AI and autonomy are advancing at a breakneck pace, creating both new threats and opportunities for the U.S. military. To address these challenges, the Defense Program’s research examines the role and impact of AI and autonomy in future conflict, including the proliferation and employment of autonomous military systems, how AI-enabled systems are developed and tested, and the future of agentic AI.
Event
Virtual Event | Drones and Deterrence: Building Taiwan's Asymmetric Capabilities
Stacie Pettyjohn, Ely Ratner, Molly Campbell
Nov 4, 2025
Research Team:
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Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn
Senior Fellow and Director, Defense Program, CNAS
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Josh Wallin
Fellow, Defense Program
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Carlton Haelig
Fellow, Defense Program
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Molly Campbell
Research Assistant, Defense Program
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Delaney Soliday
Research Assistant, Defense Program
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Samantha Olson
Research Assistant, Defense Program
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Steven Sturges
Research Assistant, Defense Program
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Ryan Paoloni
Intern, Defense Program
Highlights
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Lessons in Learning
Reports
Executive Summary Although claims of a revolution in military affairs may be overhyped, the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy to change warfare is growin...
By Josh Wallin
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Who Will Lead on Military AI, the Government or Industry?
Video
The military is going to use artificial intelligence. But while planners in the government may have an idea of the best way forward, can they truly lead, or will industry stee...
By Josh Wallin
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Behind the Front Line
Reports
This report considers the near-term opportunities that exist for integrating agentic artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across the Department of War. While integration ...
By Josh Wallin & Carlton Haelig
