Adversarial Artificial Intelligence (www.rand.org)

A recent study sponsored by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office highlights the rising threat of adversarial artificial intelligence on military systems and critical infrastructure. As military reliance on AI for decision-making increases, the potential for adversarial attacks—designed to disrupt, manipulate, or deny the functionality of these systems—poses significant risks to strategic stability. While previous research primarily focused on the benefits of military AI, this study shifts the emphasis to the challenges and vulnerabilities that adversarial tactics could engender. The significance of this research lies in its exploration of the implications such attacks might have on military operations, including issues of credibility, trust, escalation, and attribution in conflict scenarios. It underscores the urgent need for governance frameworks that not only celebrate the advancements of AI but also comprehensively address the potential risks associated with adversarial interference. By providing strategic recommendations, the study aims to reduce both the likelihood and impact of these disruptive actions, ultimately fostering a safer environment for the integration of AI in military and national infrastructure decisions.