Preventing an AI War, Electronic Warfare, and Conflicts in Space
This week's big story is on the political side of war - especially preventing a war caused by AI. On Tuesday, Chinese and US officials met in Geneva to discuss how.
The second story covers warnings over that the US Army might be behind the Russian Army in electronic warfare techniques.
But first, what has changed since the Cold War regarding warfare in space is that blue dot on the map on your phone. Over decades, the US Air Force developed and launched satellites that were freed up for civilian use in the 1990s, enabling a huge part of what we think of as the gig economy, including Uber and Lyft. Space-enabled technology is now accessible to countries that do not have large-scale military satellite programs of their own:
The Big Story
Preventing the De Facto Cold AI War from Accidentally Turning Hot
On Tuesday, Chinese and US officials met in Geneva, starting a dialogue on artificial intelligence that presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden agreed on at a summit in San Francisco last year. The dialogue is part of what has been called “intense diplomacy to head off danger and unintended conflict, aiming to prevent disastrous accidents and unintended war amid the AI arms race.”
The US is concerned that Chinese AI activities can threaten not only American national security but also global security. The concern is centred around that China is rapidly deploying capabilities in civil and military areas that the US believes could upend elections, create bioweapons, and launch cyberattacks.
The US State Department has already pressed both China and Russia to match US declarations that humans only, never artificial intelligence, should decide on the deployment of nuclear weapons.
In March, a US-led resolution encouraging countries to support responsive and inclusive AI development through domestic regulations and governance was approved by the UN General Assembly. The resolution was supported by more than 110 countries, including China as a co-sponsor.
China has since started to work on a resolution that aims to close gaps between rich and developing countries in advancing AI, and after the meeting on Tuesday, a statement said that "China supports strengthening the global governance of AI and advocates for the UN to play the role of the main channel.”
In an interview last week, Biden noted the potentials and downsides of AI, calling it “the most significant technological development in human history.” Biden said AI is “frightening” in its ability to “overtake you in thinking.”
During the meeting, China and the US were told to have exchanged views “deeply, professionally, and constructively.” In a statement released by the US after the meeting, it was said that “simply keeping an open line of communication may be enough of a result from the talks for now.” With intensified distrust and hostility, officials on both sides say preventing the de facto cold war from accidentally turning hot — whether from an AI mishap or human bungling — should be a policy priority.
Chinese and US officials in the meeting on Tuesday. Source: Weibo
Warnings that US Is Behind Russia in Electronic Warfare Techniques
Electronic warfare units, which use electronic signals to remotely scramble the GPS coordinates used to guide weapons, have played a key role in the war in Ukraine.
Precision-guided weapons such as artillery and drones provided by the US and NATO have been taken out by Russian electronic warfare techniques.
After the advancement of Russian forces in Ukraine, former Pentagon officials are warning that US jamming technology is significantly worse than Russia’s.
A commentary in the Telegraph earlier this week pointed out that the US Army failed to anticipate the rates of the tens of thousands of FPV drones used per month in the war. The US Army does not have the capacity for short-range air defense in such situations, leaving the US Army defenseless against one of the most serious threats in current warfare.
A Ukrainian soldier with an electronic warfare system. Source: Getty
In the News
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Read more at Japan Times.
World-Leading 3D Printer Used by the British Army in the Field for the First Time
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Read more at UK GOV.
Why Removing Protections on Social Media – in the Name of Free Speech – Is Bad for Peacebuilding
Removing protections on social media platforms under the guise of free speech can hinder peacebuilding efforts by amplifying hate speech and misinformation. The spread of divisive content online exacerbates conflicts and undermines social cohesion, making it more challenging to promote reconciliation and mutual understanding. Striking a balance between free expression and the regulation of harmful content is crucial for maintaining peace and stability.
Read more at Yahoo News.
World Changing Ideas 2024: The Global Gateway Program Trains Refugees in Automation
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Read more at Fast Company.
In the Baltics, Defence tech is Coming of Age
The Baltic region is emerging as a significant player in the defense technology sector, driven by increasing investments and innovative startups. This growth is propelled by regional security concerns and the strategic importance of advanced military capabilities. The development of defense tech in the Baltics highlights the region's commitment to enhancing its security infrastructure and contributing to NATO's collective defense efforts.
Read more at Emerging Europe.
