The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) is pleased to invite you to a live debate on AI Integration in NC3. The PONI Debate series started in 2009 to have a more dynamic and free flowing exchange of ideas, resulting in an enriched and focused examination of critical issues.
Motion: The United States should increase its reliance on artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making in its NC3 systems.
U.S. STRATCOM Commander General Anthony Cotton recently stated that the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes the U.S. Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) more resilient to adversaries, and strengthens deterrence. While AI enhances decision making, General Cotton emphasized the need to maintain “human decision in the loop.” The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review affirms the U.S. will maintain a human in the loop over nuclear launch decision while enhancing resilience of NC3 capabilities. There is an ongoing fundamental debate on the reliance and integration of AI in NC3 systems among experts. Proponents argue that AI allows for accelerated decision making during an attack, augments early warning and pre-launch systems and analyzes complex intelligence data. However, critics argue that AI has technical flaws, contributes to disinformation, heightens risk for accidental escalation, and increases vulnerability to cyber-attacks. As Russia continues its saber-rattling and China accelerates its nuclear buildup, should the United States increase its reliance on artificial intelligence to enhance resilient decision-making in its NC3 systems to prevent inadvertent escalation?
Join Ms. Sarah Mineiro, Senior Associate (non-resident) for the Aerospace Security Project at CSIS and Dr. Paul Scharre, Executive Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for New American Security in a live debate moderated by Dr. Heather W. Williams, Director, Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department. PONI Mid-Career Chris Andrews, Policy Fellow at the National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction will be the discussant. The debate will take place on January 24, 2025 9:00am-10:00am ET at CSIS and will be livestreamed.
This event is made possible through general support to the Project on Nuclear Issues.
