A Global History of Warfare and Technology : From Slings to Robots

This book addresses the global history of technology, warfare and state formation from the Stone Age to the Information Age. Using a combination of top-down and bottom-up methodologies, it examines both interstate and intrastate conflicts with a focus on Eurasian technology and warfare. It shows how human agency and structural factors have intertwined, creating a complex web of technology and warfare. It also explores the interplay between technological and non-technological factors to chart the evolution of warfare from its origins to the present day, arguing that the interactions between civilian and military sectors have shaped the use of technology in warfare. Given its scope and depth, it is a valuable resource for researchers in fields such as world history, history of science and technology, history of warfare and imperialism and international relations. Preface and Acknowledgements Contents About the Author Abbreviations 1 Introduction: A Global History of Technology and Warfare References 2 Origins of Warfare in the Stone Age 2.1 Introduction 2.2 The Beginning of Warfare in Old Stone Age 2.3 Intensification of Conflicts in the Neolithic Period 2.4 Trauma of Combat 2.5 Conclusion References 3 Chariot War in the Bronze Age: 3000-800 BCE 3.1 Introduction 3.2 The Rise of Chariot Armies 3.3 Collapse of the Bronze Age Urban Civilisations 3.4 Encountering the Face of Battle 3.5 Conclusion References 4 Rise of Infantry in Eurasia During the Early Iron Age: 750 BCE-476 CE 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Greco-Roman Military Tradition 4.3 Asia 4.3.1 Persia 4.3.2 South Asia 4.3.3 Far East 4.4 Experiencing Soldiering 4.5 Conclusion References 5 Cavalry in Medieval Eurasia: Circa 400 CE-1450 CE 5.1 Introduction 5.2 The Steppe Nomadic Military Tradition in Early Medieval Eurasia 5.3 Islam on Horseback 5.4 The Mongol Storm 5.5 Marching, Riding and Fighting: Experiences of Soldiering in the Medieval Era 5.6 Conclusion References 6 Siege War Before the Gunpowder Age 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Far East 6.3 South and South-East Asia 6.4 West Asia and Egypt 6.5 Europe 6.6 North and South America 6.7 The Face of Siege War 6.8 Conclusion References 7 Maritime Warfare in the Pre-gunpowder Era 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Mediterranean 7.3 Indian Ocean, South China Sea and Sea of Japan 7.4 Experiences of the Mariners 7.5 Conclusion References 8 Gunpowder War and Western Supremacy: Circa 1450–Circa 1770 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Far East 8.3 Islamic Ecumene 8.4 Europe 8.5 Gunpowder Warfare and European Overseas Expansion 8.5.1 Emergence of Oceangoing Ships 8.5.2 European Warfare in the Extra-European World 8.6 Conclusion References 9 Industrial Warfare: Circa 1770–1990s 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Rise of Total War in Europe: Circa 1770–1945 9.3 ‘Small War’ in the Extra-European World 9.4 The Death of Total War: Limited Industrial War in the Cold War Era 9.5 Confronting Industrial War 9.6 Conclusion References 10 Postmodern Warfare in the Information Age 10.1 Introduction 10.2 What Is Artificial Intelligence? 10.3 Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Cyborgs 10.4 Drones 10.5 The Skynet Syndrome: Command of LAWS and Ethics 10.6 Conclusion: Towards an AI Initiated Apocalypse? References Conclusion Glossary Index