Unmanned

An in-depth examination of why our spies keep getting it wrong due to an over reliance on drones, data dumps, and misguided surveillance.

Unmanned is an in-depth examination of why seemingly successful wars never seem to end. The problem centres on drones, now accumulated in the thousands, the front end of a spying and killing machine that is disconnected from either security or safety.

Drones, however, are only part of the problem. William Arkin shows that security is actually undermined by an impulse to gather as much data as possible, the appetite and the theory both skewed towards the notion that no amount is too much. And yet the very endeavour of putting fewer human in potential danger places everyone in greater danger. Wars officially end, but the Data Machine lives on forever.

Throughout his career, Arkin has exposed powerful secrets of so-called national security and intelligence. Now he continues that tradition. The most alarming book about warfare in years, Unmanned is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of mankind.

About the Author

William Arkin, national security consultant to the New York Times, is one of America's premier military experts, having served in Army intelligence in West Berlin during the Cold War. He has written more than a dozen books and been at the center of countless exposes. At the Washington Post he conceived and co-authored the landmark "Top Secret America" investigation, and co-wrote the national bestseller of the same name. He is also the author of American Coup. He lives in Vermont.