About this item
A leading technology expert examines ways to manage the rapid proliferation of technology and come to grips with its pervasive influence.Technology--always a key driver of historical change--is transforming society as never before and at a far more rapid pace. This book takes the reader on a journey into what the author identifies as the central organizing construct for the future of civilization, the continued proliferation of technology. And he challenges us to consider how to think about technology to ensure that we humans, and not the products of our invention, remain in control of our destinies? In this informative and insightful examination, Dr. Daniel M. Gerstein--who brings vast operational, research, and academic experience to the subject--proposes a method for gaining a better understanding of how technology is likely to evolve in the future. He identifies the attributes that a future successful technology will seek to emulate and the pitfalls that a technology developer should try to avoid. The aim is to bring greater clarity to the impact of technology on individuals and society. In particular, he considers three technologies now converging that will shape the future: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and the "internet of things." He asks: Will we continue to develop new technologies in these fields merely because basic research shows that we can, or should we first consider the likely effects of these technologies on the quality of life at the individual, societal, and global levels? Dr. Gerstein makes a compelling case that rational and informed evolution of our technological options is the best course for ensuring a brighter future.
About the Author
Daniel M. Gerstein is strategist and policy expert with a PhD in Biodefense. He has served in the security and defense fields in a variety of strategic and operational assignments dealing with biodefense, homeland security, national strategy, arms control, international negotiations, and conflict analysis. He also served on Holbrooke Delegation that negotiated the peace settlement in Bosnia, analyzed negotiating positions for the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) talks, and developed an initiative to improve cross border communications between Colombia and neighboring Andean Ridge nations. Additionally, Dr. Gerstein was selected to lead the Army's most comprehensive restructuring since World War II called Transformation (2000-2001) and served on the Secretary of the Army's Transition Team (2004-2005) . Most recently, he also served on the Project for National Security Reform (PNSR) which was charged with developing a new national security act to reflect the changing security environment (2007-2008) . A resident of Alexandria, VA, he is the author of Securing America's Future, Leading at the Speed of Light, and Assignment Pentagon.
