Brookings Releases AI Glossary to Bridge US-China National Security Dialogue

AI and national security lexicon: Brookings has developed a comprehensive glossary of artificial intelligence terms related to national security to facilitate clarity and shared understanding between U.S. and Chinese experts.

• The glossary covers a wide range of terms, including weapons systems, autonomous technologies, AI concepts, and military terminology.
• Key definitions provided include artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, and meaningful human control, among others.
• The document aims to bridge potential gaps in understanding between experts from different countries engaged in dialogue on AI and national security issues.

Artificial intelligence defined: The glossary defines artificial intelligence as the capability of machines to perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, encompassing various aspects of cognitive function and decision-making.

• AI is described as the ability to recognize patterns, learn from experience, draw conclusions, make predictions, and take action.
• The definition emphasizes that AI can operate in both digital environments and as the intelligent software behind autonomous physical systems.
• This broad definition underscores the versatility and potential applications of AI across various domains, including national security.

Autonomous weapons and human control: The glossary addresses the critical concepts of autonomous weapons and meaningful human control, highlighting the complex relationship between advanced AI systems and human oversight in military applications.

• Autonomous weapons are defined as systems capable of selecting and engaging targets without further human intervention once activated.
• Meaningful human control is described as a concept requiring human operators to make informed decisions with sufficient information to ensure lawfulness.
• The definition also emphasizes the importance of proper design, testing, and training of weapons systems to maintain meaningful human control.

Broader context of AI in national security: The glossary provides definitions for a range of terms that illustrate the multifaceted nature of AI’s role in national security, from specific technologies to broader concepts and military applications.

• Terms related to weapons systems, including lethal and non-lethal weapons, are defined to clarify the various types of military technologies that may incorporate AI.
• Robotics and unmanned systems are addressed, reflecting the growing importance of these technologies in modern warfare and security operations.
• Machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks are included, indicating the significance of these AI subfields in advancing national security capabilities.

Evolving nature of AI terminology: The glossary acknowledges that definitions may evolve as technology and policies continue to develop, reflecting the dynamic nature of the AI field and its applications in national security.

• This acknowledgment highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and updates to ensure that terminology remains relevant and accurate.
• It also underscores the importance of maintaining flexibility in understanding and applying these terms as the field of AI and its implications for national security continue to advance.

Implications for international cooperation: By providing a shared lexicon, the glossary aims to enhance communication and understanding between U.S. and Chinese experts, potentially facilitating more productive discussions on AI and national security.

• The development of this glossary suggests a recognition of the importance of clear communication in addressing complex and potentially sensitive issues related to AI and national security.
• It may serve as a foundation for more nuanced and informed dialogue between experts from different countries, potentially contributing to international cooperation and policy development in this critical area.

Looking ahead: Challenges and opportunities: The creation of this glossary reflects the growing importance of AI in national security and the need for clear, shared understanding of key concepts as the field continues to evolve rapidly.

• As AI technologies advance and their applications in national security expand, maintaining up-to-date and mutually understood definitions will be crucial for effective international dialogue and policy-making.
• The glossary may serve as a starting point for addressing more complex ethical, legal, and strategic questions surrounding the use of AI in national security contexts.