This report serves as a response to Congress’ mandate for the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, that is, to explore the challenges (such as risks or ethics concerns) and opportunities (for technological or national advancement) associated with artificial intelligence, or AI. The Commission focuses on a few key points, including (a) “foreign threats” to national security, (b) the application of AI for defense, international cooperation, and the global balance of military power, (c) the scientific research community & larger workforce, and (d) ethical considerations. The information is presented as a series of preliminary ideas and judgements, guiding principles, and fundamentals – intended to fuel public debate and inform an impending final report. The authors conclude by outlining five action-points “necessary to preserve U.S. advantages,” namely, the (1) investigation of AI Research & Development (R&D), (2) application of AI to “National Security Missions,” (3) training and recruitment of “AI talent,” (4) protection and expansion of “U.S. technology advantages,” and (5) promotion of “global AI cooperation.”
