The Convergence of AI and Emerging Technologies and Nuclear Security


Examining the implications of AI and other emerging technologies for nuclear security – both opportunities and challenges.

Challenge

AI and other emerging technologies create new opportunities as well as significant new nuclear security risks that demand urgent attention. The extent of these implications is not currently well understood.

Action

Conduct a series of interviews with leading innovators in nuclear security, emerging technologies, and deterrence theory.

Results

A report identifying the risks and opportunities for nuclear security arising from the convergence with AI and other emerging technologies and providing key implications and next steps.

Nuclear security has always been, in part, a function of technology. From the creation of the atomic and the hydrogen bomb, various technologies including missile technology, overhead imagery, and the development of ballistic missile submarines have impacted nuclear deterrence. Today’s nexus of AI and other emerging technologies are different from those of prior generations, however, because of the speed with which new capabilities emerge and the increasing role of the commercial sector.  Each new generation of AI comes quickly and is much more powerful than the last, and this speed is itself accelerated by the new AI capabilities. New dangers may arise seemingly instantaneously and incidentally from choices made in the private sector.

NTI has been conducting work to explore how the intersection of AI and other emerging technologies both add to the danger that nuclear weapons will be used and provide opportunities for threat reduction and preventing the use of nuclear weapons.

To identify and better understand the risks and opportunities for nuclear security, NTI has conducted 30 structured interviews with experts in nuclear security and emerging technology.  We are asking our interviewees questions including:

  • What are the risks arising from the intersection of AI and other emerging technologies that could lead to the use of nuclear weapons?
  • What are the opportunities at the intersection of AI and other emerging technologies for preventing the use of nuclear weapons?
  • What investments should be made (and by whom), and what governance tools should be developed (and by whom), to reduce the likelihood nuclear weapons will be used in the age of AI?

We anticipate using the report as a foundation to convene an expert study group of nuclear security practitioners  and technology innovators to evaluate and prioritize the threats and opportunities identified in the report and to work toward effective responses.

Activity

2025


Announcing FutureSafe — NTI’s New AI and Emerging Tech Program — Led by Dimitri Kusnezov

News

Announcing FutureSafe — NTI’s New AI and Emerging Tech Program — Led by Dimitri Kusnezov

Advances in AI and other disruptive technologies are transforming the foundations of human civilization with intended and unintended consequences for global security. To address the risks and capitalize on the opportunities associated with these advancements, NTI is launching FutureSafe: AI and Emerging Technology, a new program to be led by Dimitri Kusnezov.

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