What do a Revolution in Military Affairs and the smart grid have in common? The reason it took 600 years for gunpowder to really change war fighting strategy illustrates the risks inherent in a future smart grid.
Gunpowder, one of mankind's most disruptive innovations, made its European debut in the early part of the 14th century. Up until then, security specialists had a simple and effective strategy -- build taller, thicker walls to keep out enemies. An entire economic ecosystem had grown up around this strategy, which was what worked. Visibly. Everywhere. If you could afford it.
Gunpowder changed all that. But it wasn't until the middle of the 20th century that the military strategies of nation states really evolved past the taller, thicker walls approach. That's in part because gunpowder wasn't initially very good and the munitions it made possible weren't very effective. Sure it had the potential to be a problem, but, hey, not in my lifetime -- and, oh, by the way -- I have this really neat idea for a stronger castle I want to build for you. It didn't help that a good alternative to taller, thicker walls wasn't available. Rule number one for strategic advisors: don't show up with a problem you can't solve.
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