Red-teaming NLW: a top ten list of criticisms about non-lethal weapons

Critics of non-lethal weapons (NLW) have asserted numerous complaints about the concepts, the Department of Defense research and development efforts, the pace of innovation in the field. These critiques challenge the cost of the programs, their consistency with international law, the adverse public reaction to some of the devices, and the dangers of proliferation, among other points. This article summarizes the various assessments, in form of a "top ten list" of criticisms, and evaluates their weight. The author concludes that some of these points of objection have merit, but overall, the NLW enterprise is worthy of continuation and even expansion, to meet more fully its ambitious goals.