For years, governments have hired sci-fi writers to prognosticate military and defense scenarios. For example, last year the U.K. Ministry of Defense contracted sci-fi writers Peter Singer and August Cole to compose eight stories about possible national threats that could emerge over the next 20 years.
In France, the 'Red Team', a group of futuristic writers were hired to propose imaginary conflict situations for the French military.
Good sci-fi writing is based upon comprehensive and deep research and then draws possible scenarios on the ways to resolve future potential problems. For example, what would occur should China invade Taiwan over the next 10 years based upon the technologies that are now being developed for future military use?
The past has shown that unanticipated threats can turn into reality, and sci-fi writers often do predict the future particularly when it deals with military/defense strategies.
Recently, Antonio Tajani, Italy's Foreign Minister proposed the formation of a combined EU army as an expansion of NATO ability to defend Europe - from internal and external threats. This idea had been previously called for by French President Macron and former German President Merkel and was spawned by sci-fi contractors. An EU army would ease dependence on the U.S. military, bolster NATO's status globally, and be a deterrence regarding internal strife and terrorism.
There is no doubt that defense and military capabilities are at the top of all developed and most developing counties long-term agendas - and we can be sure that sci-fi writers have had their input duly noted in any strategic planning that takes place.
By: Jim Lavorato, President, Entertainment Equipment Corp.
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