Category Archives: Genius Weapons

Artificial Intelligence in Warfare

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping every domain it touches—from commerce and communication to medicine and education. But perhaps no transformation is as consequential or as controversial as its application in modern warfare. AI is revolutionizing how wars are fought, who fights them, and what it means to wield power in the 21st century.

In Genius Weapons (Prometheus, 2018), I explored the trajectory of intelligent weapons systems, tracing how developments in machine learning, robotics, and sensor technologies were converging to create systems that could not only assist but potentially replace human decision-makers in the fog of war. Today, the core themes of that book have become more urgent than ever.

From Decision Support to Autonomous Lethality

AI systems in the military began as decision-support tools—systems designed to analyze vast datasets, identify threats, or optimize logistics. Today, we see a dramatic escalation in their roles. Armed drones now operate with increasing autonomy, capable of identifying and engaging targets without direct human input. Surveillance platforms process terabytes of data in real-time using AI, flagging potential threats faster than any analyst could.

Perhaps the most transformative development is the emergence of autonomous weapons systems—machines that can select and engage targets on their own. As I outlined in Genius Weapons, these systems represent a paradigm shift, not only in capability but in accountability. When a machine makes the decision to kill, who is responsible? The programmer? The commander? The algorithm?

Geopolitical Implications and the AI Arms Race

Nations around the world are investing significant resources in military AI. The United States, China, Russia, and Israel are leading the charge, each with different doctrines and levels of transparency. China’s People’s Liberation Army, for instance, has explicitly described  “intelligentized warfare”—a term used in Chinese military doctrine to describe the integration of AI and advanced technologies into all aspects of warfare. They view it as the future of military power, investing in AI for command decision-making, autonomous drones, and cyber operations.

This arms race has created what analysts call an “AI Cold War,” where nations are not just building weapons, but reshaping the entire military ecosystem—intelligence, command and control, logistics, and cyber operations—with AI at its core. The dangers of this race are not hypothetical. As I warned in Genius Weapons, when multiple actors rush to deploy systems whose full capabilities and limitations are not yet understood, the risk of unintended escalation grows exponentially.

The Ethics of Killing Without Conscience

Perhaps the most profound concern is ethical. Rules of engagement and international law bind human soldiers, and, crucially, they are expected to apply judgment and moral reasoning in combat. Machines do not possess empathy, remorse, or conscience. Can we entrust machines with decisions that involve life and death?

There is a growing international movement to ban or strictly regulate lethal autonomous weapons, spearheaded by the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots and supported by a range of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), ethicists, and United Nations (UN) bodies. However, as I argued in Genius Weapons, the genie is already out of the bottle. The challenge now is not how to stop these technologies, but how to govern them through transparency, human oversight, and international norms.

Conclusion: The Need for Intelligent Policy

AI in warfare is neither inherently evil nor inherently good—it is a tool. But unlike conventional weapons, it introduces radical new dynamics: speed, scale, unpredictability, and the potential for machines to act beyond human control. The real challenge lies in ensuring that this powerful technology is guided by equally powerful ethics, laws, and human oversight.

As we stand at the edge of a new era in warfare, Genius Weapons remains a call to think critically about how we build, deploy, and restrain the machines we create. The future of war may be intelligent, but whether it will embody humane principles depends entirely on us.

A military plane is flying in the sky.

Scenario: The China Incident 2029

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This scenario is intended to illustrate the role artificial intelligence will play in the near future. Please let me know if you like it, and I will provide more scenarios that educate and entertain.

Twenty-two operational missions are impossible, though USAF Brigadier General Andrew Martin while looking at his handheld tablet-phone. As his driverless car parked in his assigned space at Nellis Air Force Base, Martin reflected on his early beginnings in drone warfare. I don’t know how we pulled it off. General Martin’s thoughts were widely shared by other drone crewmembers, who served back in 2015.

