Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various aspects of our lives, and its potential impact on politics is a topic of growing concern. A new book by retired American serviceman Elliot Ackerman and retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis delves into the potential of AI to influence voters and the implications for global power dynamics.
The world may soon witness the emergence of tech alliances as a guiding political force, according to Elliot Ackerman, a retired American serviceman-turned-novelist. He believes that technological power may surpass military or economic power in the years to come.
Ackerman, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years, collaborated with Admiral James Stavridis to write "2054," a novel that explores a future world shaped by technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the novel, Japan has leveraged AI, robotics, and quantum computing to compensate for a declining workforce, trading extensively with India. AI is also seen as enhancing decision-making, increasing operational speed and precision, improving surveillance and reconnaissance, optimizing logistics, and facilitating advanced simulations for training.
However, technical challenges and ethical considerations remain. Ensuring reliability and security from cyber threats, as well as the balance between machine autonomy and human oversight, are crucial. The novel also raises concerns about the quest for the Singularity, where machine and human learning integrate into a single consciousness.
Ackerman emphasizes that AI will act as a "force multiplier for militaries" and profoundly alter warfare by enhancing targeting and command and control. However, he expresses concerns about ethical issues, particularly who will control kinetic systems and decide on lethal force usage.
The novel also depicts quality-of-life technological advances, such as suborbital flight for rapid travel. Ackerman and Stavridis carefully considered these technological changes to enhance world-building and connect the present to the future.
Throughout "2054," Ackerman explores the tension between providing answers and provoking questions. He aims to create thought-provoking works that leave readers with questions rather than spoon-feeding them with answers.
As AI continues to evolve, its potential impact on politics and society is a matter of ongoing debate. "2054" serves as a timely reminder of the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformative technology.
