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AI’s role in strategic affairs is uncertain and complex, which require new frameworks for understanding its impact.

AI in Strategic Affairs

AI is changing how countries protect themselves and compete. It is like a new weapon that uses data and algorithms. For example, AI can:

• Examine threats: Spot enemy moves by scanning satellite images or social media.
• Run wars: Guide drones or predict battle outcomes.
• Boost economies: Power industries, making countries richer and stronger.

Countries like the U.S., China, and Israel are racing to build the best AI, fearing others might get ahead. This race could lead to superintelligent AI—machines smarter than humans—that might be impossible to control. Experts suggest the need of clear “analogies” (simple comparisons) and “frameworks” (plans) to understand AI’s dangers and manage it wisely.

Critiques compare AI to other technologies

AI Arms Race v/s Nuclear Arms Race

Some say AI is like nuclear weapons, where countries stockpiled bombs, leading to Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)—if one attacks, both get destroyed. This idea suggests an AI arms race where nations build super-smart AI to outdo each other.

AI isn’t like nukes. Nuclear weapons sit in silos; AI lives in computers worldwide, with coders and companies spread out. Destroying an AI project isn’t like bombing a missile base—it’s messy and risks hitting innocent tech. AI’s dangers (like misuse by hackers) aren’t the same as nuclear explosions.

MAIM (Mutually Assured Inhibition of Malevolent AI)

MAIM, a strategy to stop “bad” AI (like AI built by terrorists) by sabotaging rival projects.

Sabotaging AI projects could spark wars or hit the wrong targets, as countries don’t always know who’s building what. Unlike nukes, AI code is hidden in servers, not factories. MAIM might also justify aggressive attacks under the guise of “security.”

About India’s Role

• India’s AI Push: India’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2018) by NITI Aayog aims for “AI for All,” targeting sectors like healthcare, farming, and education. The IndiaAI Mission plans to build AI skills, models, and safety rules.
• Military AI: India is integrating AI into defense, like drones and threat analysis, but lags behind China and Israel. The government’s mixed signals—comparing AI to nukes yet pushing AI growth—show a need for clearer policies.
• Global Strategy: India faces U.S. export controls on AI chips, which could limit access to advanced tech. This pushes India to develop its own AI systems, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
• Ethical AI: India lacks a formal AI law but emphasizes ethics. The IndiaAI Mission includes safety and trust, learning from global models like the EU’s AI Act.

India must balance innovation with safety. As a growing power, it can’t ignore AI’s strategic role but needs robust policies to avoid misuse or falling behind in the global race.

Source:

 THE HINDU

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