Although not widely known to the public, the U.S. drone fleet was stretched to its breaking point in 2015. The Air Force had enough MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper drones in 2015 but lacked the trained personnel to carry out the Pentagon’s demand for 65 drone combat air patrols or CAPs. Each CAP, or “orbit,” consisted of four drone aircraft and associated crew. The Pentagon either did not understand or refused to understand the situation. The doubling of pay for drone crews gave grim testimony that they truly did not understand the problem. In 2015, operating a single drone mission 24/7 required 82 personnel, including flight and ground crew. It was not just a lack of crews. Clarifying the issue was nearly impossible, given the ambiguous drone chain of command. In addition, to drone missions commanded by Pentagon, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) added even more to the list.

Since 9/11, JSOC, based in Fayetteville, N.C., grew tenfold to approximately 25,000. However, unlike the CIA, JSOC maintained a level of obscurity that even the CIA envied. For example, the SEALs that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in May 2011 were part of JSOC. However, that rarely came up in the media. In addition, JSOC was given authority by the president to select individuals for its kill list. This meant that JSOC did not require permission to assassinate individuals they deemed a threat to U.S. security. In theory, the Pentagon should have been calling all the shots, but for “reasons of national security,” high-level military leaders in the Pentagon did not know the day-to-day missions ordered by the CIA and JSOC. When it came to drone CAPs in 2015, the Pentagon, CIA, and JSOC all went silent while secretly pursuing their own agendas, oblivious to the USAF’s capability to carry out the drone missions.

However, the shortage of drone crews became a non-issue by 2025, when General Atomics’ MQ-10 Reaper went into service. The MQ-10 Reaper was similar to its predecessor, the MQ-9 Reaper, in many respects. When first introduced by the USAF in 2007, the MQ-9 Reaper made the Predator, officially the MQ-1, look like a weak sibling. Although the Reaper was controlled by the same ground systems used to control Predators (MQ-1s), the Reaper was the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance. The Reaper’s 950 horsepower (712 kW) turboprop engine was almost ten times more powerful than the Predator’s 115 horsepower (86 kW) piston engine. This allowed the Reaper to carry 15 times more ordnance and cruise at almost three times the speed of the MQ-1. Although the MQ-9 had some capability for autonomous flight operations, they still required a crew and support techs equivalent to the MQ-1. Weapon’s release from an MQ-9 was still under crew control. As capable as the MQ-9 was, it woefully lagged behind the most advanced manned fighters and bombers. The introduction of the MQ-10s changed all that, and “bugs” that plagued early MQ-10 deployments were now just tech manual footnotes. Still, even with the additional MQ-10s, the command for done CAPs outpaced the USAF’s capability. Apparently, there were still a lot of enemy combatants to kill.

Martin was getting out of his vehicle just as his tablet-phone rang. He could see from the tablet-phone ID that it was a call from the Warfare Center base commander, Major General Rodney.

Martin touched the answer button on his tablet-phone. “General Martin.”

In his earbud, he heard General Rodney’s strained voice, “General, are you on the base?”

“Yes, Sir, just pulled in.”

“I need to see you ASAP.”

“Yes, Sir. I’m on my way.”

Martin was on cordial terms with Rodney, who became the base commander in 2023. Martin knew something was up. The Rodney’s strained voice peaked Martin’s anxiety. Normally, Martin would only report to Rodney at the weekly staff meeting. Whatever it was, Martin knew it was urgent and walked briskly to the Command Center building. Rodney’s office was one floor up from his. He checked in at the front desk and quickly went to the elevator. As soon as the elevator door opened, Martin walked in and pressed four, the top floor of the building. Within a minute, he was at General Rodney’s reception desk.

Staff Sergeant Brown saluted Martin and said, “General Rodney will see you now.” Martin returned the salute and knocked on the General’s door.

The General beckoned Martin to enter.

Martin entered and saluted the General. The General returned the salute.

“We may have a major issue,” said Rodney. “Look at this satellite photo.”

Rodney handed a photo to Martin. Martin carefully studied the photo and knew almost at a glance what caused the strain in Rodney’s voice. The photo was less than an hour old. The satellite photo showed two Chinese FC-1s near one of the MQ-10s. Although not exactly state of the art, the FC-1 class of lightweight fighter aircraft was still a viable threat to an MQ-10, but that wasn’t the big issue. The MQ-10 had active stealth capabilities, which the USAF believed would elude China’s radar systems. Passive stealth lowered an aircraft’s radar signature via its structure and material. The active stealth of the MQ-10 went one step further. It analyzed the radar signal and returned a radar signature that made it invisible. For the last five years, their belief in the MQ-10’s invisibility appeared to be born out in numerous orbits over China’s most sensitive military regions, including Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Jinan, Lanzhou, Nanjing, and Shenyang.

