The Weaponization of Sound: Reconsidering Acoustic Attacks
The Weaponization of Sound: Reconsidering Acoustic Attacks
Professor Alison Dundes Renteln, University of Southern California
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 • 12-1:30pm • Milne 215
The Rockefeller College Department of Political Science will be hosting Professor Alison Dundes Renteln from the University of Southern California on Wednesday, September 13th. Professor Renteln will give a lunchtime talk on her recent research — the political and legal implications of acoustic attacks.
This talk focuses on the use of sound as a weapon and implications of its impact for principles of international law and global bioethics. Professor Renteln examines various acoustic attacks including loud music as torture, the “Havana syndrome,” and long-range acoustic devices. These sonar weapons cause fear and trauma and have serious consequences for global health. This is an example of when technology has outpaced our ability to formulate proper policies based on established principles of law and ethics.
Inspired by the original scholarship of James Parker on acoustic jurisprudence and sonar warfare as well as others, this study also draws on scholarship in sensory studies (e.g., David Howes and Constance Claussen) to reassess malevolent uses of sound. Professor Renteln analyzes the use of sound as a weapon and considers whether and to what extant international law instruments apply to this newly recognized phenomenon — namely non-lethal weapons. Ultimately, it may be crucial to determine whether a new treaty is needed to control the potentially devastating consequences of weaponized sound.
If you have questions, contact Brian Greenhill at [email protected].