Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize nearly every aspect of contemporary life, ranging from healthcare and transportation to education and entertainment, as well as significantly transforming military capabilities. AI is a machine-based system that, when provided with human-like objectives, can analyze data to provide timely predictions, information, and recommendations on complex subjects. While the potential benefits of AI are vast, including enhanced medical diagnoses, industry efficiency, and scientific research breakthroughs, it also represents a significant threat to the national security of the United States. The increasing proliferation and deployment of artificial intelligence constitute a significant threat to US national security, as this technology is susceptible to malicious actors who can exploit it to create disinformation, engage in cyber-attacks, augment surveillance capabilities, and even harness it for military applications to harm American interests and security. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, it is paramount to strike a balance between utilizing this advanced technology as a critical instrument for maintaining US preeminence and security while also guarding against the potential threats posed by AI. Given the broad impacts and ramifications of artificial intelligence developments, AI has emerged as one of the most pressing security threats confronting the United States. AI-Powered Cyberattacks Artificial intelligence presents numerous opportunities to enhance cybersecurity measures in the United States, yet it also poses a grave threat by enabling sophisticated cyberattacks. AI-powered cyberattacks have the potential to be considerably more effective and efficient than conventional attacks, as AI machines can pinpoint system vulnerabilities and launch a custom-made assault on that system. Another problem arises as AI-powered malware can learn and adapt to security measures and create automated attacks, rendering them more challenging for the US to detect and prevent system breaches or to respond in real time. Potential consequences of AI-powered cyberattacks include the loss of sensitive data, financial losses, and disruptions to vital services and critical infrastructure such as healthcare, transportation, and energy. In addition, AI-powered cyberattacks can undermine public trust and erode national security, as adversaries can exploit stolen data or system access to gain strategic advantages. Cybersecurity defenses must keep pace with the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI, necessitating significant investments in research and development. Using AI in cyberattacks enables attackers to adapt and evade traditional defenses, presenting a critical and imminent threat to US national security. Disinformation Another critical implication of artificial intelligence is enhanced disinformation campaigns. Disinformation, or the spread of intentionally false or misleading information, is a significant threat to the United States, and the employment of artificial intelligence has made the spread and quality of disinformation even more prevalent. With the advent of AI, the creation and dissemination of disinformation have become more accessible, faster, and more effective. In today's digital age, disinformation campaigns are often propagated through social media platforms, where algorithms and bots can quickly disseminate false information to a broad audience. In several instances, AI has been used to spread disinformation with significant consequences. For example, during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, disinformation re-emerged in US political discourse when Russian actors created a campaign utilizing bots to spread false information on social media platforms. This AI-enhanced disinformation attack was perpetrated to influence public opinion and potentially sway the outcome of the election. In addition to this example, foreign actors have used AI-generated deepfakes to spread disinformation about politicians and public figures, damaging their reputations and undermining legitimacy. As outlined, AI algorithms can create highly convincing deepfake videos, manipulated images and audio, and fake news stories that are entirely fabricated yet highly convincing. The implications of AI-disinformation efforts have widespread consequences on national security, similar to using AI with cyber capabilities. Disinformation can sow distrust in government institutions, manipulate public opinion, polarize societies based on false information, weaken alliances, and cause political instability. By leveraging the capabilities of AI to advance disinformation efforts, actors can undermine trust in institutions and democratic principles, influence elections, and incite violence. Surveillance Abilities In addition to enhancing adversary disinformation efforts, artificial intelligence has enabled the development of highly sophisticated surveillance systems, which empower states to conduct more invasive surveillance, target enemies, and potentially invade personal privacies. AI-enhanced surveillance will continue to be an asset for the US military and intelligence agencies; however, the new surveillance abilities created by AI can threaten US national security when in the hands of certain actors. AI has also warranted more efficient and effective surveillance through advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques. With the ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data more efficiently than existing methods, AI is making it possible to monitor people's activities in ways that were previously unimaginable. Law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and foreign governments utilize these emerging AI-powered surveillance systems to monitor and track individuals. As of 2019, at least 75 of 176 countries are using AI for surveillance, which has likely increased. Facial recognition technology is used to identify suspects, track their movements, and predict their behavior. AI-powered drones and cameras are being utilized to monitor public spaces and identify potential threats. In addition, AI is being used to monitor online activity, including social media, to detect and prevent criminal activity. However, the existence of these capabilities means they can become weaponized against the US by our adversaries. The employment of AI in surveillance