Martin looked up from the photo and into Rodney’s eyes, “Two FC-1s in the proximity of one of our MQ-10s.”

“You win a cigar, Martin.” Rodney’s tone was sarcastic.

Martin and Rodney both knew they were violating China’s airspace, but the Pentagon wanted four MQ-10s in position to take out China’s major command centers if it became necessary. China, a world power second only to the United States, was believed to have intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with nuclear warheads capable of striking any target in the United States. High-level military leaders in the Pentagon had respect for China’s military capability. The United States and China were major trade partners, which kept the relationship between the two countries cordial. However, Martin knew the relationship was fragile, and the Chinese would not hesitate to down an MQ-10 in their airspace. Since it was launched from the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, they might even attempt a missile attack on the USS Ford.

The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was the first of the U.S. Navy’s supercarriers and had been in service since 2016. The Ford-class of supercarriers was systematically replacing the U.S. Navy’s older Nimitz-class carriers. Martin’s mind raced through several scenarios, none of them pleasant.

Martin looked at Rodney, “What has the MQ-10 done in response?”

“Signaled the other MQ-10s…apparently, it has analyzed the situation and thinks it may be a coincidence.”

Martin did not like coincidences. Neither did Rodney. However, the MQ-10s were calling the plays.

“The other MQ-10s have altered their course and are returning to the USS Ford.”

Then Rodney looked straight into Martin’s eyes. “I have to let the Pentagon know what’s going on. I want you to get on top of this and give me hourly briefings sooner if something happens.” Both Martin and Rodney knew that the MQ-10 would likely best the older FC-1s, but that was not the point. They were violating China’s airspace, and any armed conflict would constitute an act of war.

“Yes, sir.” Martin saluted and left. He hastened briskly to the Combat Command Center that interfaced with the MQ-10s. Once again, Martin found himself inside a dimly lit container, which brought back old memories. The six lieutenants responsible for interfacing with the MQ-10s were focused on their monitors, but one saw Martin and said, “General in the Command Center.” They all stood to attention and saluted.

Martin quickly returned their salute and said, “As you were.”

Martin walked over to Lieutenant James, the officer responsible for interfacing with the MQ-10s launched from the USS Ford. Martin could sense James’ uneasiness as he watched him shift positions in the cockpit chair.

Martin attempted to keep his emotions in check, “What’s the current status?”

“The MQ-10s have dropped to hug the ground.” James’ voice was strained.

Martin knew this was standard procedure even before they had active stealth. It made it difficult to detect the MQ-10s from the ground clutter. However, it also made them easier to detect visually. The MQ-10s had complete terrain features in their onboard memories. They would almost certainly avoid visual detection by taking a course with little to no population.

Martin looked down at James, who had his eyes fixed on the monitor screen, “What are the FC-1s doing?”

“They appear to be following Flash.” Flash was the call sign of the MQ-10 being followed by the FC-1s.

Was that just another coincidence? Martin wondered. “When will the other MQ-10s be back to the USS Ford?”

“Lucky, Rabbit, and Kujo should be onboard the USS Ford within four hours. Flash is flying an evasive pattern.”

Martin did not like the two coincidences. First, he did not like the FC-1s within range of an MQ-10, and, second, he did not like the FC-1s apparently following it.

“I think Flash is attempting to ascertain if the FC-1s are aware of its presence,” said James.

Cat and mouse, like the old days, thought Martin. Martin looked at his watch. It was 8:30 A.M., and he would need to give his first report to General Rodney at 9:15 A.M. Martin pulled up a chair next to James.

Martin turned to James. “Have you contacted the USS Ford?”

“Yes, Captain Ramsey said that he would follow our lead.” Martin knew this meant Ramsey didn’t want his fingerprints on the incident. Ever since MQ-10s used carriers as a base, the U.S. Congress gave the USAF responsibility for the missions. However, the carrier captain could also launch MQ-10 missions in support of carrier missions. The carrier captain, by Congressional order, at a minimum had to sanction and support all MQ-10 missions.

