China–US Competition in AI: Destabilising and Intensifying

This webinar addresses the competition between the US and China on artificial intelligence from a fresh perspective. According to a new book by Dr James Johnson, ‘uncertainties created by the rapid proliferation and diffusion of AI into advanced weapon systems will become a significant source of future instability and great-power strategic competition (especially US–China)’. On the other hand, the US National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence called on Americans this year to ‘embrace the AI competition’ with China and to join the ‘quest’ for the ‘holy grail’ in AI. The US had to ‘win’ this competition with China to defend peace and democracy, the Commission said.

What is a defensible balance in AI competition between strategic stability and destabilising competition? Is one to be preferred over the other? Dr James Johnson will reflect on the findings of his recent book on the topic of AI future warfare and strategic competition between the US and China. Dr Greg Austin will review the findings of the US National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.

Speakers: Dr James Johnson and Dr Greg Austin
Chair: Meia Nouwens