Technology, Violence, And Peace

Technologies play a crucial role in both war and peace. Technologies designed for violence, namely weapons, range from handguns to nuclear weapons. Important characteristics of weapons include their destructive power, centralized control, offensive capacity, and ease of use. Technologies valuable for a peaceful society include those used in agriculture, construction, and transport. They can also be used to support nonviolent action, such as when telephone and e-mail are used by citizens opposing repressive governments.