Martin knew Henry “Hank” Ramsey by reputation only, and by reputation, he was one of the Navy’s best carrier captains. Martin also knew you did not become captain of a Ford-class carrier by making any significant misjudgments. The MQ-10 incident was a minefield for potential misjudgments. Martin now knew he alone owned the MQ-10 China incident, all this in less than 45 minutes from his arrival at the base.

“I’m going to keep you company for a while,” Martin said in a resigned tone.

James nodded, “Yes, sir.” There appeared to be relief in his voice.

For the moment, all Martin or James could do is watch and wait. At 9:15 A.M., Martin called Rodney.

“All MQ-10s are ground-hugging,” Martin told Rodney in a calm voice and then added, “the MQ-10s, with call signs Lucky, Rabbit, and Kujo, are returning to USS Ford, ETA a little over three hours. The MQ-10, with call sign Flash, is still being followed by the FC-1s and is taking evasive precautions.” Martin paused, waiting for Rodney’s reaction.

“Essentially, no change?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Let’s make some progress on this before your next briefing.” Rodney’s statement came across as a direct command.

“Yes, sir.”

With that, the call ended. Martin knew Rodney wanted to hear a plan of action. Martin thought in frustration, Why don’t you ask Flash? Supposedly, Flash is smarter than I am. However, Martin knew that in one hour, he would need to communicate a plan.

As Martin watched the radar screen from Flash and the satellite surveillance monitor, he turned to James, “Get me Captain Ramsey.”

“Yes, Sir.”

James pushed one button on his keypad, and Martin heard the USS Ford almost instantly reply, “Signal acknowledged Nellis.”

“General Martin would like to talk to Captain Ramsey.”

“He’s on the bridge, putting you through.”

Martin thought It’s almost midnight on the USS Ford, and Ramsey is on the bridge.” Martin knew if Ramsey was on the bridge, Ramsey completely understood the situation.

“This is Captain Ramsey.”

“Good evening, Captain. Sorry if we are keeping you up.”

“Morning, General Martin. It’s all part of the job. What can I do for you?”

“I want you to give our MQ-10s a little help.”

“I’m listening.”

“As soon as the other three MQ-10s are clear of China’s airspace, I’d like you to knock on China’s door.”

Ramsey knew that Martin was asking him to send a fighter jet into China’s airspace. Checking China’s response time to intrusion in their airspace was routine.

“Then what,” replied Ramsey.

“Keep knocking.”

This meant Martin wanted Ramsey to do multiple tests. It was out of the ordinary to continue testing China’s response time. It was also dangerous.

“It’s your show,” replied Ramsey.

Martin knew Ramsey agreed, “Thank you, Captain.”

The communication ended.

“Sir,” said James, “What do you have in mind?”

“A diversion.”

Martin reasoned that China might suspect they have an intrusion with Flash but was banking that it was only a suspicion. However, an obvious intrusion may divert their attention.

“Let the four MQ-10s know what we are going to do.”

James’ fingers typed furiously. The message went from James keyboard to the communication satellite and from the satellite to the MQ-10s. All four MQ-10s acknowledged the communication.

James turned to Martin. “The MQ-10s know, sir.”

It was 10:15 A.M. and time to call Rodney. Martin made the call and laid out his plan.

“If Ramsey’s onboard, I’m am also,” replied Rodney after hearing Martin’s plan.

Martin knew he was playing for all the marbles. It was bad enough to have an MQ-10 in China’s airspace, but now he would have the Navy’s fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35C, doing response checks. The F-35C was the Navy’s best single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighter, modified for carrier-based Catapult Assisted Take-Off  But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR).

It crossed Martin’s mind that China might use its best defensive weapons, ground-to-air missiles or and air-to-air missiles. China’s missiles were formidable, and some believed capable of taking down an F-35C. However, response checks were relatively routine, dating back to the cold war between the former Soviet Union and the United States. Both China and the United States engaged in response checks. As long as the intrusions were short and shallow, Martin’s gut told him he’d get away with it.

