Wars Of Future Past

Wars Of Future Past is a newsletter exploring the intersection of war, technology, and society, focusing on how military technology, ethical considerations, and cultural representations impact both present and future conflicts. It examines the use of robots, AI, and drones in warfare, alongside the societal and political implications of modern and speculative technologies.

Military Technology and Ethics Cultural Representations of War Political and Societal Implications of Warfare Autonomous Weapons and Artificial Intelligence Historical Analysis of Warfare and Technology Speculative Technologies and Future Conflicts Civilian-Military Relations and Policy Media and Public Perception of War

The hottest Substack posts of Wars Of Future Past

And their main takeaways

Substackers Against Nazis

1139 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Extremism Monetization Content Moderation
  1. A group of Substack publishers is raising concerns about the platform's allowance of Nazis and white supremacists.
  2. Substack has been criticized for hosting and profiting from newsletters that promote hateful content.
  3. Prominent Substack writers have left the platform due to concerns about its handling of white nationalism.

Sensing Our Way In The World

452 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🔬 Science Technology Medicine Military
  1. Sensors in medical care can be prone to error, especially with newborns.
  2. Sensor error can have serious consequences, as seen in military incidents.
  3. It's important to recognize and account for the potential flaws in sensing machines.

Sentinels

196 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Cartoons Parenting Technology Future Sci-fi
  1. The X-Men cartoon serves as a helpful tool for new parents by being engaging yet not too captivating during caregiving routines.
  2. The mutant allegory in the X-Men cartoon effectively conveys themes of intolerance and discrimination that resonate with various real-life issues.
  3. The Sentinels in the X-Men cartoon symbolize the dangers of near-future technology and the potential threats of automated military machines.

Unitarian Multiversalism

117 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Peace
  1. The story discusses a free and responsible search for life across dimensions.
  2. A committee is formed to handle the first contact with beings from another universe.
  3. The narrative touches on the concept of universalism in a multiverse setting.
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Balloon Trials

137 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Aerospace Government Response Surveillance
  1. Spy balloons have a long history of surveilling humans dating back to 1794.
  2. Biden addressed the recent surge in UFO sightings and balloon shoot-downs.
  3. The increased frequency of sightings and shoot-downs raises questions about object detection capabilities.

The Tarkin Doctrine

137 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
  1. The Tarkin Doctrine was a strategy in Star Wars focused on maintaining Imperial power through fear and the use of the Death Star.
  2. Grand Moff Tarkin emphasized ruling through fear to keep rebellions in check in the galaxy.
  3. The Tarkin Doctrine aimed to ensure Imperial supremacy by instilling terror and controlling potential uprisings with powerful military tools.

The War on Terror and the everyday infrastructure of oblivion

98 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism Conflict Security Military Violence
  1. Cars, which are part of our daily lives, can also be turned into deadly weapons like car bombs.
  2. The book 'Buda's Wagon' delves into the history and evolution of car bombs, showing how they have been used as tools of asymmetrical warfare.
  3. The use of car bombs highlights the intersection of everyday technologies with violent intentions, shaping the tactics of conflicts and the consequences of warfare.

Ballistic Path Dependency

216 implied HN points • 29 Apr 22
  1. Military technology planning is focused on future combat scenarios.
  2. Cluster munitions are used strategically in warfare despite the long-term dangers.
  3. Decisions on weapon use are often made in split-second moments by young personnel.

CHIPS Fall

157 implied HN points • 29 Jul 22
  1. The CHIPS Act of 2022 allocated over $52 billion for semiconductor manufacturing in the US.
  2. Industrial policy is being used to stimulate the economy under the guise of national security.
  3. There is a shift towards investing in domestic production of key technologies to reduce dependence on other countries and boost national security.

Duel Use

137 implied HN points • 31 May 22
  1. Drones are being used for military purposes, like dropping mortar rounds
  2. Commercial drones have dual-use capabilities, for both civilian and military applications
  3. Military adapting commercial technology, like attaching anti-tank weapons to electric bikes

Forever War Culture War Forever

353 implied HN points • 23 Feb 21
  1. The War on Terror is unique as it cannot end in surrender, only in a victory declared unilaterally.
  2. Endless wars continue when objectives are unachievable or there's no risk of facing defeat.
  3. The Forever War and Culture War feed off each other, creating a perpetual sense of existential struggle without real danger.

The Age of Empires Theory of History

176 implied HN points • 20 Dec 21
  1. Real-time strategy games like Age of Empires focus on managing an economy and commanding armies in the field.
  2. Victory in Age of Empires is largely determined by military force, even in scenarios where war may not seem overtly destructive.
  3. Games like Europa Universalis IV consciously construct a simulation around a realist vision of geopolitics, reflecting a theory of history in game design choices.

