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The Jim Rutt Show

EP 294 Timothy Clancy on an AI Cold War

Mar 28, 2025
Timothy Clancy, an Assistant Research Scientist at START with over 30 years of experience, dives deep into the complex world of AI and its implications for national security. He discusses the potential for a new Cold War driven by AI technology, particularly in the U.S.-China rivalry. Clancy emphasizes the challenges of integrating AI into military strategies and the importance of reliable data amidst sparse information. The conversation touches on the growing role of drones and the strategic significance of Taiwan, detailing how these elements shape future geopolitical dynamics.
01:15:31

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Timothy Clancy discusses the evolution of AI, highlighting the shift from chat-based to reasoning AI and its military applications.
  • The podcast emphasizes the competitive dynamics of a potential AI Cold War between the U.S. and China, reminiscent of historical arms races.

Deep dives

Understanding Wicked Problems in National Security

Timothy Clancy specializes in addressing wicked mess problems related to violence and instability, which complicate national security issues. These problems are characterized by their complex, unpredictable nature, making standard models ineffective for prediction and analysis. Clancy's approach involves helping stakeholders comprehend these wicked messes and develop strategies to mitigate them, emphasizing the need for adaptive solutions that consider social complexity. This complexity introduces challenges for decision-makers, as they must navigate uncertain environments while responding to rapid changes in geopolitical dynamics.

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