A State Department official, Paul Dean, emphasized the importance of human involvement in decisions regarding the deployment of nuclear weapons. Dean, from the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, stressed that the U.S. policy dictates that only humans, not artificial intelligence (AI), should make such critical decisions. He stated, "We would never defer a decision on nuclear employment to AI."
Dean expressed the desire for China and Russia to join the U.S. in making a clear commitment to human oversight in nuclear decision-making. He highlighted this as an essential norm of responsible behavior in the international community.
During a press briefing, Dean addressed the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations. He mentioned discussions between Secretary of State Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi regarding the risks and safety concerns associated with AI.
Dean underscored the need for countries, especially major military powers like the U.S. and China, to establish rules for responsible and stabilizing behavior concerning AI in military applications. He emphasized that AI has the potential to revolutionize militaries across various functions, including decision-making and logistics.
Dean noted that the U.S. and 54 partner nations have endorsed a political declaration on the responsible use of military AI. This declaration aims to ensure accountability and adherence to rigorous technical standards in the development and deployment of AI technologies in military contexts. Dean highlighted the importance of incorporating safeguards into AI systems to ensure responsible usage.
Dean acknowledged the transformative potential of AI in military operations, emphasizing its broader applications beyond the battlefield. He mentioned its role in enhancing operational efficiencies, logistics, and decision-making processes across various military operations.
While Dean acknowledged the significant promise of AI technologies, he also cautioned against risks associated with irresponsible usage. He stressed the importance of using AI in a responsible manner to mitigate potential negative consequences.
Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining human oversight in critical decision-making processes, particularly in contexts as sensitive as nuclear deployment, while also recognizing the potential benefits of integrating AI technologies in military operations.
