Meaning: This quote by Michael Ignatieff, a Canadian author, academic, and former politician, touches upon the evolving nature of warfare in the modern era. His observation highlights the significant role that technology, legal expertise, and specialized skills play in shaping the future landscape of conflict. By asserting that future wars will be waged not only by traditional combatants, such as soldiers and generals, but also by computer technicians, lawyers, and high-altitude specialists, Ignatieff emphasizes the increasingly abstract and complex nature of warfare. In this context, the quote suggests that the changing dynamics of warfare will present unique challenges in terms of understanding and controlling the implications of these conflicts.

When considering the role of computer technicians in future wars, it becomes evident that the technological advancements of the digital age have transformed the nature of warfare. Cyber warfare, in particular, has emerged as a significant concern, with state and non-state actors utilizing sophisticated technologies to conduct attacks and espionage in the virtual realm. The involvement of computer technicians in such conflicts reflects the growing importance of cyber capabilities and the critical role of individuals with expertise in computer science and information technology.

Furthermore, Ignatieff's mention of lawyers in the context of future warfare underscores the increasing legal and ethical complexities that accompany modern conflicts. The use of international law, rules of engagement, and human rights considerations has become integral to the conduct of warfare. Legal experts are now involved in interpreting and navigating the intricate web of international laws and treaties that govern armed conflict, raising the possibility that future wars will be shaped as much in courtrooms as on battlefields.

The inclusion of high-altitude specialists in the quote alludes to the expanding role of advanced aerial and space technologies in military operations. With the growing emphasis on surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic positioning in the aerospace domain, the expertise of high-altitude specialists becomes crucial in shaping the outcome of future conflicts. Moreover, the potential for space-based assets to be utilized for communication, navigation, and even offensive capabilities further underscores the evolving and multidimensional nature of modern warfare.

Ignatieff's assertion that these developments may render war increasingly abstract and hard to control raises thought-provoking considerations. The abstract nature of future warfare suggests that traditional notions of battlefield tactics and strategies may undergo significant transformations. As conflicts become more reliant on technological and legal expertise, the traditional understanding of combat may give way to a more nuanced and complex landscape, wherein the lines between physical and virtual battles blur.

Additionally, the complexity and multidimensionality of future warfare may pose challenges in terms of control and oversight. The involvement of diverse specialists and the reliance on advanced technologies could complicate decision-making processes and create new avenues for escalation and unintended consequences. As a result, policymakers and military leaders will face the daunting task of understanding and managing the intricate interplay of technological, legal, and strategic factors in future conflicts.

In conclusion, Michael Ignatieff's quote provides a compelling insight into the evolving nature of warfare, highlighting the expanding roles of technology, legal expertise, and specialized skills in shaping the conflicts of the future. As the dynamics of warfare continue to evolve, the abstract and complex nature of modern conflicts presents unique challenges in terms of understanding, controlling, and managing the implications of war in the 21st century.