Abstract
Over the past few decades technology has advanced significantly to better meet the needs of people who use them. The very first computer required a whole room and a significant amount of electrical power to make it work. The layperson now has access to technology that is more advanced than the onboard computer of the Mars rover and it is only the size of their hand. We have the capabilities to engineer components at the scale of a nanometer and they can contribute to more advances in technology. The applications of nanotechnology are vast, but one of the areas in which its potential is not realized is the armed forces. Some of the weapons used today date back to World War II and the development and implementation of new weapons is slow. This begs the question, what are the policies of the armed forces when it comes to nanotechnology? In this paper we explore the implications of nanotechnology in the military with a focus on the U.S military. We will explore current policy, ethical considerations, risks, and benefits.
Recommended Citation
Molestina, Alejandro; Ravichandran, Karthik Raja; and Welleck, Michael N.
(2020)
"Military Applications of Nanotechnology,"
Student Papers in Public Policy: Vol. 2
:
Iss.
1,
Article 5.
Available at:
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/sppp/vol2/iss1/5
