Algorithms of Armageddon
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Future Wars
Published on 22. May 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
248 pages
978-1-68247-862-2 (ISBN)
Description
It is unclear if U.S. policy makers and military leaders fully realize that we have already been thrust into an artificial intelligence (AI) race with authoritarian powers. Today, the United States' peer adversaries-China and Russia-have made clear their intentions to make major investments in AI and insert this technology into their military systems, sensors and weapons. Their goal is to gain an asymmetric advantage over the U.S. military. The implications for our national security are many and complex. Algorithms of Armageddon examines this most pressing security issue in a clear, insightful delivery by two experts. Authors George Galdorisi and Sam J. Tangredi are national security professionals who deal with AI on a day-to-day basis in their work in both the technical and policy arenas.
Opening chapters explain the fundamentals of what constitutes big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. They investigate the convergence of AI with other technologies and how these systems will interact with humans. Critical to the issue is the manner by which AI is being developed and utilized by Russia and China. The central chapters of the work address the weaponizing of AI through interaction with other technologies, man-machine teaming, and autonomous weapons systems. The authors cover in depth debates surrounding the AI "genie out of the bottle" controversy, AI arms races, and the resulting impact on policy and the laws of war. Given that global powers are leading large-scale development of AI, it is likely that use of this technology will be global in extent. Will AI-enabled military weapons systems lead to full-scale global war? Can such a conflict be avoided? The later chapters of the work explore these questions, point to the possibility of humans failing to control military AI applications, and conclude that the dangers for the United States are real.
Neither a protest against AI, nor a speculative work on how AI could replace humans, Algorithms of Armageddon provides a time-critical understanding of why AI is being implemented through state weaponization, the realities for the global power balance, and more importantly, U.S. national security. Galdorisi and Tangredi propose a national dialogue that focuses on the need for U.S. military to have access to the latest AI-enabled technology in order to provide security and prosperity to the American people.
Opening chapters explain the fundamentals of what constitutes big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. They investigate the convergence of AI with other technologies and how these systems will interact with humans. Critical to the issue is the manner by which AI is being developed and utilized by Russia and China. The central chapters of the work address the weaponizing of AI through interaction with other technologies, man-machine teaming, and autonomous weapons systems. The authors cover in depth debates surrounding the AI "genie out of the bottle" controversy, AI arms races, and the resulting impact on policy and the laws of war. Given that global powers are leading large-scale development of AI, it is likely that use of this technology will be global in extent. Will AI-enabled military weapons systems lead to full-scale global war? Can such a conflict be avoided? The later chapters of the work explore these questions, point to the possibility of humans failing to control military AI applications, and conclude that the dangers for the United States are real.
Neither a protest against AI, nor a speculative work on how AI could replace humans, Algorithms of Armageddon provides a time-critical understanding of why AI is being implemented through state weaponization, the realities for the global power balance, and more importantly, U.S. national security. Galdorisi and Tangredi propose a national dialogue that focuses on the need for U.S. military to have access to the latest AI-enabled technology in order to provide security and prosperity to the American people.
