Neural Frontlines: Exploring Future Battlefield amid Rise of Neurowarfare

Abstract

Advancement in neurotechnologies has led policymakers to rethink the role of human cognition in modern warfare. As neuroscience unravels the intricate facets of the cognitive puzzle, human cognition has become the centerpiece of the technological revolution. The potential of these technologies to enhance, target, and weaponise the human brain places them at the heart of modern warfare. The United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and China’s Central Military Commission have poured sizable funds and resources into harnessing the untapped potential of these technologies for military purposes. This study examines the strategic and doctrinal implications of deploying neurotechnologies for military purposes. It highlights the challenges posed by neurowarfare, including legal ambiguities, ethical dilemmas, and moral concerns, which demand urgent attention. The study underscores the necessity of establishing robust regulatory frameworks to mitigate potential risks and unintended consequences associated with the militarisation of neurotechnologies.