Michael C. Horowitz

Yalda Hakim, Lead World News Presenter at Sky News, and Michael C. Horowitz, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, dive into heavy global issues. They analyze Trump's meeting with Putin and its implications for Ukraine, discussing Trump's Nobel aspirations and Europe's struggle with the crisis. The duo also confronts Israel's military actions in Gaza and the tragic losses of journalists. Lastly, they explore how drone warfare is reshaping military strategies, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in this new age of conflict.

Shashank Joshi, a Defense editor at The Economist renowned for his Ukraine coverage, teams up with Michael Horowitz, a Penn professor and former defense official specializing in AI. They delve into Ukraine's battlefield prospects, debating political cohesion and defense capacity. The discussion turns to Trump's shifting stance on Putin and its implications. They also explore how AI, particularly through 'precise mass' tactics, revolutionizes modern warfare. The pair emphasize the incremental nature of AI advancements in combat and the enduring challenges in defense innovation.

Michael C. Horowitz, Director of Perry World House and a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, explores the future of military strategy shaped by AI and autonomous weapons. He discusses the Replicator initiative, emphasizing a shift towards larger, cost-effective arsenals to counter threats like China. The conversation highlights ethical considerations in defense budgeting and the evolving dynamics of warfare. Horowitz argues for the critical balance between human involvement and technology, calling for reforms in software development amid modern conflicts like Russo-Ukrainian.

Laura Walker McDonald highlights the need for human control in warfare to protect civilians and ensure accountability. Michael C. Horowitz argues that AI can enhance compliance with humanitarian law and reduce emotional mistakes. Elliot Ackerman emphasizes the moral implications of war and the necessity for ethical leadership. Meanwhile, Jack Shanahan discusses the inevitability of autonomous systems and the importance of human oversight throughout the AI lifecycle. Together, they delve into the complex debate over the roles of humans and AI in modern warfare.

Fiona Cunningham, a Political Science professor at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses her book on China’s nuclear strategy. Michael Horowitz, also from Penn and a former Defense official, co-hosts the conversation. They dive into how China balances military force with political goals without escalating to nuclear warfare. The guests also highlight China’s evolving defense strategies, including the significance of their 'no first use' nuclear policy and the development of advanced cyber and counter-space capabilities in response to U.S. actions.