Mind-Altering 'Brain Weapons' No Longer Only Science Fiction, Say Researchers

Researchers warn that rapid advances in neuroscience, pharmacology, and AI are bringing 'brain weapons' out of science fiction and into real-world plausibility. They argue current arms treaties don't adequately cover these emerging tools and call for a new, proactive framework to prevent the weaponization of the human mind. The Guardian reports: Michael Crowley and Malcolm Dando, of Bradford University, are about to publish a book that they believe should be a wake-up call to the world. The book, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, explores how advances in neuroscience, pharmacology and artificial intelligence are coming together to create a new threat. 'We are entering an era where the brain itself could become a battlefield,' said Crowley. 'The tools to manipulate the central nervous system -- to sedate, confuse or even coerce -- are becoming more precise, more accessible and more attractive to states.'

The book traces the fascinating, if appalling, history of state-sponsored research into central nervous system (CNS)-acting chemicals. The academics argue that the ability exists to create much more 'sophisticated and targeted' weapons that would once have been unimaginable. Dando said: 'The same knowledge that helps us treat neurological disorders could be used to disrupt cognition, induce compliance, or even in the future turn people into unwitting agents.' The threat is 'real and growing' but there are gaps in international arms control treaties preventing it from being tackled effectively, they say.

The book makes the case for a new 'holistic arms control' framework, rather than relying on existing arms control treaties. It sets out a number of practical steps that could be taken, including establishing a working group on CNS-acting and broader incapacitating agents. Other proposals concern training, monitoring and definitions. 'We need to move from reactive to proactive governance,' said Dando. Both men acknowledge that we are learning more about the brain and the central nervous system, which is good for humanity. They said they were not trying to stifle scientific progress and it was about preventing malign intent. Crowley said: 'This is a wake-up call. We must act now to protect the integrity of science and the sanctity of the human mind.'

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