
Paul Scharre
Former U.S. Army Ranger and Pentagon official who led the team that wrote the U.S. military's first autonomous weapons policy; author and expert on AI, autonomy, and national security, discussing how AI could transform warfare.
Top 10 podcasts with Paul Scharre
Ranked by the Snipd community

110 snips
May 23, 2024 • 59min
War is a Laboratory for AI with Paul Scharre
Expert in AI weapons and drones in warfare, Paul Scharre, discusses the future of autonomous warfare, ethical considerations, and the need for safeguards. Topics include advancements in autonomous weaponry, moral complexities in combat situations, ethical concerns in the use of autonomous weapons, and the importance of regulations and international agreements in AI warfare.

36 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 2h 45min
AI Drone Warfare Could Spiral Out of Control | U.S. Defense Strategist Paul Scharre
In a thought-provoking conversation, Paul Scharre, a former Army Ranger and Pentagon official, discusses the future of warfare through the lens of AI. He explores scenarios like the ‘battlefield singularity’ where machines may outpace human judgment, and how automated systems could alter command structures. Paul also examines shocking historical false alarms, delving into whether AI would make similar critical decisions. With insights on the balance of power and risks, he emphasizes the need for human control in military AI to avoid catastrophic miscalculations.

Feb 27, 2024 • 50min
Ep 112: Paul Scharre on AI 101
Paul Scharre, an authority on AI and military strategy, discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on warfare. He explores how robotics and AI are reshaping battlefields, emphasizing their strategic advantages and ethical dilemmas. Scharre highlights the geopolitical significance of semiconductor production, particularly in Taiwan, and examines the double-edged nature of autonomous weapons. He also touches on AI's potential role in nuclear strategy, stressing the necessity of human oversight to prevent catastrophic errors.

Apr 2, 2023 • 1h 4min
AI Military Competition: Tactical, Operational, and Strategic Implications
Paul Scharre, Vice President and Director of Studies at CNAS, delves into the evolution of AI in military strategy. He reveals how AI outperforms humans in tactical scenarios like dogfighting and the implications for future warfare. Scharre discusses the U.S.'s competitive edge in talent and computing power against China. He also addresses the 'dictator's dilemma' that AI presents to the CCP and the complexities of regulating such technology amid rising geopolitical tensions. Plus, tips on interviewing like a pro in China!

Mar 18, 2024 • 41min
Netanyahu’s plans for Rafah; The debate over banning TikTok; The future of AI warfare; Chaos in Haiti
Topics discussed include Netanyahu's plans for Rafah and the debate over banning TikTok. The future of AI warfare and chaos in Haiti are also covered. Is the two-state solution a mirage in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Sep 4, 2022 • 60min
AI and the Future of War
Join Paul Scharre, Vice President and Director of Studies at CNAS and a former US Army Ranger, as he dives into the critical intersection of AI and national security. He shares insights on the complexities of military AI applications and the challenges of integrating technology in warfare. Historical perspectives reveal the dangers of autonomous weapons and the ethical dilemmas in modern combat. Scharre emphasizes the need for human oversight and collaboration in defense technology to ensure a stable and safe future in warfare.

Oct 25, 2025 • 36min
#89 Paul Scharre: The Real Life ‘Slaughterbots’: We're Building a Battlefield From Hell
In this insightful discussion, Paul Scharre, a leading expert on autonomous weapons from the Center for Naval Analyses, dives deep into the implications of machines making life-and-death decisions on the battlefield. He explores the current state of autonomous drones in Ukraine and the technical challenges they face. Scharre highlights the ethical risks associated with removing human oversight and warns about the potential escalation of conflict due to misinterpretations by autonomous systems. Prepare for a thought-provoking look at the future of warfare!

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 30min
How AI Will Transform Military Command and Control - Paul Scharre
Paul Scharre, Executive Vice President at the Center for a New American Security and former Pentagon tech strategist, discusses the transformative potential of AI in military command and control. He explains how AI enhances battlefield situational awareness and decision-making speeds, offers insights on the implications of drones in conflict, and warns about the risks of autonomous weapons. Scharre also debates how geography might influence future conflicts, particularly regarding Taiwan, and reflects on the societal impacts of AI beyond the battlefield.

Dec 20, 2024 • 33min
How Can the Trump Administration Strengthen US AI Leadership?
Paul Scharre, Executive VP at CNAS and author of "Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," discusses the U.S. AI landscape as political transitions approach. He highlights bipartisan support for AI advancements while delving into differing views on safety and regulation. Scharre examines the intensifying U.S.-China technology competition and emphasizes the importance of strengthening the U.S. chip manufacturing infrastructure. He also addresses the complexities of navigating AI policies amid evolving political dynamics.
Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 5min
Modern Battlegrounds: The AI Arms Race | Paul Scharre
Paul Scharre, an AI expert and author, explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in warfare and military strategy. He discusses the shift from traditional software to autonomous learning models, revealing how this transformation impacts military operations. The competitive AI landscape with China sparks concern over data privacy and tech dominance. Scharre also addresses the ethical challenges of integrating AI into military contexts, the emergence of drones in combat, and the potential risks of AI developing autonomy, including hypothetical scenarios of AI-led warfare.