Reviews / Votes
"Few books have discussed the use of artificial intelligence in war and those few have generated more heat than light. Algorithms of Armageddon, written by two national security professionals who are recognized experts in the field, is the essential book for anyone trying to understand why the United States must win the "AI arms race" with our potential adversaries, China and Russia."-Adm. James Stavridis, USN (Ret.), former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO"National security is the realm of human activity where the risks of AI are most profound. Those risks are being increased every day by potential opponents who are seeking to surpass the U.S. in military applications of AI. Algorithms of Armageddon identifies these risks--and potential solutions--in a clear and accessible manner. This book should be read and discussed by everyone."-Michele Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
"Algorithms of Armageddon takes an urgent look at the harsh realities of how AI is transforming warfare and the dilemmas militaries face in AI adoption. The book is a call to arms for mobilizing the American military to use AI, not to replace human warfighters, but to make them more effective."-Paul Scharre, author of Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Time 100/AI
"As Secretary of the Navy, I received many, many briefs on new technologies. I wish that they had all been as clear, concise and understandable as this book. The authors unravel the complexity and supposed mystery involving AI. And its findings are right on the mark."-John Lehman, former Secretary of the Navy
"If you want to separate the hype from hysteria when it comes to Artificial Intelligence, there is no better option than the latest work of George Galadorsi and Sam Tangredi. Algorithms of Armageddon is an essential volume for those seeking to understand the possible benefits of AI and for assessing what we can expect from this emerging technology in terms of its contributions and limitations on the battlefield. It provides a scrupulously balanced perspective, with clear proposals to advance a national dialogue and a responsible approach to applying AI in our defense. Because it wrestles with the policy, technology and moral element of the key security challenge of our times, this book warrants everyone's immediate attention."-Frank Hoffman, National Defense University, author of Mars Adapting
"As the authors write clearly and compellingly, the near-term danger of AI is not that machines will dominate humans, but that humans--our potential opponents--will try to use it to dominate us. We must prevent that, and it will require our own military use of AI in responsible, effective ways."-Rear Adm. Nevin Carr, USN (Ret.), former Chief of Naval Research
"In Algorithms of Armageddon, authors George Galdorisi and Sam Tangredi present a well-researched and compelling assessment of AI's current and prospective capabilities-and limitations. While intended for a broad audience, Algorithms of Armageddon is must reading for scholars, policy makers and military professionals alike."-Dr. Andrew Krepinevich, author of The Origins of Victory
"The book provides a first-rate treatment of the issues revolving around AI and the military...." -Defense.info
"Is artificial intelligence (AI) the next superweapon of warfare? What is AI and how will it truly affect warfare in this century? Can anything be done to stop the spread of AI and its impacts on future conflict? These are questions the authors try to answer in a fairly straightforward manner in this informative volume that addresses one of the most controversial topics in the defense arena today. This book is an excellent primer for anyone wanting a solid understanding of this future U.S. national security challenge."-New York Journal of Books
"In a new book by George Galdorisi and Sam Tangredi, they focus on the coming impact of artificial intelligence on warfare. The book is entitled Algorithms of Armageddon which recognizes how a general scientific fiction quality to AI has come to dominate the public mind and those of many timid decision makers. The subtitle is the impact of artificial intelligence on future wars which is to suggest this is a book about future possibilities. But it isn't. The future has already arrived."-RealClear Defense
"In this informative and sometimes sobering read, the potential repercussions of artificial intelligence on both free and politically oppressed societies become very real. Even more chilling are the authors' revelations regarding the inevitable military applications for AI. In much the same way the world has been forced to deal with the specter of nuclear war since 1945, we must now learn to deal with the threat of autonomous weaponry in the hands of people who mean us harm. As Galdorisi and Tangredi correctly point out, the only recourse for freedom-loving nations at this point is a "fight-fire-with-fire" strategy, in which we must constantly one-up the other side. Replete with detailed footnotes, Algorithms of Armageddon is a comprehensive compilation of the most thorough combat AI research to date. It is a must-read for anyone-particularly anyone in the Naval Service-who wants to stay well informed on the nuanced geopolitics of a technological world. I highly recommend it to junior officers, flag officers, and everyone in between."-Surface Sitrep
"Their excellent book is intended 'to provide a detailed and impartial picture of the current state and potential evolution of military applications of AI.' Given the technical complexity of the topic, it succeeds in that goal in a surprisingly readable way. Overall the book is surely correct in that the American public and its leaders need to develop a deeper understanding of the risks posed by military AI and to take steps to preserve our dominance in that area - lest our national security be at risk from future algorithms of Armageddon."-The Cipher Brief