At 11:15 A.M., Martin reported to Rodney that Lucky, Rabbit, and Kujo would clear China’s airspace in approximately 30 minutes. The F-35C was already in the air and nearing China’s airspace. Flash was continuing evasive actions while slowly making its way back to the USS Ford. All seemed to be going on a plan.

At 11:45 A.M., Lucky, Rabbit, and Kujo cleared China’s airspace, and the F-35C made its first knock. China dispatched two FC-1s to address the obvious intrusion. However, the F-35C was in and out before they arrived.

At 12:00 P.M., the F-35C made another intrusion. The FC-1’s were close, and this second intrusion was dangerous. The F-35C was in and out in less than 30 seconds, and the FC-1s began to pursue the F-35C aggressively.

James responded to a flickering light on his console. “Captain Ramsey on the line for you, sir.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“We’ve knocked twice, and the FC-1s are too close for another knock.”

“Can you keep them engaged without provoking a response?”

“We can, but we’re not going to knock a third time. We’ll deploy another F-35C  and get them wondering what we’re doing. We’re going to make it look like a war game. I’ll get back to you.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

Martin thought it was a smart move on Ramsey’s part. Another F-35C just outside of China’s airspace would definitely raise their curiosity. Martin believed China didn’t want to engage an F-35C but had to put on a show of force. With two F-35C’ in the game, the FC-1s wouldn’t stand a chance of winning a combat exchange.

Martin turned to James, “How close is Flash to getting out of China’s air space?”

“About 30 minutes, depending on how evasively it behaves.”

“Are the FC-1s still in pursuit?”

“Yes.”

Martin thought it was too coincidental.

James made an interesting observation. “Maybe they’ve been ordered to assist the other FC-1s,”

“Maybe,” Martin replied, adding, “That would roughly put them on the same course as Flash.”

Martin called Rodney at precisely 12:15 P.M. and made his report. Things seemed to be on plan, and Rodney had little to say.

By 12:30 P.M., Martin thought his plan was working. In less than 15 minutes, the MQ-10 would be out of China’s airspace. Then things got dicey. One of the FC-1s following Flash began a fast pursuit right toward it. An MQ-10 would defend itself if attacked and likely best the FC-1. Martin feared the worse. He thought, World War III.

“Talk to me, James. What’s happening?”

“Flash has gained altitude.”

“What, the…” Martin caught himself before finishing his thought out loud.

“It is now at the same altitude as F35Cs’ and heading right toward them. In 3 minutes, it will be out of China’s air space.”

Martin’s eyes frozen to the screen, he wondered, What is Flash doing?

James’ next words caught Martin totally by surprise, “It’s giving off the radar signature of an F-35C.”

Martin then knew Flash’s plan. Dam smart. The Chinese will think this is another F-35C intrusion check. The Chinese will be pissed but unlikely to fire on an F-35C.

“We’re clear, Sir.” James’ voice signaled relief. “The F-35C’ are flanking Flash and returning to the USS Ford. Two of the FC-1s have broken formation. It looks like they are going home.”

“We’ll probably get their official complaint within the hour,” Martin’s tone was light and confident. “Get me Captain Ramsey.”

James contacted the USS Ford and got Ramsey on the line.

“Thank you for your support, Captain.”

“Smart play,” said Ramsey. Martin knew his tone that the Captain was impressed.

“Thank you Captain… I’d like to ground all MQ-10s until we do an analysis.”

“Will do.”

Martin called Rodney and explained the entire series of events.

“You’re grounding the MQ-10s?”

“Yes, until we can get a better handle on why the FC-1s were following Flash.”

“The Pentagon is going to be pissed.”

“Better pissed than sorry. We need to know if the active stealth is still working. It could just be a technical issue with Flash.” Martin said the words but knew of all secrets that military secrets were the hardest to keep. He could not help but think, Have the Chinese figured out our active stealth technology?

“Okay, but I want a full report by noon tomorrow…and I want the MQ-10s back in service within 72 hours…Just fix it, Martin.”

“Yes, sir.’

“Martin…good work today…smart move having the MQ-10 cloak itself as an F-35C.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The call ended, and Martin thought, How close to World War III did we come today?

Martin could not help but smile on his drive home, knowing he took credit for Flash’s cloaking maneuver.

His wife, Andrea, greeted him with her usual kiss.

