Beast in the Machine

“George Dougherty’s eminently readable new work offers deep insights into the implications of robotic combat systems, not only from a technical standpoint with associated challenges and opportunities, but with a moral and ethical view as well. It should be required reading for defense technologists, military historians, or anyone with even a casual interest in the inevitable push towards proliferated autonomous weapons systems.” —Dr. Mark Lewis, former US director of defense research and engineering, and chief scientist of the US Air Force “Beast in the Machine is a must-read for military professionals—those engaged in developing future force capabilities, and those involved in planning and executing current operations. George Dougherty contributes significantly to a most crucial discussion of the future of human conflict affected by the proliferation of robotics and artificial intelligence. America’s armed forces cannot afford to be late in adapting to the changes upon us.” —Colonel Don Sando, USA (ret.), former deputy to the commanding general for the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence “A rigorously thorough and piercingly insightful look at where today’s mil-tech revolution came from … and where it’s heading. Beast in the Machine is a vital book for anyone who wants to understand how the rising tide of robotics and AI will shape twenty-first century conflict.” —Lieutenant Colonel Dan Ward, USAF (ret.), author of F.I.R.E., LIFT, and PUNK “George Dougherty’s Beast in the Machine provides key insights into the robotic transformation of combat that is now underway. The understanding it provides will be of value to security leaders, defense industry, and warfighters alike. A must-read.” —Lieutenant General David A. Deptula, USAF (ret.), architect of the Desert Storm air campaign and dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies “This incredible work is a critical current classic that is essential reading for tech warriors, tech bros, and transformative leaders at all echelons because it comprehensively covers the global robotics and AI revolution … The nation that leads in the next four years will lead the world in the next two hundred—so read, heed, and lead to WIN!” —Major General John M. Olson (ret.), former US Space Force chief technology and innovation officer and first Air Force chief data and AI officer “Even as it’s changing our schools and offices, artificial intelligence is transforming battlefields—both literal and political—in new, startling ways. Beast in the Machine is a highly accessible guide for making sense of it all.” —Dr. Victoria Coleman, CEO of Acubed, director of DARPA, and chief scientist of the Department of the Air Force “Drawing from a career at the intersection of technology and warfare, George Dougherty has delivered a compelling set of lessons on the history and future of robotics and its ability to transform warfare. Beast in the Machine raises important ethical and policy questions, shares informed practical knowledge, and offers guidance to navigate the future.” —Dr. Arun Seraphin, executive director of the Emerging Technologies Institute for the National Defense Industrial Associatio

George M. Dougherty is an active duty and reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force, having served as a senior leader in defense laboratories, military service headquarters in the Pentagon, and in the office of the Secretary of Defense. He coauthored the Air Force’s science and technology strategy. In addition, he is a business strategist who helps leading science and technology-driven companies to navigate disruptive change. Colonel Dougherty has written numerous articles for defense journals and given invited lectures on disruptive innovation and future combat doctrine. He holds three engineering degrees, including a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from Cornell University. He lives in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, with his wife, a biomedical scientist.