Retired Admiral James Stavridis and retired Marine Captain Elliot Ackerman discuss potential US conflicts with China, extreme political divisions, and the impact of A.I on national security. They wrote novels to show possible disastrous futures and solutions to avoid them.
Miscalculations in international incidents can lead to escalating tensions and potential conflicts.
Future wars may heavily rely on technology, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and readiness against cyber threats.
Deep dives
Tension Between US and China Over Spy Plane Incident
An incident in 2001 involving a US Navy spy plane forced to land on a Chinese island by Chinese interceptors highlights the risk of miscalculation between nations. The tense standoff following the collision sparked fears of escalating to violence. Diplomacy eventually diffused the situation, but it left a lasting impact on naval officer James Stavridis, who later co-authored a novel envisioning a similar crisis.
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Concerns
The novels '2034' and '2054' explore themes of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the impact of technological reliance in future conflicts. The potential vulnerabilities of interconnected systems, including underwater cables critical to the internet, raise pressing concerns about maintaining operational readiness in the face of cyber threats and disruptions.
Political Extremism and Civil Conflict in the US
In the sequel '2054,' a fictional narrative envisions a fractured United States facing extreme political polarization, with a charismatic populist president at the center. The storyline delves into the possibility of civil conflict fueled by deepening ideological divisions, reflecting real-life political trends. The novels serve as cautionary tales, prompting reflection on societal resilience amidst escalating tensions.
How could the US lose a war with China? What happens if American political divisions keep getting more extreme? And what in the world will A.I, mean for national security? These are the questions that keep the former commander of NATO, retired Admiral James Stavridis and retired Marine Captain Elliot Ackerman up at night. But unlike a lot of people in their shoes, they haven’t been harrying policymakers with op-eds or whitepapers. Instead they teamed up to write a set of novels showing how badly things could go—and what the US can do to avoid a nightmarish future.
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