Transformation Tracker is a site devoted to tracking the latest developments in U.S. military transformation, particularly the impacts of emerging technologies and theories of warfare.

The U.S. military is currently undergoing a process of “transformation” which encompasses both changes in technology and ideas. Transformation Tracker follows these “transformations,” seeking to put them into a larger historical context. Thus, Transformation Tracker posts cover

1. Technological developments pertaining to military transformation;
2. Competing visions/definitions of transformation;
3. Emergent theories of 21st century/information-age warfare;
4. Current news and analysis on U.S. military operations; and
5. Reviews of relevant books and articles which help to put transformation into historical context.

Transformation Tracker is a dynamic site containing a number of different kinds of “products,” including:

1. Longer pieces such as conference papers, “working papers,” and scholarly publications which are posted periodically;
2. Blog entries posted on a weekly or daily basis;
3. Raw “data streams” from on-going research projects; and
4. Dynamic external content that is constantly updating.

Who’s Behind Transformation Tracker?

Transformation Tracker is maintained by me, Sean Lawson, a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah. I received my Ph.D. from the Department of Science and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2008 with a dissertation titled, “Info@war.mil: Nonlinear Science and the Emergence of Information Age Warfare in the United States Military.” In general, my research focuses on the relationship between the histories of science, technology and the development of military ideas. My research interests include the intersection of science, technology, and international affairs, including national security, defense policy, military strategy, and WMD nonproliferation.

Before beginning my Ph.D. work at RPI, I worked as an Associate National Security Analyst with DynCorp Systems & Solutions, LLC (now Computer Sciences Corporation) in Alexandria, VA. I have an MA in Arab Studies from Georgetown University (2002) and a BA in History from California State University, Stanislaus (2000). I interned in the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Project at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (1999) in Monterey CA.

In Fall 2008, I will teach two courses at the University of Utah, “Communication Technology and Culture,” as well as “Information Technology in Global Conflict.” I also currently teach “Science and Technology in Western Culture” for the State University of New York’s Empire State College.