April 06, 2018

Artificial Intelligence and National Security

Partially autonomous and intelligent systems have been used in military

technology since at least the Second World War, but advances in machine
learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) represent a turning point in the
use of automation in warfare. Though the United States military and
intelligence communities are planning for expanded use of AI across their
portfolios, many of the most transformative applications of AI have not yet
been addressed.
In this piece, we propose three goals for developing future policy on AI
and national security: preserving U.S. technological leadership, supporting
peaceful and commercial use, and mitigating catastrophic risk. By looking
at four prior cases of transformative military technology—nuclear,
aerospace, cyber, and biotech—we develop lessons learned and recommendations
for national security policy toward AI. 

Read the full article at the Belfer Center

  • Commentary
    • CEPA
    • January 29, 2025
    Trump Should Support European AI Allies

    As the US assesses its technology relationship with Europe, Poland and the Baltic states operating could be strong partners in addressing the administration’s concerns about E...

    By Pablo Chavez

  • Podcast
    • January 28, 2025
    Why Everyone Is Talking About China’s DeepSeek

    Over the weekend, Silicon Valley had a collective freakout. A Chinese company called DeepSeek released a new artificial intelligence model on par with American rivals, and app...

    By Bill Drexel

  • Video
    • January 24, 2025
    PONI Live Debate: AI Integration in NC3

    Dr. Paul Scharre, executive vice president and director of studies at the Center for New American Security joins in a live debate moderated to discuss AI Integration in NC3. ...

    By Paul Scharre

  • Commentary
    • January 22, 2025
    Sharper: Trump's First 100 Days

    Donald Trump takes office in a complex and volatile global environment. Rising tensions with China, the continued war in Ukraine, and instability in the Middle East all pose s...

    By Charles Horn

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia