November 1, 2024 – The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is excited to partner with Longview Philanthropy on pioneering action-oriented efforts to explore how advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities will be integrated into nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) systems. IST’s collaboration with Longview Philanthropy seeks to find common ground on the risks and opportunities that this integration presents.
Today’s AI is more advanced and powerful than ever, directly affecting strategic stability and the offense-defense balance. The complexity of NC3 systems already creates significant transparency challenges, and militaries worldwide are investing heavily in AI. With the exponential growth in AI capabilities, global security rests in a delicate balance. This work is urgently needed to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and establish frameworks for stable and predictable practices.
“When it comes to AI risks, we’ve all heard the familiar appeals for more research and confidence-building. What’s distinctive about the Institute’s work is its focus on developing concrete and actionable steps forward,” said Carl Robichaud, Nuclear Weapons Policy Program Director at Longview Philanthropy.
“IST is deeply grateful to Longview Philanthropy for their generous support and partnership as we address this critical challenge,” said IST Chief Executive Officer Philip Reiner. “We at IST have been focused on the implications of AI for national security and global stability since 2017. We welcome the generous support of Longview Philanthropy to work at the nexus of AI and nuclear systems. We look forward to articulating, understanding, and putting forward concrete recommendations for managing the risks and opportunities of the integration of AI and NC3.”
“As applications of AI continue to advance, it will be critical to zero-in on specific applications with the potential to undermine or enhance nuclear command and control. IST’s research and wargaming will help identify and prioritize AI-NC3 threats, opportunities, and considerations which have yet to be explored with sufficient depth,” said Mathew Gentzel, Nuclear Weapons Policy Program Officer.
“I am thrilled to launch our AI-NC3 project and honored to lead this important initiative”, said Sylvia Mishra, IST Deputy Director for Nuclear Policy. “Through this effort, we aim to build a shared understanding of the complex risks and opportunities at the intersection of AI and NC3. Our goal is to spark a lasting research agenda and cultivate a community of experts to examine the technological, doctrinal, and governance challenges posed by this evolving landscape. The project team and I look forward to working closely with a diverse array of stakeholders—including think tanks, the private sector, academia, and government—to address the critical issues surrounding AI’s integration with NC3 systems.”