Inadvertent escalation in the age of intelligence machines: A new model for nuclear risk in the digital age

Abstract Will AI-enabled capabilities increase inadvertent escalation risk? This article revisits Cold War-era thinking about to consider how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology (especially AI augmentation of advanced conventional weapons) through various mechanisms and pathways could affect risk between nuclear-armed adversaries during a crisis or conflict. How might be incorporated into nuclear operations in ways that It unpacks the psychological cognitive features theorising (the security dilemma, ‘fog war’, military doctrine strategy) examine whether characteristics technology, against backdrop broader political-societal dynamic digital information ecosystem, risk. Are existing notions still relevant age? The speaks scholarship International Relations – notably ‘bargaining theories war’ argues impact on cause war occurs its political effects, rather than tactical operational battlefield alterations. In this way, it addresses gap literature strategic theoretical implications AI-nuclear dilemma.