Volume 14 Issue 1 - Spring 2020 Published Feb. 25, 2020 Strategic Studies Quarterly, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL POLICY FORUM Time for a Counter-AI Strategy M. A. Thomas How do we prepare for an AI-enabled adversary? Comment on Article Success of Persistent Engagement in Cyberspace Jason Healey and Stuart Caudill Will the Department of Defense cyber strategy be implemented effectively against cyber adversaries or encourage adversary attacks? Comment on Article FEATURE ARTICLE Artificial Intelligence: A Threat to Strategic Stability James S. Johnson How could AI-augmented conventional capabilities affect strategic stability and exacerbate the risk of inadvertent escalation to nuclear war? Comment on Article PERSPECTIVES Three-Way Power Dynamics in the Arctic Rebecca Pincus Is China-Russia cooperation of great significance and a crucial factor when formulating US strategy in the emerging Arctic region? Comment on Article Strategic Choice and the Orbital Security Dilemma LTC Brad Townsend, USA Can the growing orbital security dilemma in space create unstable conditions and suboptimal arms racing that lead to war in space? Comment on Article Strategic Contours of China's Arms Transfers Michael Raska and Richard A. Bitzinger Could China’s increasing presence in global arms markets reflect progress in technology and innovation, surpass Russian arms exports, and counterbalance Western influence? Comment on Article Strategy in the New Era of Tactical Nuclear Weapons COL Joseph D. Becker, USA To reduce the likelihood of tactical nuclear weapons use, should the US openly address hard-case scenarios and develop a coherent strategy sufficient to deter adversaries? Comment on Article BOOK REVIEWS Dawn of the Code War: America's Battle against Russia, China, and the Rising Global Cyber Threat by John P. Carlin with Garrett M. Graff Reviewed by Dr. Mark T. Peters II, USAF, Retired Recent publication trends involving cyber subjects summarize the past two decades’ activity with shaded perspectives about motivation and intent. John Carlin in Dawn of the Code War, with Garrett Graff ’s assistance, covers much-discussed activities from a Department of Justice perspective including Carlin’s multiyear role as chief of staff for FBI director Robert Mueller. Nanoweapons: A Growing Threat to Humanity by Louis A. Del Monte Reviewed by Maj Patrick M. Milott, USAF When new technologies cross from industry to the battlefield, calls arise to slow the process and consider international implications of using these weapons. Louis A. Del Monte’s Nanoweapons is one of those calls. His work is a serious attempt to use publicly available information to address the development and use of nanotechnology as weapons. The author brings together ideas normally relegated to science fiction (e.g., laser weapons, artificial intelligence, and self-replicating nanorobots) and uses his technical background to inform the reader as to what is science fact. Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World's Sole Superpower by Michael Beckley Reviewed by Brig Gen Chad Manske, USAF Graham Allison’s concept of the Thucydides Trap has fed the hubristic notion in polarizing policy debates that China’s rise in the world is in relative proportion to America’s decline. While military conflict (economic and trade flaps notwithstanding) may in fact be avoidable as a result of the aggressive and interconnected aspects of other instruments of power, the authenticity of great power competition with China may in fact be just a facade—in every respect of that debate. Cyber Security: Threats and Responses for Government and Business by Jack Caravelli and Nigel Jones Reviewed by Dr. Mark T. Peters, USAF, Retired Finding the right vector to begin any comprehensive cybersecurity practices and policy discussion can seem an Augean task. Jack Caravelli and Nigel Jones make significant headway toward those ends as Cyber Security: Threats and Responses for Government and Business excellently captures high-level aspects likely to influence the next 10 to 20 years of cybersecurity implementations. Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War by Paul Scharre Reviewed by 1st Lt Nathaniel Lewis, USAF Army of None sets out to explore the following questions: Given rapid advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, should robots be allowed to make life-or-death decisions? To what degree should humans be involved in the decision-making process? Should we, or could we, ban autonomous weapons? On the Brink: Trump, Kim, and the Threat of Nuclear War by Van Jackson Reviewed by CMSgt Frank Murphy, USAF, Retired On the Brink covers very recent current events from the author’s perspective and speaks to being on the precipice of nuclear war. In this context, it is vital to know the culture and history of the major players. An expert in this field and a known Korean security expert, Van Jackson served in the Obama administration. His blend of academics and practical experience infuses his US foreign policy analysis. IN MEMORIAM Dr. David R. Mets We pay tribute to author, scholar, and warrior Dr. David R. Mets for his innovation and contribution to the study and discussion of airpower and the legacy he leaves to the Department of Defense, the Airmen of today, and those of tomorrow. He will be remembered fondly by the Air University faculty, friends, colleagues, and students and sorely missed by Air University Press. Comment on Article DOWNLOAD FULL EDITION
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