The Trajectory Jack Shanahan - Avoiding an AI Race While Keeping America Strong [US-China AGI Relations, Episode 1]
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May 9, 2025 
In this discussion, Jack Shanahan, a three-star General and former Director of the Joint AI Center, emphasizes the critical need for U.S.-China cooperation on artificial intelligence to avert an arms race. He highlights the dual-use nature of AI and its implications for national security and global power dynamics. Shanahan warns against escalating geopolitical tensions and advocates for clear communication between tech companies and government agencies. His insights call for regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with ethical considerations and collective safety.
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AI Competition vs. Arms Race
- The US-China AI competition accelerates, but it is not a classical arms race with inevitable conflict.
- Both nations seek technological leads with an escalating spiral of assumptions and mistrust.
AI's Dual Military and Economic Role
- AI originated primarily from commercial sectors, not military, making it a multi-use technology.
- AI drives both economic and military power, but absolute advantage is unlikely due to rapid diffusion and human agency.
Slow Military AI Adoption
- AI progress is fast in pace and diffusion, but current military AI adoption is slow.
- Defense systems must shift from hardware to software companies, delaying full AI integration.