Neurotechnology is an emerging but rapidly advancing field that offers significant promise across various domains, while also posing considerable risks. These risks have prompted an emerging discussion over the need for governance to ensure that the technology is developed in ways that are ethical, safe and secure. In particular, the dual-use nature of neurotechnologies raises the potential for them to become disruptive military technologies. Militaries worldwide have explored the integration of a wide suite of neurotechnologies into the military domain throughout the 21st century, with some initiatives dating back to the late 20th century. Recent advances in various scientific and technological fields have rendered the integration of neurotechnology into military contexts increasingly likely to become a reality in the near future. In contrast to civilian neurotechnology, this trend has received comparatively less attention, while carrying with it significant potential risks for international peace and security. A preliminary mapping of the potential risks, challenges and opportunities specifically associated with the militarization of neurotechnology is therefore both timely and necessary.
Citation: Federico Mantellassi and Edward Madziwa, Neurotechnology in the Military Domain: A Primer (Geneva: UNIDIR, 2025)