84-687 Remote Systems and the Cyber Domain in Conflict
12 units, Carnegie Mellon University
For most of human history, warfare took place face-to-face or in close proximity using weapons like rocks, swords, spears, bow and arrows, and firearms. The development of technologies like missiles, drones, & the internet have changed the character of warfare by enabling actors to use lethal force & cause disruption thousands of miles away from the battlefield. Technological advancements have arguably even led to the creation of an entirely human-made domain of warfare- the cyber domain- that is distinct from the land, sea, air & space domains. This course will analyze the impact of drones & the cyber domain on international conflict. We will study the historical origins of these technologies, why & how they have spread, their use & effectiveness on the battlefield, ethical questions surrounding their use, & whether arms control is possible. How is the information revolution in computing similar & different from prior revolutions in military affairs? Are drones and the cyber domain transforming conflict by giving the offense a significant advantage over the defense, or is their offensive and destructive potential exaggerated? Is coercion possible in cyberspace, or does the attribution problem impede deterrence? Might drones actually reduce the risks of escalation in interstate conflict by removing the desire for revenge if a pilot is killed? How has the internet been weaponized to enable economic warfare and election interference? Might cyber espionage undermine the United States' military advantage, and should the US ban TikTok? Do drones decrease or increase terrorism? Is remote warfare & the use of lethal autonomous weapons systems- sometimes referred to as killer robots- inherently unethical? These are just a handful of the questions we will explore in this class. By the end of the course, students will have a grasp of the history of the information revolution & many of the key debates & theories in this field.
Prerequisites: none listed
Offered: Spring 2027, Spring 2026
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