Artificial Intelligence: Demystifying the Craze and Sharpening the Competitive Edge of America's Warfighting Force
Abstract
The maturation of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to change the character of war and alter the global balance of power. The U.S. and China seek to use artificial intelligence as a means to gain a national security competitive advantage. China and the Peoples Liberation Army intend to leverage AI in intelligentized warfare while generating cost advantages through a strong state-sponsored military-civil fusion. Conversely, the U.S. and the Department of Defense seek near-term AI benefits as part of the Third-Offset centaur model while relying on incentives to increase public-private partnerships. The competing theories of victory primarily stem from organizational biases and cultural differences. The asymmetries between the U.S. and Chinas differing AI strategies could result in unexpected, destabilizing dynamics to the global balance of power. The U.S. can sharpen the competitive edge by employing offensive and defensive competitive strategies to better organize for the potential of an artificial intelligence arms race. The U.S. should rebrand AI to algorithmic warfare; develop a long-term AI strategy; establish a DoD Joint AI Center; fund, enhance, and incentivize public-private partnerships; recruit and preserve AI talent; and heighten ethical and legal concerns of intelligentized warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 28, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1176962
Entities
People
- Austin M. Duncan
Organizations
- Marine Corps University