UN Chief Warns AI Could Increase Nuclear War Likelihood

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is heightening the threat of a nuclear war, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. 

Guterres emphasized that humanity is on a knife’s edge as nations compete to create the most advanced weaponry, endangering countless lives. The Guardian reported that his cautionary video was scheduled to be shown at the U.S. Arms Control Association (ACA) annual conference in Washington on June 7. Guterres urged nuclear-armed states to resume dialogue and commit to a no-first-use policy.

AI and nuclear weapons: A dangerous combination

Guterres expressed his concern over the weakening of systems designed to prevent the use, testing, and proliferation of nuclear weapons since the end of the Cold War. There is growing fear that countries like the U.S. and Russia might rely on AI to streamline nuclear launch procedures. Both nations reportedly have their intercontinental ballistic missiles on high alert, ready to launch within minutes. Guterres stressed that decisions regarding nuclear weapon use must be made by humans, not machines or algorithms.

In 2022, the U.S., UK, and France released a joint statement affirming their commitment to keeping human control over nuclear launches. However, Russia and China have yet to make a similar pledge. According to the Federation of American Scientists, the number of nuclear weapons has decreased from 70,300 in 1986 to 12,100 in 2023.

Scientific warnings about AI

Guterres’ warning is part of a broader concern expressed by many scientists about the dangers posed by AI. A 2018 report by the Rand Corporation highlighted that AI development increases the risk of nuclear war. The report noted that AI, machine learning, and big-data analytics could enhance militaries’ capabilities to locate, track, target, and destroy a rival’s nuclear forces. 

Former Google product lead Bilawal Sidhu has also commented on the AI debate, suggesting that AI could be managed like nuclear technology or left open. He argued that an open-source AI would allow good actors to monitor and mitigate the actions of bad ones, reducing risks. In an interview with Newsweek, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger described AI as consequential but less predictable than nuclear weapons. Kissinger believes that the risks of AI can be managed through international cooperation and regulation.

Calls for global cooperation

Guterres’ message calls for urgent international cooperation to address the risks associated with AI in nuclear weapons systems. He emphasized that global dialogue and agreements are crucial to prevent the escalation of threats posed by AI integration into military operations. The UN chief’s appeal for a renewed commitment to arms control underscores the need for a unified approach to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

The international community must prioritize keeping nuclear decisions in human hands to avoid unintended consequences from AI-driven systems. Reducing nuclear weapons since the Cold War is a positive step, but the potential for AI to alter the strategic landscape requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. Guterres’ warning highlights the delicate balance between technological advancement and global security, urging nations to act responsibly in the face of emerging threats.

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