

EP 294 Timothy Clancy on an AI Cold War
72 snips 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.
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AI Evolution and National Security
- AI is evolving from chat-based to reasoning AI, which performs iterative computations and remembers context.
- This evolution has significant national security implications, as it can be applied to complex social and systemic issues.
AGI and Geopolitical Competition
- Vladimir Putin believes whoever achieves AGI first will control the world, highlighting the strategic importance of advanced AI.
- The US and China are the main competitors in this AI race, similar to the Cold War's nuclear arms race.
Multipolar Trap in AI Development
- The multipolar trap dynamic compels both the US and China to compete in AI development, even if cooperation would be mutually beneficial.
- This dynamic is driven by power and chip resources, creating a Red Queen race where both sides must constantly adapt and improve.