April 13, 2018

Making the Case for an ‘Artificial Intelligence Agency’

Artificial Intelligence is a new paradigm, not just in the civilian government, but on the battlefield as well. However, making sure the U.S. stays on the forefront of AI research requires a plan. One idea proposed by Robert Work, former Deputy Secretary of Defense, and senior counselor for defense at the Center for a New American Security, is to task a dedicated agency with developing AI doctrine.

“This is a national problem that we need to think about and move forward on. The Chinese recently published an AI strategy, that in essence says, ‘We are going to catch the United States in AI technologies by 2020, we’re going to surpass them by 2025, and we will lead the world in AI technologies in 2030,’” said Work, “I use the National AI Agency as an exemplar of how we responded to the space challenge… in my view, I’m not certain that an agency is necessary, but certainly I think a national response is necessary.”


Watch this video and other offerings at Government Matters

  • Reports
    • March 13, 2025
    Safe and Effective

    Executive Summary With each passing year, the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy to change the character of war inches closer to reality. This technology wil...

    By Josh Wallin

  • Commentary
    • March 13, 2025
    Sharper: Military Artificial Intelligence

    Since the atomic bomb, no technology has the potential to be as disruptive to warfare as artificial intelligence (AI). AI could deliver instant targeting solutions, develop hi...

    By Charles Horn

  • Commentary
    • Foreign Affairs
    • March 10, 2025
    America’s Eroding Airpower

    To have a chance at success, the United States would need more low-end drones and missiles that can provide it with mass....

    By Stacie Pettyjohn

  • Video
    • February 27, 2025
    Maritime Domain Lessons from Russia-Ukraine | Conflict in Focus

    In this week's Conflict in Focus episode, Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn, senior fellow and director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security, discusses the key ...

    By Stacie Pettyjohn

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia