The world is coming to grips with the advances made in artificial intelligence and the predicted impact this evolving technology will have on both our work and social lives. AI is rapidly transforming the workplace, with major corporations adopting its use to automate tasks previously performed by humans. With much uncertainty about AI’s use, many workers are worried about losing their jobs or automation that will make their education and skill set obsolete.
Beyond general unease about how AI will change our lives, there’s growing concern about U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s goal of transforming America’s military to become an “AI-First” fighting force. Critics warn that without regulation and controls, deploying autonomous weapon systems without human oversight could evade safeguards, risking accidental targeting of civilians and unintended escalation of conflicts.
Between The Lines’ Scott Harris spoke with William D. Hartung, senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, who along with Janet Abou-Elias wrote the recent Nation magazine article, “The Pentagon Is Going ‘AI First.’” Here Hartung warns that the Pentagon’s rush to accelerate AI adoption and deployment—motivated by competition with China—could result in flawed weapons systems, reduced accountability, excessive spending, and a dangerous global AI arms race.
For more information visit Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.
Listen to Scott Harris’ in-depth interview with William D. Hartung (28:28) and see more articles and opinion pieces in the related links section of this page. To subscribe to our podcasts, email newsletters, our Trump authoritarian playbook Substack or social media, subscribe here.
