All Too Quiet on the Western Neuroenhancement Front

The United States and its allies should accelerate research into neurostimulation for military applications to avoid ceding a critical advantage to competitors like China. Despite promising studies showing that neuromodulation can enhance skill acquisition, alertness, and memory for soldiers, these discoveries have not yet been translated into battlefield use. China is actively pursuing "military brain science" and fusing biotechnology with AI for "intelligentized warfare," creating an urgent need for Western nations to develop their own capabilities. To effectively leverage these technologies, policymakers should prioritize targeted military research, real-world testing, and robust bioethical governance.