Inert? Call Bert!

157 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
  1. Lessons for managing expectations in emergencies can be learned from the past
  2. Civil Defense drills like 'Duck and Cover' aimed to ensure post-disaster survival
  3. The importance of proactive, federally directed action in managing long emergencies

Funeral Rituals For Robot Dogs

137 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
  1. Humans ascribe meaning to the deaths of battlefield companion machines, just like they do for animals.
  2. Funerary rituals for robots reflect the relationship of mourners to what they are mourning.
  3. People have a tendency to treat robots like living things, leading to emotional responses and rituals similar to those for living beings.

Colin Powell and the Discourse of Empire

137 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
  1. To tell the story of figures like Colin Powell is to see when they prioritized service to power over public obligation.
  2. Colin Powell's career was intertwined with the imperatives of empire and military-first foreign policy.
  3. Powell's actions show how even aspirational stewardship can lead to harm, especially in the context of authoring wars and perpetuating violence.

The Dead Speak!

39 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
  1. The author has been absent for a while and is making a return with more content to come.
  2. The post is directed towards paid subscribers.
  3. There was a promise of a relaunch after a break taken in July.

Twilight Grotesques, Aftermath Innocents

117 implied HN points • 24 Sep 21
  1. The term 'fog of war' refers to uncertainty and unknowability in war, impacting decision making.
  2. Video games like 'Warcraft II' and simulation games reflect the concept of fog of war with hidden information mechanics.
  3. Technological advancements, like the ARCAS gun modification, aim to lift the 'fog of war' but may not eliminate uncertainty in combat.

In The Grim Darkness Of The Cinema, There Is Only World War II

196 implied HN points • 07 Dec 20
  1. The cinematic portrayal of wars in Star Wars is heavily influenced by World War II tropes and technology.
  2. Rogue One stands out as a Star Wars film that heavily relies on World War II tropes and themes, specifically resembling the Spanish Civil War.
  3. Star Wars narratives often draw inspiration from World War II, shaping the storytelling and characters to reflect similar themes of war and conflict.

Hounds Of The Uncanny Valley Of Death

98 implied HN points • 12 Nov 21
  1. The combination of dog-shaped robots with weapons hints at the future of robot warfare.
  2. Legged robots that mimic animals can evoke more emotional responses compared to non-legged machines.
  3. The increasing autonomy of robots raises important questions on human control and policy implications in military applications.

From The Verge To Verdun

117 implied HN points • 11 Aug 21
  1. The Great Divergence transformed western Europe into a global superpower.
  2. Violence and financial instruments played key roles in the evolution of Europe's power.
  3. Understanding the complex interplay of factors in history is crucial for grasping present realities.

Creating The Visual Canon Of America’s Longest War

98 implied HN points • 31 Aug 21
  1. The military uses images to shape public understanding of war.
  2. Photos and videos created by the military provide a sanitized view of war.
  3. The abundance of carefully framed photography can overlook the deep complexities of violence and tragedy in war.

Welcome to Wars Of Future Past!

176 implied HN points • 12 Jul 20
  1. The newsletter focuses on war, robots, and other future topics.
  2. Author provides in-depth coverage on military technology.
  3. The author aims to share insights and stories on war machines and their impact on humans.

Dead In A Box

137 implied HN points • 23 Nov 20
  1. Boxes like grave terms offer comfort in remotely controlled robots' rest until needed.
  2. Riot Sheds and fallout shelters highlight grifts in seeking safety from unlikely dangers.
  3. Buying a Riot Shed indulges in paranoid fantasies, fueled by distortions and grifters, rather than evaluating real risks.

Wring Out Your Dead

137 implied HN points • 14 Sep 20
  1. The ritual of reliving historical events can distort the reality of consequences and perpetuate justifications for past actions.
  2. The idea of war nationalism persists, even as conflicts shift and evolve over time.
  3. Technological advancements in warfare have complex implications, impacting both military strategies and civilian life.

The Principles Office

137 implied HN points • 28 Jul 20
  1. Military principles for AI use were influenced by Google worker actions.
  2. Guidelines for AI ethics underwent changes to be more permissive.
  3. Discussion on nuclear war and EMP fears highlighting infrastructure resilience.

Poor Richard's On Fire

137 implied HN points • 13 Jul 20
  1. War technology like the R9X sword-missile needs context beyond just its technical innovation.
  2. The Pentagon's slower adoption of tech from Silicon Valley is due to the acquisition process.
  3. Nuclear testing is best left to supercomputers to avoid physical consequences for people.

Violence of the Suburban Frontier

98 implied HN points • 31 Dec 20
  1. The tazing incident at Petroglyph National Monument sparked controversy as a man of Native ancestry was tasered by a park ranger.
  2. The extension of a road through a sacred site for development purposes highlights the ongoing issues of land use and preservation.
  3. The use of less-lethal weapons like tasers can escalate violence in situations that might not have involved firearms, shedding light on their history in colonial wars and policing.