techniques can have severe consequences for privacy, human rights, and overall national security. These concerns apply to the US regarding violations of AI surveillance on American citizens by adverse actors and could be a problem amongst domestic intelligence agencies. Military Applications The impact of artificial intelligence advancements can be seen further in the realm of the military. AI has the potential to revolutionize military operations, and its integration into such operations is becoming more prevalent. AI has the capacity to augment situational awareness, automate decision-making processes, and enhance the precision of weapon systems. However, military application of AI represents another urgent threat to US national security as the advancement of autonomous weapons and the possibility of AI exploitation during military operations have raised concerns about the potential consequences of adversaries wielding AI-enhanced military capabilities. Autonomous weapons systems, weapons that can make independent decisions without human intervention, can operate with high precision and speed, providing military commanders with a strategic advantage. The misuse of autonomous weapons systems can incite grave ramifications for US national security. One example of the integration of AI into military operations is in the automation and optimization of various systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. AI can be utilized to automate the control of drones, increasing efficiency and effectiveness in reconnaissance and targeting operations. China and Russia, two top nations that threaten US national security, have demonstrated advanced AI capabilities with their drones. The Chinese military has developed the GJ-11 stealth drone that uses AI to enhance its targeting capabilities, and it is claimed to be a combat aircraft capable of carrying and deploying air-to-ground missiles. Similarly, Russia has developed the Okhotnik-B unmanned stealth drone, which uses AI to enhance its weapons deployment and combat capabilities. As outlined, the implementation of these AI-enabled military technologies presents significant risks to the US's infrastructure and overall security due to their enhanced performance and targeting capabilities. One of the primary risks of these weapons systems, outside of their high military efficiency and destruction capability, is their potential to malfunction or misfire, causing unintended harm to civilian populations or US military personnel. The autonomous nature of these weapons makes them more difficult to control, and they can potentially turn against their operators if not adequately constructed, programmed, and tested. Additionally, their use raises concerns about accountability and responsibility, as these weapons make it more challenging for the United States to attribute responsibility to other actors when utilized. Considering AI military technologies’ capabilities and potential pitfalls, the threat of these systems in the hands of US adversaries cannot be overlooked. Malicious actors will likely obtain and modify autonomous weapons systems, using them to launch attacks against the US or its allies. The utilization of these weapons by adversaries can undermine the US's military superiority, creating strategic and geopolitical instability that would ultimately impact national security overall. Conclusion Artificial intelligence has the potential to reimagine the field of national security by providing tools to improve threat detection, decision-making, and resource allocation. By incorporating AI into our defense strategy, we can enhance our military capabilities and improve the security of American citizens. However, we must also be aware of the pressing threats that AI poses to our national security, including disinformation, new surveillance abilities of our adversaries, cybersecurity threats, and AI-military applications. This overview of threats is not exhaustive and only begins to explain the true implications artificial intelligence can have on the US and national security. Since AI is a new area of constantly evolving technology, we will not understand entirely the applications and dangers for years to come, and it is necessary to analyze and develop methods to combat AI threats as they evolve. The United States’ response to the threat of artificial intelligence will require a comprehensive strategy that must be both domestically and internationally focused to effectively address this pressing issue. It is necessary to prioritize the development of responsible AI technologies and frameworks that are focused on ensuring the safety, privacy, and security of US citizens to counter potential threats AI brings. Domestically, the US government and private sector must work together to develop measures to protect against AI-powered cyberattacks, safeguard sensitive data and critical infrastructure, and preserve public trust in technology and US abilities. This requires significant investments in research and development to keep pace with the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI and to develop new methods and tools to detect and respond to attacks effectively. Additionally, the US government should establish regulatory frameworks, or expand on existing ones, that ensure AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, with appropriate safeguards in place to protect privacy, civil liberties, human rights, and the security of the nation overall. The federal government should work with industry experts and stakeholders to establish a framework for ethical and responsible AI development and ensure compliance with these standards through regular audits, reviews, and conformity assessments. Working with Congress to pass legislation that mandates compliance with these guidelines should also be pursued. Pursuing domestic regulation can significantly lower the threat of AI within the US by preventing the misuse of the technology and promoting responsible development and deployment. Another step to enhance US defense against AI-powered cyberattacks and military applications is investing in research and development of AI defense systems. Regularly updating and improving these defense systems to stay ahead of the latest AI-powered threats will be critical for the prolonged stability of the nation. This may appear counterintuitive, but many threats posed to US national security by AI systems are best countered by expanding our understanding and advancing US abilities to deploy our AI systems. Moreover, maintaining weapons and information superiority is vital for long-term security. There have been numerous policy discussions and debates regarding artificial intelligence use and potential problems. Several regulations and executive orders within the US, as well as in other countries, address specific aspects of AI, such as privacy, discrimination, and intellectual property. