Abstract

There is no a consensus in the IR literature on the possible implications of AI for cyber or nuclear capabilities, and whether AI would exacerbate, or potentially mitigate, the security dilemma between actors with varying capabilities. This capstone project explores these questions, using experts' interviews and secondary data. It has tackled the issue under study by using the most-similar method in which most of the variables are similar. The paper argues the weaponization of AI exacerbates the security dilemma between states since it increases uncertainty. What is actually problematic about the military AI applications, as opposed to other military capabilities, is the declining role of humans. AI could be productive and counterproductive when it comes to policy making, implying the necessity of keeping humans over-the-loop. Neutralization makes AI deterrence reasonable for avoiding destructive, disruptive and manipulative outcomes. Like nuclear capabilities, establishing an AI-MAD structure, regulating the uses of AI and establishing a governing regime for AI arms race are the best possible policies. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Deterrence, Mutually Assured Destruction, Arms Control

Department

Public Policy & Administration Department

Degree Name

MA in Global Affairs

Graduation Date

6-1-2019

Submission Date

August 2019

First Advisor

Hodgkins, Allison Beth

Committee Member 1

Zaky, Waleed Rashad

Committee Member 2

Abdel Sadeq, Adel

Extent

080 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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