The Centaur's Dilemma: National Security Law for the Coming AI Revolution

Assessing the legal and practical questions posed by the use of artificial intelligence in national security matters

The increasing use of artificial intelligence poses challenges and opportunities for nearly all aspects of society, including the military and other elements of the national security establishment. This book addresses how national security law can and should be applied to artificial intelligence, which enables a wide range of decisions and actions not contemplated by current law.

James Baker, an expert in national security law and process, adopts a realistic approach in assessing how the law--even when not directly addressing artificial intelligence--can be used, or even misused, to regulate this new technology. His new book covers, among other topics, national security process, constitutional law, the law of armed conflict, arms control, and academic and corporate ethics. With his own background as a judge, he examines potential points of contention and litigation in an area where the law is still evolving and might not yet provide clear and certain answers. The Centaur's Dilemma also analyzes potential risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in the realm of national security--including the challenges of machine-human interface, operating (or not operating) the national-security decision-making process at machine speed, and the perils of a technology arms race.

Written in plain English, The Centaur's Dilemma will help guide policymakers, lawyers, and technology experts as they deal with the many legal questions that will arise when using artificial intelligence to plan and carry out the actions required for the nation's defense.

James E. Baker is director of the Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy and Law and a professor at the Syracuse College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He served as judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (2000-2015) and as a legal adviser to the National Security Council (1994-2000). He is the author of In the Common Defense: National Security Law for Perilous Times and co-author of Regulating Covert Action.