When asked about nanotech and the military by NanoTech-Now Editor Rocky Rawstern, Jeffrey R. Harrow had this to say:

Intensely pursuing the emerging field of Nanotechnology is, quite simply, a national [military | economic | medical | and more] 'life or death' imperative.

Imagine how today's world would look if, for example, the U.S. hadn't vigorously pursued aviation technology (WW II could well have had a very different outcome). Suppose we hadn't woken up after Sputnik and reached towards the stars, with all of its commercial and military and intelligence fallout? Suppose we had not pursued atomic research? Or semiconductor research? Or, now, nanotechnology?

"Nanotech" is not a magic bullet. But it is another, perhaps penultimate dive into the science of how the world around us, and "we," work. Yet caution is also in order -- as we've seen throughout history, each great advance in understanding also brings the potential for both great good and great evil (recall Nobel's dynamite). Especially in nanotech, the need for early significant ethical discussion and caution is imperative.

But NOT pursuing nanotechnology isn't a viable option, because even if one country doesn't, another will. And that country will then be the "big winner." Those who master nanotech's treasure trove of possibilities will be able to, literally, rebuild the world around us and even "us." While those who do not...

Jeff Harrow, Principal The Harrow Group,
author The Harrow Technology Report