Beast in the Machine: How Robotics and AI Will Transform Warfare and the Future of Human Conflict

by George M. Dougherty

“Beast in the Machine is an incredible resource for raising public awareness and education around this revolution in warfare.” —Booklist A defense technology expert and military leader reveals the future of robotic warfare, and illuminates the path to navigate the approaching storm of global change The world is plunging into a new era of warfare dominated by robotic systems and artificial intelligence. As drones and other new weapons fill the headlines, militaries, governments, and concerned citizens are asking urgent questions about this emerging revolution. Author George M. Dougherty provides much-needed answers from a unique perspective as a senior military leader of US Air Force science and technology and a strategic business consultant to companies facing disruptive change in their industries. Beast in the Machine offers a fascinating exploration of the future of combat. It takes the reader on a whirlwind journey through previously secret robotic combat missions from the World Wars to the War on Terror, and today’s lethal battlefields in Ukraine and beyond. With vivid examples and easy-to-understand explanations of emerging technologies, Dougherty reveals the trends driving change and helps us to anticipate and prepare for what comes next. Informed by insider expertise as well as a humane moral perspective, Dougherty tackles this controversial subject head-on. In these pages, readers will How the revolution’s early stages are disrupting current conflicts and how its consequences will transform tomorrow’s global balance of power Why traditional military platforms like tanks, ships, and airplanes will be replaced by robotic systems that we may not recognize today How self-organizing drone units will make the “atmospheric littoral” the new key terrain What threats from military AI are more dangerous than all-powerful artificial intelligence How we can ensure the ethical use of robotic weapons and AI in combat Why the winners and losers of the new era may not be who we expect These fast-moving technologies are disrupting the military world, and with it, international stability and the balance of power. The US and other global democracies must navigate this disruptive era wisely, or risk becoming its victims. Beast in the Machine is a timely invitation for all of us to join the conversation on the future of human armed struggle . . . while there’s still time to shape what’s coming.

Genres: Nonfiction

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Allison ༻hikes the bookwoods༺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m incredibly interested in how AI will be used in the coming years and with all the geopolitical tensions ongoing these days, I thought this book would be an interesting read. There were parts I did enjoy, but most of the content relates very specifically to military strategy, a topic that I do not find interesting in any era. I also felt that some of the risks related to AI were oversimplified by the author.

[Trent Hunsaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beast in the Machine is a comprehensive look at un-manned warfare. Author George Dougherty gives a solid - and very interesting - base on the history of the subject. His attention to details that are not widely known, and in many obfuscated from the public, about the affects and campaigns of early attempts at autonomous war craft could stand as book in and unto itself.

Dougherty wisely admits that the realm he is writing about is advancing so quickly, that it would be a futile attempt to actualize the most cutting edge of combat tech. Rather, he gives solid theory behind the prevailing thoughts and concerns, augmented with real-world accounts and plausible hypothetical asides.

The one thing that holds the book back is its American point of view. Using pronouns like "we" in place of saying the United States, the U.S. Military, etc. could affect the whole tone of the book as interpreted by an international audience. However, while the book is American-centric, Dougherty does not hold back from facts that do not always paint the United States in the best of light.

[Aaron Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

New era of robotic warfare is upon us. Book explains historical, current, and future uses of robotic combat. Does a few dive into tactics, moral issues, and possible conflicts/resolutions. Some scary thoughts-robots being programmed/hacked to shoot all on sight (imagine children). Another is cartels, militia, or rebel group easily utilizing this software and cheap drones to launch attacks. The game is changing, author pushes for us to embrace and prepare for it.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative read. Realistically, this is written very technically and would be better for someone with more background knowledge of the military. It was hard to get through a lot of it and stay engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook.