‘Catalytic nuclear war’ in the age of artificial intelligence & autonomy: Emerging military technology and escalation risk between nuclear-armed states

This article revisits the Cold War-era concept of ‘catalytic nuclear war,’ considered by many as unworkable, and reconceptualizes it in light technological change, well improved understanding human psychology other factors. It argues modern digital era, catalyzing chain reaction counter-retaliation dynamics set motion deliberate action a non-state or third-party actor is fast becoming more accessible plausible alternative to acquiring weapon manufacturing an improvised atomic device – ‘dirty bomb.’ The concludes that artificial intelligence (AI) technology creating new exacerbating old escalation pathways risk accidental confrontation between nuclear-armed powers, particularly under irrational (or sub-rational) conditions. Are existing notions inadvertent still relevant age AI autonomy?