Arms and Influence: U.S. Technology Innovations and the Evolution of International Security Norms

by Jeffrey S. Lantis

Arms and Influence explores the complex relationship between technology, policymaking, and international norms. Modern technological innovations such as the atomic bomb, armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced reconnaissance satellites have fostered debates about the boundaries of international norms and legitimate standards of behavior. These advances allow governments new opportunities for action around the world and have, in turn, prompted a broader effort to redefine international standards in areas such as self-defense, sovereignty, and preemptive strikes. In this book, Jeffrey S. Lantis develops a new theory of norm change and identifies its stages, including redefinition (involving domestic political deliberations) and constructive norm substitution (in multilateral institutions). He deftly takes some of the most controversial new developments in military technologies and embeds them in international relations theory. The case evidence he presents suggests that periods of change are underway across numerous different issue areas.

Genres: International Relations, Politics

280 pages, Hardcover

Published July 27, 2016

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The revolver did not change the American West so much as it was invented by Samuel Colt to meet a growing demand among soldiers and pioneers for such a weapon according to Professor Lantis.

This book takes a theoretical approach to the consideration of the impact of technology on policymaking and international security norms. The book is a typical academic in method and vocabulary. The book is 270 pages. The author provides five case studies that illustrate the book’s thesis: the atom bomb; export controls for nuclear technology; satellite-borne intelligence collection; armed unmanned aerial vehicles; and space weaponry. Lantis organizes the case studies into three sections: traditional norms, technological innovation and potential norm change.

The book is well written and researched. Lantis is careful to be impartial. The book offers a well- reasoned perspective on the interplay between breakthrough military technologies and international relations. “Arms and Influence” meets the expectations it sets for itself. Anyone interested in history, military history or international affairs would enjoy the book, but be warned it is an academic book.

[Spencer Willardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one I read out of professional interest. It is about the way states work to change international norms when technology evolves. It is interesting and ties together a number of areas that I am interested in.