Nuclear weapons have long relied on human decision-making, but experts now say it’s only a matter of time before artificial intelligence is integrated into the world’s most dangerous systems. While human judgment still governs launch decisions, the inevitability of AI playing a role in nuclear strategy is raising serious concerns. The challenge lies not only in understanding how AI will be used, but also in preparing for the unintended consequences of handing over even partial control to machines.

In mid-July, Nobel laureates gathered at the University of Chicago for a sobering discussion on nuclear war. Behind closed doors, scientists, former officials, and retired military leaders briefed them on the destructive power of modern arsenals. The goal was to equip these influential voices with enough insight to recommend policies that might prevent catastrophe. One theme dominated the conversation: artificial intelligence. “We’re entering a new world of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies influencing our daily life, but also influencing the nuclear world we live in,” warned Stanford professor Scott Sagan, highlighting the urgent need to address the fusion of AI and nuclear warfare.

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SOURCE: Wired