Some Implications of New Communications Technologies for National Security in the 1970S

摘要

In view of the extraordinarily rapid technological advances taking place, and the numerous promising applications, questions immediately arise about the implications for national security. The potential contribution of satellite technology to the problem of adequate communication in time of international crisis, and its use for command and control in wartime are two specific areas of concern. In addition, a discussion is presented of some broader implications relating to open and closed societies, the centralization and decentralization of decisionmaking functions, the process of bargaining and negotiation, the viability of alliances during crisis and war, and the long-run structuring and restructuring of national interests and alliances.