AI & Defensive Modernization: A Global Discussion

AI and Defensive Modernisation: A Global Discussion

AI is rapidly transforming defensive modernisation, reshaping global security strategies and military approaches. A recent session of the ‘Understanding AI Program’ by the Silkroad 4.0 Platform and the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) delved into the ethical, legal, and geopolitical dimensions of this technological shift, highlighting AI's profound impact on defence and international relations.

The session, titled ‘Defensive Modernisation as the Technology Driver,’ brought together experts to explore how AI is revolutionising military innovation. Discussions focused on the ethical and legal challenges of regulating AI on a global scale, as well as the broader implications of AI-driven technologies on geopolitical dynamics and security frameworks.

The Intersection of AI and Military Strategy

Ambassador Ali Goutali, representing the OIC, emphasised AI's dual role as both a transformative tool and a potential risk. While AI enhances knowledge-sharing and early warning systems for pandemics and surveillance, Goutali warned that unregulated AI could destabilise governments. He advocated for global AI conventions to address these challenges, stressing the need for international cooperation to manage AI's rapid advancements.

Admiral Davor Domazet-Lošo provided insights into the evolving landscape of military strategy, highlighting the rise of information warfare. He noted that AI's computational speed and information dominance are critical in modern defence, with China's ‘deep seek’ AI system serving as a prime example. According to Domazet-Lošo, AI has accelerated military operations into hyper-real time, where milliseconds of latency can determine the outcome of conflicts.

Geopolitical Risks and AI-Enabled Warfare

Lily Ong, a geopolitical and cybersecurity analyst from Singapore, discussed AI's transformative effect on global power dynamics. She explained how AI is being integrated into military systems, from automated defence mechanisms to cyber operations and information warfare. Ong also addressed the ethical and legal dilemmas of AI-enabled warfare, emphasising the need for global protocols and education to navigate these complexities.

Ong responded to concerns about the instability of advanced AI capabilities, noting that countries must keep pace with technological advancements to ensure their security and relevance. She emphasised the importance of capacity building through education and urged the Global South to actively participate in AI development and knowledge sharing. Technological sovereignty, she argued, will enable more nations to influence AI-enabled warfare, adding layers of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

Future Implications and Global Responsibility

The session concluded with a call for global cooperation and education to manage AI's rapid progress. Speakers agreed that both younger and older generations must be educated about AI's risks and opportunities, highlighting the need for adaptation and collective responsibility. The next session, scheduled for June 12th, is expected to build on these discussions, providing further insights into AI's role in defensive modernisation and global security.