With AI revealing, in its discreet
setting ofcourse (we are indeed quite far from AGI -Artificial General Intelligence),
a new dimension of reality and a new understanding of logic it is but incumbent
for policy makers dealing with national security to be not only be aware but
actively involved. Knowledge was expected to be bring humanity together but AI -functioning
within its discreet settings that is going to guide strategic decisions, is creating
national interest silos of intelligence controlled and dictated by AI. Defence establishments
across the world are expected to ‘blindly’ follow decisions since they are incapable
to scrutinize these. Secondly, because of the acute awareness that AI has access
to intelligence and pattern logic that humans are incapable to decipher nor anticipate,
and lastly, the matter of urgency and reluctance to take human responsibility
when facing higher intelligence and stakes of national security. For these very
reasons there is a call for international moratorium on AI. Then there are
other emerging technological challenges like quantum technology and biotechnology,
both these will have serious implication on national security. With quantum computer
supremacy classical binary computer encryptions face immediate threat which
means all strategic information -that has national security implications, is
being compromised. Present strategic data and interest are also threatened by
future decryptions -harvest now decrypt later is the clarion call of data pirates.
Post quantum cryptography is an immediate challenge to protect public key digital
infrastructure since classical computers will have a long run despite quantum computers.
Defence establishments must be professional enough to not only be fully aware
of these challenges but be equipped to face eventualities. CRISPR Cas9 has
completely revolutionized and scaringly democratized biotechnology. It has a
direct impact on national security. It is an important tool to face climate change
impacted food security and biodiversity conservation by removing chemical fertilizers
and pesticides. CRISPR gene drive can change species. Then there is issue of Neurotechnology,
Brain Computer Interface (BCI), that set to tap brain data, despite medical
benefits malicious intent is much severe with even UN creating framework for Neuro
rights as Human rights. Outer space missions is another area with strategic implications.
With climate change impacting
weather pattern climate vulnerable regions like India needs special attention. At
regional level climate crisis is also a serious national security matter. It has
potential to severely disrupt society through migration, lack of access to nutrition
and shortages of essential supplies. With intensity and frequency of climate
events set to increase National Disaster Management will have to eventually include
Defence forces or for effectiveness vice versa. Defence establishment needs to
be equipped with these new challenges. They will have to be reoriented and
train (or be trainer) for climate related unique prevention, rescue and salvage
missions through NCC and sainik schools, NDA so on. These will be much crucial in
climate vulnerable regions particularly on or near vast international borders. So,
clearly, they will need to chart down strategies and operation in consonance with
meteorological departments. Have they worked out channels and procedures? Are they
aware of immense challenges? Are these being included in the training manuals
of future soldiers?
Consolidated Strategic Corp need
to have an Active Research Wing that works on real time collecting and consolidating
data, looking for pattern, for strategic attention. Meanwhile human exposure to
dangerous terrain and risky actions must be minimized and automated. Human as data
collector and response unit -which is what a soldier essentially is, must be replaced
by deep learning robots. Primitive conceptions of army corps (as feudal patriarchy
domain) and references herein (caste/religion based racist colonial manipulations
consolidated by caste cannibals) must be replaced with thinking soldiers. Modernization
of Defence forces must strive for a thinking soldier who is an asset to society,
and not a representation of patriarchal primitive feudal ways (as is mostly
seen in India, or much grievous in Pakistan that is a serious threat to democracy,
nor psycho-social liabilities as in USA or a robot following order of mass murdering
maniac like Putin). It should not be reflection of conceptions of medieval
times. Defence establishment must synergically associate with challenges of our
times.
Consolidated Strategic Corp need
be center for keeping abreast with latest innovations in fast changing world, analyzing
patterns, unique aberrations, and its implications on national security. It must
therefore act on these inputs for preparedness and variable responses. External
threat is becoming quite fluid hence the response must too be context driven
with complete awareness using all the modern insights and repercussions. Human life
is precious, so is biodiversity and other species, and importantly ideals of democratic
society. Nation’s defence force must be prepared for emerging challenges.