“How did it go today?” Andrea gave Andy her usual smile.

“Just another day at the office,” he smiled back and loosened his tie. “How was your day?”

A city is burning down and people are walking.

Assuring the Survival of Humanity In The Post Singularity Era

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How do we assure that we do not fall victim to our own invention, artificial intelligence? What strategies should we employ? What actions should we take?

What is required is a worldwide recognition of the danger that strong AI poses and a worldwide coalition to address it. This is not a U.S. problem. It is a worldwide problem. It would be no different from any threat that could result in the extinction of humanity.

Let us consider the example President Regan provided during his speech before the United Nations in 1987. He stated, “Perhaps we need some outside universal threat to make us recognize this common bond. I occasionally think how quickly our differences worldwide would vanish if we were facing an alien threat from outside this world.”

I offer the above example to illustrate that we need humanity, all nations of the world, to recognize the real and present danger that strong AI poses. We need world leaders to take a proactive stance. That could, for example, require assembling the best scientists, military and civilian leaders to determine the type of legislation needed to govern the development of advanced artificially intelligent computers and weapon systems. It could involve multinational oversight to assure compliance with the legislation. Is the task monumental? Yes, but do we really have another alternative? If we allow the singularity to occur without control, our extinction is inevitable. In time, the Earth will become home to only machines. The existence of humanity will be digital bits of information in some electronic memory depository.

I harbor hope that humanity, as a species, can unite to prevent our extinction. There are historical precedents. Let me provide two examples.

Example 1. The Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT) – The treaty banned nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space, and underwater. It was signed and ratified by the former Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States in 1963. It had two objectives:

    1. Slow the expensive arms race between the Soviet Union and the United States
    2. Stop the excessive release of nuclear fallout into Earth’s atmosphere

Currently, most countries have signed the treaty. However, China, France, and North Korea are countries known to have tested nuclear weapons below ground and have not signed the treaty.

In general, the LTBT has held well, even by countries that have not signed the treaty. There have been several violations by both the former Soviet Union and the United States. However, for almost the last fifty years, no nuclear tests have violated the treaty. This means that the fallout from the nuclear tests did not exceed the borders of the countries performing the tests.

Why has the LTBT been so successful? Nations widely recognized atmospheric nuclear tests as dangerous to humanity due to the uncontrollable nature of the radioactive fallout.

Example 2. The Biological Weapons Convention – In a 1969 press conference, President Richard M. Nixon stated, “Biological weapons have massive, unpredictable, and potentially uncontrollable consequences.” He added, “They may produce global epidemics and impair the health of future generations.” In 1972, President Nixon submitted the Biological Weapons Convention to the U.S. Senate.

The “Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction” proceeded to become an international treaty.

    • Signed in Washington, London, and Moscow on April 10, 1972
    • Ratification advised by the US Senate on December 16, 1974
    • Ratified by the US president January 22, 1975
    • US ratification deposited in Washington, London, and Moscow on March 26, 1975
    • Proclaimed by the US president March 26, 1975
    • Entered into force March 26, 1975

The above two examples prove one thing to my mind. If humanity recognizes a possible existential threat, it will act to mitigate it.

Unfortunately, while several highly-regarded scientists and notable public figures have added their voice to mine regarding the existential threat artificial intelligence poses, it has failed to become widely recognized.

I am written several books to delineate this threat, including The Artificial Intelligence Revolution, Genius Weapons, Nanoweapons, and War At The Speed Of Light. My goal is to reach the largest audience possible and raise awareness regarding the existential threat to humanity that artificial intelligence poses.

In the simplest terms, I advocate that the path toward a solution is educating the lay public and those in leadership positions. Once the existential threat that artificial intelligence poses becomes widely recognized, I harbor hope that humanity will seek solutions to mitigate the threat.

In the next post, I delineate a four-fold approach to mitigate the threat that artificial intelligence poses to humanity. There may be other solutions. I do not claim that this is the only way to address the problem. However, I’m afraid I have to disagree with those that suggest we do not have a problem. In fact, I claim that we not only have a potentially serious problem, but also we need to address it post-haste. If I am coming across with a sense of urgency, it is intentional. At best, we have one or two decades after the singularity to assure we do not fall victim to our own invention, artificial intelligence.