"An ever increasingly critical concern with respect to American national security (and the security of the free world) as we advance further into the 21st century, Algorithms of Armageddon: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Future Wars from the Naval Institute Press is a seminal and groundbreaking study that is an essential and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, governmental, and college/university library AI and Military Strategy collections."-The Midwest Book Review
"Algorithmic warfare applies military artificial intelligence (AI) to the conduct of war. The US uses AI for intelligence gathering and analysis, war-gaming and planning, and accelerating human decision-making, even as adversaries pursue similar systems. This book makes the issues involved intelligible to a general audience and promotes algorithmic warfare while describing its potential and dangers. The Defense Department is committed to keeping the "man-in-the-loop" as the last decider in the human-machine team. However, any sufficiently advanced algorithm is beyond the comprehension of the programmer and will generate unexpected results. No matter how much testing is done in development, end users will find uses and problems the programmers never anticipated, such as machine "hallucinations" presented as fact. And in war, the enemy always has the last word. He will find openings and hack our systems as we do the same to him. Electrical grids can be hit; support chains can be penetrated. As in commercial AI, hype and promotion will raise expectations faster than they can be achieved. The authors claim that the threat is that other humans will use AI to control us, but we can also use AI to fool ourselves. Thought-provoking. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals."-Choice
"Galdorisi and Tangredi's book is an essential read for military strategists and policymakers who want an extensive review of the events that have led to this moment in history and how those series of events will play a role in the use of AI for future warfare. Galdorisi and Tangredi offer readers a compelling call to action and a guide on how to discuss the risks and opportunities presented in this next era of technology."-Proceedings
"Algorithms of Armageddon is a timely consideration of the military implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by two experienced scholar-practitioners. To be fair, the stated goal of the authors is not to answer all conceivable questions regarding AI but rather to prompt "a national dialogue on military AI." For this, Algorithms of Armageddon is an indispensable and highly recommended base-thorough, well-written, and persuasive. Those interested in AI and its military implications will find this an extremely valuable book, as will future historians seeking to understand American defense decision-making in the first quarter of the 21st century."-Tuesday Tidings
"This book delivers a clear-eyed assessment of AI's military applications and the strategic imperatives facing American defense planners. In an increasingly complex technological environment, Galdorisi and Tangredi have provided a valuable roadmap for navigating AI's growing impact on US national security." - US Army War College
"Through a comprehensive dissection and explanation of current governmental uses of big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI), this book clearly sets out why algorithmic warfare is already upon us, the associated opportunities, and also many of the concurrent threats." - The Naval Review
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Annopolis
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
412 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-68247-862-2 (9781682478622)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
George Galdorisi | Sam J. Tangredi
Algorithms of Armageddon
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Future Wars
E-Book
03/2024
Naval Institute Press
€23.49
Available for download
Persons
Captain George Galdorisi, U.S. Navy (Ret.), is Director of Strategic Assessments and Technical Futures for the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific. Prior to joining NIWC Pacific, he completed a thirty-year career as a naval aviator, culminating in fourteen years of consecutive service as executive officer, commanding officer, commodore, and chief of staff. He is the author of seventeen books, including four consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He especially enjoys writing speculative fiction about the future of warfare. His most recent novel, Fire and Ice, was widely recognized as being prescient regarding Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Captain Sam J. Tangredi, U.S. Navy (Ret.) is the Leidos Chair of Future Warfare Studies and Professor of National, Naval and Maritime Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College. A surface warfare officer and warship captain deployed worldwide, Dr. Tangredi also served multiple tours of duty in the Pentagon as a leader of strategic planning teams. He has published six books and over 200 articles on defense strategy and has won 15 professional literature awards. His book Anti-Access Warfare, considered a definitive work, was recently republished in paperback by Naval Institute Press as well as translated into Chinese by the People's Liberation Army. He splits his time between Newport, RI and Coronado, CA.
Captain Sam J. Tangredi, U.S. Navy (Ret.) is the Leidos Chair of Future Warfare Studies and Professor of National, Naval and Maritime Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College. A surface warfare officer and warship captain deployed worldwide, Dr. Tangredi also served multiple tours of duty in the Pentagon as a leader of strategic planning teams. He has published six books and over 200 articles on defense strategy and has won 15 professional literature awards. His book Anti-Access Warfare, considered a definitive work, was recently republished in paperback by Naval Institute Press as well as translated into Chinese by the People's Liberation Army. He splits his time between Newport, RI and Coronado, CA.