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, the world’s top privacy and security law, applies to companies that collect and process personal data, including data collected through AI systems. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued guidance on AI and privacy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed guidelines for AI system transparency. AI principles have also been passed at the organizational level. For example, the Department of Defense adopted recommended ethical principles for how to deal with AI due to the new risks it poses. Additionally, multiple proposed bills in the US Congress address artificial intelligence matters. These bills cover various topics, from promoting AI research and development to addressing bias and discrimination in AI systems. The approach must be broadened to an international scale to address the magnitude of threats AI poses to US national security. An intervention could be pursued by international organizations or multiple countries to address the threat of artificial intelligence being used by foreign actors to harm another country. For example, creating a global treaty or agreement that sets standards and guidelines for developing and using AI in military applications and surveillance. This treaty could include provisions that prohibit or confine the use of AI in specific ways and establish mechanisms for monitoring compliance and enforcing consequences for violations. Oversight and compliance are critical for the success of international agreements. Potential methods include making assistance from partners or membership in international organizations contingent on following AI agreement guidelines or inflicting fines on noncompliant parties. This policy would create a global standard, or a standard for a coalition of countries, for the use of AI applications, reducing the likelihood of misuse of AI by foreign actors and increasing transparency, accountability, and trust. The US may face difficulty obtaining agreement from some countries to sign and ratify the treaty. Other potential challenges may arise in monitoring compliance and enforcing consequences for violations. The cost of negotiating and implementing such a treaty or agreement would be high, although the long-term benefits of reducing the threat of AI and staying up to date on the evolving capabilities of countries will outweigh the costs. These efforts should occur while simultaneously enhancing US understanding and abilities, militarily and through intelligence, to advance and deploy AI to strengthen the nation's physical defense. To summarize, international aims would be focused on efforts to engage in diplomatic relations to shape international laws and regulations that govern AI and promote responsible AI development and deployment to ensure that AI technologies are not used to undermine global security, stability, or human rights. This strategy will begin to address the multifaceted threat AI poses to US security. The US should also collaborate with international partners to promote research and development, share best practices, and build the capacity to respond to emerging threats related to AI. By working together on these fronts, the US and its international partners can help ensure that AI’s benefits are realized while also mitigating the risks associated with this rapidly evolving technology and building trust. A key piece of US national security practices is centered around cooperation with other countries and our military coalitions. There are often disagreements and difficulties with all international collaborations, but AI can potentially exacerbate these challenges. AI collaboration regarding security and military arrangements will be essential to ensure the effectiveness of these partnerships. The current national security landscape and approach surrounding the employment of artificial intelligence is similar to the development of nuclear weapons. Both AI and nuclear weapons were new, emerging technologies that could inflict great dangers on many aspects of American life and global society. In the age of nuclear proliferation, leaders and governments came together to redefine international agreements and sign treaties between countries to promote the well-being of all. As nuclear agreements became essential to defend US national security, pursuing agreements to address the threats AI poses to the country and enhancing our understanding of the danger is also critical. The strategy outlined is broad, but that is because the threat is far-reaching and without boundaries. Topic experts can further analyze the many aspects of this strategy to address specific areas of concern. Implementing this strategy will help mitigate the risks associated with the use of AI for malicious purposes by solidifying regulation and advancing cooperation. It will enable the development of more effective AI-powered solutions to support decision-making processes and enhance situational awareness. Implementing this strategy will require significant resources, including funding, expertise, and infrastructure. However, the benefits of a comprehensive domestic and internationally focused AI strategy for national security are significant, and the cost of inaction is too high to ignore. We must address these issues with urgency and diligence by developing regulations and ethical frameworks prioritizing our country’s and its citizens’ safety and security. These objectives will allow the United States to harness the potential benefits of artificial intelligence to advance American interests and security while simultaneously mitigating the risks AI poses.
The views expressed above are solely the author's and are not endorsed by the Virginia Policy Review, The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, or the University of Virginia. Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts, or omissions.
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