 

 

A jet plane sitting on top of an aircraft carrier.

Introduction of Genius Weapons (excerpt)

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What is the driving force behind autonomous weapons? There are two forces driving these weapons:

  1. Technology: AI technology, which provides the intelligence of autonomous weapon systems (AWS), is advancing exponentially. Experts in AI predict autonomous weapons, which would select and engage targets without human intervention, will debut within years, not decades. Indeed, a limited number of autonomous weapons already exist. For now, they are the exception. In the future, they will dominate conflict.
  2. Humanity: In 2016, the World Economic Forum Matters (WFM) attendees were asked, “If your country was suddenly at war, would you rather be defended by the sons and daughters of your community, or an autonomous A.I. weapons system?” The majority, 55%, responded they would prefer artificially intelligent (AI) soldiers. This result suggests a worldwide desire to have robots, sometimes referred to as “killer robots,” fight wars rather than risking human lives.

The use of AI technology in warfare is not new. The first large-scale use of “smart bombs” by the United States during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 made it apparent that AI had the potential to change the nature of war. The word “smart” in this context means “artificially intelligent.” The world watched in awe as the United States demonstrated the surgical precision of smart bombs, which neutralized military targets and minimized collateral damage. In general, using autonomous weapon systems in conflict offers highly attractive advantages:

  • Economic: Reducing costs and personnel
  • Operational: Increasing the speed of decision-making, reducing dependence on communications, reducing human errors
  • Security: Replacing or assisting humans in harm’s way
  • Humanitarian: Programming killer robots to respect the international humanitarian laws of war better than humans

Even with these advantages, there are significant downsides. For example, when warfare becomes just a matter of technology, will it make engaging in war more attractive? No commanding officer has to write a letter to the mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, of a drone lost in battle. Politically, it is more palatable to report equipment losses than human causalities. In addition, a country with superior killer robots has both a military advantage and a psychological advantage. To understand this, let us examine the second question posed to attendees of 2016 World Economic Forum Matters7: “If your country was suddenly at war, would you rather be invaded by the sons and daughters of your enemy, or an autonomous A.I. weapon system?” A significant majority, 66%, responded a preference for human soldiers.

In May 2014, a Meeting of Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems was held at the United Nations in Geneva8 to discuss the ethical dilemmas such weapons systems pose, such as:

  • Can sophisticated computers replicate the human intuitive moral decision-making capacity?
  • Is human intuitive moral perceptiveness ethically desirable? If the answer is yes, then the legitimate exercise of deadly force should always require human control.
  • Who is responsible for the actions of a lethal autonomous weapons system? If the machine is following a programmed algorithm, is the programmer responsible? If the machine is able to learn and adapt, is the machine responsible? Is the operator or country that deploys LAWS (i.e., lethal autonomous weapon systems) responsible?

In general, there is a worldwide growing concern with regard to taking humans “out of the loop” in the use of legitimate lethal force.

This is an excerpt from my new book, Genius Weapons, now on sale on Amazon. Give yourself and others the gift of knowledge.

A book cover with an airplane on the ground.

Press Release: New Books Reveals Arms Race for Genius Weapons and Their Threat to Humanity

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Amherst, NY (November 6, 2018) – The first book in its genre, Genius Weapons: Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Weaponry, and the Future of Warfare (Prometheus Books, November 6, 2018) by Louis A. Del Monte, delineates the new arms race between the United States, China, and Russia to develop genius weapons, weapons whose artificial intelligence greatly exceeds human intelligence and the destructive force of nuclear weapons.

Artificial intelligence is playing an ever-increasing role in military weapon systems. The Pentagon is now in a race with China and Russia to develop “lethal autonomous weapon systems” (LAWS). In this eye-opening overview, a physicist, technology expert, and former Honeywell executive examines the advantages and the potential threats to humanity resulting from the deployment of weapons guided by superintelligent computers (i.e., genius weapons). Stressing the likelihood that these weapons will be available in the coming decades since no treaty regulates their development and deployment, the author examines the future of warfare and the potential for genius weapons to initiate a war that threatens the extinction of humanity.

