason for high prices, can’t high prices lead to its compromise?
To credit those in the security services of the United States, the recognition of this self-inflicted injury is critically important. Tasking resources with workarounds will be familiar to just about anybody with military experience. However, those managing national security need to think about how they do business, and why?
Short-term issues, like the threat China presents to Taiwan, can’t wait for politics or strategic overhauls. While operational leaders in security agencies deal with such issues, those in power should conduct independent investigations. They should investigate why they didn’t look into such simple tactics using emerging technology, and if applicable, integrate them into the US military capability? Ukraine’s innovation is not only a tech shake-up, it’s a blessing to those looking for an innovative way to integrate advanced commercial technology into military capability.
Technology, National Security, The Path Ahead
I have heard many deniers of the damage (commercial) technology is doing, saying it’s not the tech, it’s how it’s applied. This retort is without context, and thus, not credible in just about any argument, when you look at technological workflows. Those who innovate technology can design and construct it ethically for constructive use.
When they do, engineering it into military workflows will benefit from this layer of clarity, as its application is not only clear, its vision is too. When you know your tech in-depth, it’s amazing at how versatile you can be in applying it. Constructing an environment that enables this can allow you to innovate in ways that can move mountains and protect nations.
About the Author
John is a versatile author known for his gripping fiction narratives in the thriller, action, and suspense genres. With a background as a journalist since 2016, and expertise in cloud technologies as an engineer; John brings a unique blend of storytelling prowess and technical acumen to his work.
