The Future is Now: Artificial Intelligence and Warfare

For as long as I can remember, either through the influence documentaries, film, or other forms of media, the United States has always represented itself in my mind as the unconquerable giant, in which any attempts to fell said giant are null and void. The future of warfare, however, may prove that whomever can master the combined might of advanced weaponry and artificial intelligence will "become the ruler of the world," (Fryer-Biggs). 

As early as the 1990s, nations across the globe have been experimenting with the idea of conducting war without the need of direct human intervention. Israel in 1990 developed AI drones capable of combating radar systems, Britain in 2000 developed the Brimstone missile, which is capable of discerning alongside other missiles which targets to go for, and even China and Russia in the past few years have developed their own advancements in AI warfare, with Russia claiming to have in their possession an AI controlled submarine armed with nuclear missiles. President Xi Jinping of China made the claim that his country will have mastered AI technology by 2030, most of which could be used for military purposes. The U.S, with funding approved by both the Obama and Trump administrations, has developed ships and aircraft capable of piloting themselves effectively and with little to no guidance. The inspiration of which stems from the successes of the Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers in being able to function without human guidance. In short, their is a New Arms Race of sorts that mirrored that of the Cold War. With every developed country in the world in possession of the means to bring about Earth's Armageddon, the next logical step would to be able to carry out such militancy in which their exists minimal to no risk for a nation and its allies' people. 

There are some concerns about the use of AI. Namely, should AI be given the responsibility to decide who to strike, when, and how? How much human intervention is needed to mitigate this, or should their be none at all? Sure robots fighting in place of humans seems like a good idea, but would such merciless, ruthless killers be in violation of the rights of their victims. And should a country master AI weaponry, how would the landscape of the world change in response? Will Russia, China, the U.S, or some other nation become the ruler of the world in which everyone else is subservient to? The technological advances that are underway are incredibly fascinating as well as terrifying.

Thank you for reading.

Info gathered from this The Atlantic Article .