The Ratners focus here specifically on making the United States military and the American people safe(r) from terrorist attacks. They discuss such future tech as sensors for detecting chemical and biological agents, light-weight body armor, active camouflage, and unmanned aerial and ground vehicles.
While knowing that these and other technologies will possibly be aiding in the defense of the United States within the next two decades is interesting for its own sake, the Ratners do not take the next step and adequately describe the technology for their readers. They all too often take a "trust us" approach to describing these technologies when a brief description of the underlying technology seems to be required at the minimum.
Where this book does come up a winner though is in the Ratners acceptance of the societal impact that nanotechnology will have. Already we have heard prophesies of doom coming from the gallery regarding the havoc that nanotechnology will unleash upon the world. The Ratners are right that nanotechnology enthusiasts cannot be assured that their discipline will be viewed in a positive light so long as it provides benefits to the world. Bioengineering holds the promise of removing many natural dangers to human life, including cancer, but is still viewed as Frankensteinian.
The Ratners rightfully state that nanotechnologists need to eschew the bioengineers' love for secrecy. They need to publish and freely discuss their work and the effect (both good and bad) it will have on society.
"Nanotechnology and Homeland Defense" is an uninspired look at the future of military hardware but a good first step in acquainting the American people with the technologies that will soon be shaping our world. Within a few years time we should have several more works that will more adequately describe the technologies themselves.
The authors have done a considerable service to the advancement of Nanotechnology by writing this book. A topical subject that is given effective and illuminating treatment on a grand scale. The writing is clear and concise, well organized, and very informative.
in a robust style. There is little hype - and much more of the reality. In the fast developing field of Nanotechnology there are many applications that can be applied and have been described but precious little in the field of warfare, terrorism and the protection against malicious enemies. Until now.
I would recommend this book as a valuable guide to anyone who is seriously thinking about Nanotechnology. All in all, it's a strong accomplishment that is a courageous attempt to define the Nanotechnology in modern warfare.