Artificial Intel Natl Sec

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

In this course, we will examine one of the topics most central for the future of national security policy: artificial intelligence, or AI. We will begin first by examining what AI is and isn’t, and discuss how the underlying technology works. We will then proceed to survey the national security landscape and consider how AI will impact key policy and strategy decisions in the near future. Topics discussed include autonomous weapons, intelligence collection and analysis, massive cyber attacks, propaganda, and technology competition. We will also focus on the AI strategies of two major nations, the United States and China. No technical background is required for this class, though we will introduce some important ideas that are relevant to how AI works. Students will be assessed through a mid-term exam that assesses understanding of key concepts, as well as through one research paper in which they examine how AI is changing an area of national security policy. In addition, class participation is a vital component of this class, as a substantial portion of each week will be oriented toward discussion.