May 12, 2022

Will Tomorrow’s Wars Be Fought by Robots?

Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are poised to change the battlefield, and with it, soldiers themselves. Today, the human cost of war is high. Will that be true of tomorrow’s wars, or will humans be removed from the front lines, left to orchestrate surgical drone strikes and autonomous technology behind the scenes? This week's guests include Paul Scharre, among others, to discuss these issues.

Listen to the full episode from What Happens Next.

  • Reports

    Defense

    Drones, Missiles, and the U.S. Munitions Shortage

    Executive Summary Drones have exploded in popularity since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. There is a growing view that inexpensive drones—“affordable mass”—a...

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  • Podcast

    Defense

    Rethink... Warfare

    Stacie Pettyjohn, director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security, joins BBC Sounds - Rethink to discuss how recent conflicts have changed the shape ...

    By Stacie Pettyjohn

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  • Podcast

    Defense

    A Body Blow? The War on Iran and U.S. Military Readiness

    The war against Iran is putting new strains on U.S. military readiness by consuming munitions and missile defense interceptors, as well as through extended deployments, sustai...

    By Stacie Pettyjohn

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  • Video

    Defense

    Iran Blockade Costs Are Draining America’s Global Military Power

    As US President Donald Trump tries to force Iran into submission, a naval blockade is proving to be his tool of choice. But the operation is stretching the American military t...

    By Becca Wasser

    • September 16, 2026

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