DNA Identification Technology at Work

In this week’s reading, Sarah Wagner goes more in depth on some of the specific technological advancements in DNA technology that were used by the ICMP. In chapter 8, Wagner talks about some of the instances in which the ICMP was asked to use their DNA technology during international crises in which there were missing people. The first important point that I caught my eye was the ironic twist in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when the United States, the country responsible for developing this DNA technology in Bosnia in the first place, called upon the ICMP to help identify missing persons. In this instance, the United States was the country “in conflict” and Bosnia was the “post-conflict country.” I thought this was interesting because it shows an example of a country that is known to be more technologically advanced, that spends more money on developing technology, is actually relying on a country that is not known for innovation at all. Natural disasters put every country on an even playing field, but it was really cool to see Bosnia providing a technological service that the United States simply did not have.

The other interesting aspect of this chapter was the discussion of the way in which political goals are managed through DNA identification technology. On page 249, Wagner asks the question, “What can DNA identification technology tell us about the relationship between states and their citizens in moments of crisis and disorder?” If we look to some of the specific events that led to the utilization of this DNA technology, this question leads to a fascinating discussion. Are states using the technology to protect individual rights? Or is it more, as Wagner states, the state’s effort of “channeling, [and] at times, even manipulating, public memory”? (249). I believe it depends on the situation and the government, but in most of the situations we have seen, the answer is probably some blend of both. Either way, bringing the government’s goals and motives into question here opens an entirely new angle through which we can evaluate the application of DNA identification technology.