March 01, 2018
Is China seeking “quantum surprise?”
Hype about artificial intelligence (AI) seems at or near a peak. A wave of hype is also emerging around quantum technologies, particularly quantum computing. When these two waves of hype collide, do they simply produce more hype—or could real risks, and a potential military “revolution,” arise at the convergence of AI and quantum computing?
Certainly, when the perils and potential of these technologies are discussed, some exuberance is warranted. Each has beencharacterized as the “new electricity”—and these are indeed technologies that could transform all sectors and create new industrial revolutions. But for the time being, both AI and quantum technologies remain fairly nascent fields, with limitations that will prevent the rapid realization of their full potential. And as with any technological transformation, anticipating the future impact of AI and quantum technologies in the commercial and defense realms is difficult, if not nearly impossible.
That said, AI is starting to be widely recognized as a potential catalyst for a new military revolution that could transform current paradigms of military power. Unsurprisingly, major powers including the United States and China are actively advancing military applications of AI, competing to innovate in this domain.
Read the full article in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
More from CNAS
-
Policy, Guns and Money: AUKUS challenges and opportunities
Podcast
In this special episode, ASPI Executive Director Justin Bassi speaks with Richard Fontaine and Lisa Curtis from the Center for a New American Security and Alessio Patalano fro...
By Richard Fontaine & Lisa Curtis
-
AI Arms Race, Drone Warfare and Cognitive Enhancement with Paul Scharre
Podcast
The Grey Dynamics podcast spoke with Paul Scharre, the vice president and director of studies at the Center for New American Security (CNAS). They discussed the use of drones ...
By Paul Scharre
-
Peninsula Plus: Enhancing U.S.–South Korea Alliance Cooperation on China, Multilateralism, and Military and Security Technologies
Reports
Executive Summary The United States–Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea) alliance has entered a critical phase. In 2023, the two countries will commemorate the 70th annivers...
By Jacob Stokes & Joshua Fitt
-
China’s Chip Industry Dismayed by Multilateral Export Controls
Commentary
The original Chinese statement takes a much more indignant tone, reading more like an impassioned call to action to the Chinese domestic semiconductor industry to get its act ...
By Emily Jin