“A highly readable and deeply researched exploration of one of the most chilling aspects of the development of artificial intelligence: the creation of intelligent, autonomous killing machines. In Louis A. Del Monte’s view, the multibillion dollar arms industry and longstanding rivalries among nations make the creation of autonomous weapons extremely likely,” said James Barrat, author of Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era.

In his insightful and prescient account of genius weapons, Del Monte uses vivid scenarios that immerse the reader in the ethical dilemmas and existential threats posed by these weapons. Based on hard science and political realities, the book warns that the dystopian visions of such movies as The Terminator and I, Robot may become a frightening reality in the future. The author concludes with concrete recommendations, founded in historical precedent, to control this new arms race.

 Mr. Del Monte is available for interviews. You may contact him by phone at (952) 261-4532, or by email at ldelmonte@delmonteagency.com.

Louis A. Del Monte is an award-winning physicist, author, inventor, futurist, featured speaker, and CEO of Del Monte and Associates, Inc. For over thirty years, he was a leader in the development of microelectronics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for IBM and Honeywell. As a Honeywell Executive Director from 1982 to 2001, he led hundreds of physicists, engineers, and technology professionals engaged in integrated circuit and sensor technology development for both Department of Defense (DOD) and commercial applications. He is literally a man whose career has changed the way we work, play, and make war. Del Monte is the recipient of the H.W. Sweatt Award for scientific engineering achievement and the Lund Award for management excellence. He is the author of international bestsellers like Nanoweapons and The Artificial Intelligence Revolution. He has been quoted or has published articles in the Huffington Post, the Atlantic, Business Insider, American Security Today, Inc., and on CNBC. He has appeared on the History Channel.

Amherst, NY (November 6, 2018) – The first book in its genre, Genius Weapons: Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Weaponry, and the Future of Warfare (Prometheus Books, November 6, 2018) by Louis A. Del Monte, delineates the new arms race between the United States, China, and Russia to develop genius weapons, weapons whose artificial intelligence greatly exceeds human intelligence and the destructive force of nuclear weapons.

Artificial intelligence is playing an ever-increasing role in military weapon systems. The Pentagon is now in a race with China and Russia to develop “lethal autonomous weapon systems” (LAWS). In this eye-opening overview, a physicist, technology expert, and former Honeywell executive examines the advantages and the potential threats to humanity resulting from the deployment of weapons guided by superintelligent computers (i.e., genius weapons). Stressing the likelihood that these weapons will be available in the coming decades since no treaty regulates their development and deployment, the author examines the future of warfare and the potential for genius weapons to initiate a war that threatens the extinction of humanity.

“A highly readable and deeply researched exploration of one of the most chilling aspects of the development of artificial intelligence: the creation of intelligent, autonomous killing machines. In Louis A. Del Monte’s view, the multibillion dollar arms industry and longstanding rivalries among nations make the creation of autonomous weapons extremely likely,” said James Barrat, author of Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era.

In his insightful and prescient account of genius weapons, Del Monte uses vivid scenarios that immerse the reader in the ethical dilemmas and existential threats posed by these weapons. Based on hard science and political realities, the book warns that the dystopian visions of such movies as The Terminator and I, Robot may become a frightening reality in the future. The author concludes with concrete recommendations, founded in historical precedent, to control this new arms race.

Mr. Del Monte is available for interviews. You may contact him by phone at (952) 261-4532, or by email at ldelmonte@delmonteagency.com.

Louis A. Del Monte is an award-winning physicist, author, inventor, futurist, featured speaker, and CEO of Del Monte and Associates, Inc. For over thirty years, he was a leader in the development of microelectronics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for IBM and Honeywell. As a Honeywell Executive Director from 1982 to 2001, he led hundreds of physicists, engineers, and technology professionals engaged in integrated circuit and sensor technology development for both Department of Defense (DOD) and commercial applications. He is literally a man whose career has changed the way we work, play, and make war. Del Monte is the recipient of the H.W. Sweatt Award for scientific engineering achievement and the Lund Award for management excellence. He is the author of international bestsellers like Nanoweapons and The Artificial Intelligence Revolution. He has been quoted or has published articles in the Huffington Post, the Atlantic, Business Insider, American Security Today, Inc., and on CNBC. He has appeared on the History Channel.