The convergence of artificial intelligence, drone technology, and additive manufacturing are making the advent of swarms of small, autonomous drones a reality. Their debut on the battlefield will dramatically change the character of war in air, land, space, and sea domains.  In particularly, they will challenge the conventional dominance the west has built on its few, bespoke, highly capable weapons systems.  How dramatic will this shift be?  Can current western defense institutions adjust to the change?  What are the implications for global security?  Join the ICCS for a discussion of these and other questions at 2pm on Friday 17 July 2015.

Speaker: Dr Thomas X Hammes, Distinguished Research Fellow, Center for Strategic Research, Institute of National Strategic Studies

Dr. Thomas X. Hammes joined INSS in June, 2009.  He is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.  His areas of expertise include Military Strategy, Future Conflict, and Insurgency.   Dr. Hammes graduated with a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975 and holds a Masters in Historical Research and Doctorate in Modern History from Oxford University.   He is a Distinguished Graduate of the Canadian National Defence College. His publications include The Sling and the Stone: On War in the 21st Century and Forgotten Warriors: the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, the Corps Ethos, and the Korean War.  He has also published 15 book chapters and over 120 articles.  His publications have been used widely in staff and defense college curricula in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.  Dr. Hammes has lectured extensively at leading academic and military institutions in the United States and abroad. Prior to his retirement from active duty, Dr. Hammes served for 30 years in the United States Marine Corps to include command of an intelligence battalion, an infantry battalion, and the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force.  He participated in military operations in Somalia and Iraq and trained insurgents in various locations. 

To request a transcript please contact: Coss-communications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
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