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Quite apart from being mesmerising, this behaviour of birds (called murmuration) is an excellent illustration of a complex adaptive system - large number of independent agents acting in unison without any central control. 1/n
So what is the "attractor" (or unifying principle) that allows this coordinated behaviour in the absence of centralzed control? Research suggests that each bird is only following some very simple rules about flying relative its immediate neighbours in the swarm 2/n
No bird need have a conception of the overall patterns being created, merely what to do at a local level. This idea has obvious applications in economics, financial markets, urban design etc. but its more deadly application is likely to be in the future of warfare 3/n
This fluid approach was key to understanding the success of the Mongols. Their opponents attacked them in rigid formations, while the Mongols attacked and withdrew is fluid formations (while constantly shooting arrows from horseback). 4/n
So, next generation warfare will likely involve large numbers of autonomous units (including unmanned drones) attacking in swarms. Contrary to popular image of Captain Kirk centrally managing things, it is about speed of real-time tactical coordination within the swarm 5/n
The point to note is that the complex swarm behaviour does not need very complex rules. Relatively simple rules can achieve it. So, it probably would not need ever more sophisticate AI but rethinking command-and-control systems 6/n