February And The Robot Boozehounds of Gimmick Marketing

39 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
  1. February brought discussions on the intersection of robotics and marketing
  2. Collaborations and peer feedback are crucial for writers to grow and improve
  3. War journalism highlights the human impact and tragedy of armed conflicts

Before The Dust Settles

98 implied HN points • 17 Aug 20
  1. Speculation on social media can lead to misinformation during disasters.
  2. Understanding and working within personal limitations is crucial when reporting on events remotely.
  3. Dystopian fiction can serve as political commentary and prompt critical thinking about the present.

A Time To Reaper, A Time To Swarm

78 implied HN points • 09 Nov 20
  1. When Biden assumes the presidency, he will be the fourth to oversee the US war in Afghanistan.
  2. Tech advancements will shape increased state capacity for violence, especially with drones.
  3. Drone swarms are being developed for battle purposes by various countries, posing challenges for future military enterprises.

Kettering Bugatti

78 implied HN points • 19 Oct 20
  1. The Kettering Bug was an early aerial torpedo that foreshadowed modern drones and missiles.
  2. Autonomy in weapons is a complex issue as responsibility lies between human operators and machine decisions.
  3. Drones and loitering munitions on the battlefield have changed warfare dynamics, offering an illusion of effectiveness.

A Short Etymology of Forever War

78 implied HN points • 28 Sep 20
  1. Historical conflicts can be seen as longer, generational wars.
  2. The term 'Forever War' emerged in relation to the ongoing United States military operations.
  3. Wars and military technology evolve over time, with the development of robot tanks and drones.

Speculative Friction -- Air War: California AD 2043

58 implied HN points • 30 Mar 21
  1. The US Navy has developed a flagship drone, the MQ-25A Stingray, for extending the range of carrier-borne fighters.
  2. The speculative story 'Air War: California AD 2043' imagines a future conflict within the borders of the US involving drones and new technologies.
  3. The narrative of 'Air War' highlights the limitations and complexities of modern warfare, focusing on technology and mechanisms rather than broader political implications.

Gatling, AI, and a Whirling Cavalcade of Unforeseeable Consequence

78 implied HN points • 31 Aug 20
  1. Richard Gatling's invention of the machine gun intended to reduce the horrors of war, but ended up changing warfare with its deadly efficiency.
  2. The rise of autonomous military machines, like AI-controlled fighter jets, raises questions about the potential consequences and implications for warfare.
  3. DARPA's experimentation with cyborg locusts for military applications highlights the ongoing pursuit of developing innovative, technology-driven solutions for combat scenarios.

Governance Abhors A Vacuum

58 implied HN points • 08 Feb 21
  1. The Biden administration supports Space Force and is not considering abolishing it.
  2. Abolishing Space Force would not solve the problem of space militarization as its functions were mostly carried out by Air Force Space Command before.
  3. The Space Force's role can be seen as a form of law enforcement in orbit, with implications for international space governance and enforcement.

The Deuce, the BUFF, the Constitution, the Bayonet

39 implied HN points • 26 Jul 21
  1. War technology can last for centuries, impacting the future.
  2. The B-52 bomber is a prime example of enduring war technology.
  3. Weapons like muskets, machine guns, and spears have served for long periods.

The Long Undeath Of Forever War Heroes

39 implied HN points • 12 May 21
  1. Time gives war meaning, as seen in the significance of setting a withdrawal date on specific anniversaries.
  2. The US War in Afghanistan lacked a clear narrative from the beginning, with broad and expansive goals set by the AUMF.
  3. The narratives surrounding war heroes like Pat Tillman were manipulated to deceive the public and serve political agendas.

Public Domain Warfare

39 implied HN points • 13 Apr 21
  1. The public domain of the 21st century is largely shaped by the U.S. federal government's massive release of intellectual property, especially in the military sector.
  2. Access to high-quality, free, copyright-free images and videos from the U.S. Department of Defense heavily influences the visual representation of international relations and foreign policy.
  3. There is a significant disparity in visual resources between military/security agencies like the Pentagon and civilian agencies, impacting the ability to illustrate a diverse range of topics beyond militarized stories.

Past of Future Wars

39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 21
  1. Past publications on war often focused on historical or current wars, but Le Sueur's essay in Popular Science in 1896 stood out for addressing future conflicts.
  2. Le Sueur discussed the potential end of war through evolving laws and treaties, contrasting with prior views on war from British essayist Thomas de Quincey.
  3. Enthusiast press typically covers new weapons as futuristic novelties, but Le Sueur's essay on future wars offered a unique perspective in a publication rich with history.