Skip to main content
DORAS
DCU Online Research Access Service
Login (DCU Staff Only)
Deterrence in the age of artificial intelligence and autonomy: a paradigm shift in nuclear deterrence theory and practice?

James, Johnson (2021) Deterrence in the age of artificial intelligence and autonomy: a paradigm shift in nuclear deterrence theory and practice? Defense and Security Analysis, 36 (4). pp. 422-448. ISSN 1475-1798

WarningThere is a more recent version of this item available.

Full text available as:

[img]
Preview
PDF - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
664kB

Abstract

How might nuclear deterrence be affected by the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems? How might the introduction of intelligent machines affect human-to-human (and human-to-machine) deterrence? Are existing theories of deterrence still applicable in the age of AI and autonomy? The article builds on the rich body of work on nuclear deterrence theory and practice and highlights some of the variegated and contradictory – especially human cognitive psychological – effects of AI and autonomy for nuclear deterrence. It argues that existing theories of deterrence are not applicable in the age of AI and autonomy and introducing intelligent machines into the nuclear enterprise will affect nuclear deterrence in unexpected ways with fundamentally destabilising outcomes. The article speaks to a growing consensus calling for conceptual innovation and novel approaches to nuclear deterrence, building on nascent post-classical deterrence theorising that considers the implications of introducing non-human agents into human strategic interactions.

Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Artificial intelligence; autonomous weapons; nuclear deterrence; emerging technology; escalation; strategic stability
Subjects:Social Sciences > International relations
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Humanities and Social Science > School of Law and Government
Publisher:Routledge (Taylor & Francis)
Official URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14751798.2020.1857911
Copyright Information:© 2020 Taylor & Francis
Use License:This item is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License. View License
ID Code:25404
Deposited On:22 Jan 2021 12:22 by James Johnson . Last Modified 20 Jun 2022 03:30

Available Versions of this Item

  • Deterrence in the age of artificial intelligence and autonomy: a paradigm shift in nuclear deterrence theory and practice? (deposited 22 Jan 2021 12:22) [Currently Displayed]
    • Deterrence in the age of artificial intelligence and autonomy: a paradigm shift in nuclear deterrence theory and practice? (deposited 26 Jan 2021 11:16)

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Archive Staff Only: edit this record

  • Student Email
  • Staff Email
  • Student Apps
  • Staff Apps
  • Loop
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Contact Us