Recent Articles

By Team Ergo Sum Machina: Mr. Tom Jackson, COL Robert Richardson , LTC Katherine Ogletree, LTC Charles Moss, and CDR Robert Liberato; Strategic Research Project by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership; This study explores how adversaries my weaponize artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) for deception and manipulation in the psycho-cognitive domain through 2033, examining likely effects, implications, and necessary countermeasures. The research, conducted by the U.S. Army War College student team “Ergo Sum Machina”, concludes that adversaries will almost certainly exploit AIGC through psycho-cognitive and machine-level vectors, while mitigation efforts will likely be unevenly applied, leaving persistent vulnerabilities in epistemic agency, cyber infrastructure, and synthetic data.

by COL Erin H. Frazier (USA), COL Robert F. Jordan (USA), Lt Col Joseph G. Dolce (USAF), LTC Tyler J. Waterhouse (USAR), LTC Allan S. Jackman (USA), Under the direction of Professor Kristan J. Wheaton; Publication from the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership; This is a report that outlines the transformative potential of human-machine integration (HMI) in military operations over the next two decades. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive changes across the DOTMLPF-P framework (Doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy) to maintain a competitive edge in future conflicts. The report identifies key areas of impact, including command and maneuver, ethical AI-enhanced decision-making, and future-proofing military capabilities, highlighting the integration of advanced technologies such as brain0computer interfaces and augmented reality. Ethical considerations and the development of a technologically proficient military workforce are underscored as crucial elements of this evolution.

Emerging Technologies and Terrorism: An American Perspective A NATO COE-DAT Research Project in Collaboration with the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute Editors: Susan Sim, Eric Hartunian, and Paul J. Milas; Contributors: Darrin L. Frye, Sarah Lohmann, Paul J. Milas, Michael W. Parrott, Susan Sim, Steve S. Sin, Kristan J. Wheaton; Chapter 1: ©2024 Susan Sim. All rights reserved. Chapter 2: ©2024 Sarah Lohmann. All rights reserved. Chapter 5: ©2024 Steve S. Sin. All rights reserved. In a world where technology is rapidly advancing and available to the masses, companies and policymakers face a daunting reality—non-state actors are using innovation for sinister purposes. While artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems promise enhanced threat detection, terrorist groups are exploiting these tools for recruitment and attacks. The future is concerning as AI becomes more widespread and autonomous systems and augmented reality redefine society. A groundbreaking report is born from a collaboration between NATO COE-DAT and the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. This book unveils a grim forecast that terrorists are poised to exploit advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, augmented reality, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. The line between reality and fiction blurs in the age of rapid technological evolution, urging governments, industries, and academia to unite in crafting ethical frameworks and regulations. As geopolitical tides shift, NATO stresses national responsibility in combating terrorism and advocating for collective strength against the looming specter of technology-driven threats. However, questions linger. Can regulatory frameworks keep pace with technological innovation? Will industry prioritize ethical considerations over profit margins?

International Competition in the High North: Kingston Conference on International Security 2022 Editors: Michael E. Lynch and Howard G. Coombs Conference Papers by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College Press Climate change has expanded commercial opportunities in the High North. The Russian attack on Ukraine has weakened the Arctic Council, thus setting the stage for great-power competition in the Arctic. This presents several dilemmas to the Arctic Nations, and especially the indigenous populations who live in the region.

Deterrence Gap: Avoiding War in the Taiwan Strait Jared M. McKinney and Peter Harris Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College Press The various deterrents that used to discourage Beijing from invading Taiwan have decayed, and at the same time China’s leaders face fewer restraints than ever before. Even so, if interlocking deterrents can be developed for the short, medium, and long terms, and peace reinvigorated, war may yet be avoided.

The Future Role of Strategic Landpower Dr. Gregory L. Cantwell, Major Justin M. Magula Integrated Research Project by the US Army War College, US Army War College Press, Center for Strategic Leadership "Recent Russian aggression in Ukraine has reenergized military strategists and senior leaders to evaluate the role of strategic Landpower. American leadership in the European theater has mobilized allies and partners to reconsider force postures for responding to possible aggression against NATO members. Although Russian revisionist activity remains a threat in Europe, the challenges in the Pacific for strategic Landpower must also be considered. At the same time, the homeland, the Arctic, climate change, and the results of new and emerging technology also challenge the application of strategic Landpower..."

2023 Annual Estimate of the Strategic Security Environment Publication by the US Army War College, US Army War college Press, Strategic Studies Institute "The Annual Estimate of the Strategic Security Environment serves as a guide for academics and practitioners in the defense community on the current challenges and opportunities in the strategic environment. This year’s publication outlines key strategic issues across the four broad themes of Regional Challenges and Opportunities, Domestic Challenges, Institutional Challenges, and Domains Impacting US Strategic Advantage. These themes represent a wide range of topics affecting national security and provide a global assessment of the strategic environment to help focus the defense community on research and publication..."

A Compendium to the 2023 Annual Estimate of the Strategic Security Environment Publication by the US Army War College, US Army War college Press, Strategic Studies Institute "The Annual Estimate of the Strategic Security Environment serves as a guide for academics and practitioners in the defense community on the current challenges and opportunities in the strategic environment. This year’s publication outlines key strategic issues across the four broad themes of Regional Challenges and Opportunities, Domestic Challenges, Institutional Challenges, and Domains Impacting US Strategic Advantage. These themes represent a wide range of topics affecting national security and provide a global assessment of the strategic environment to help focus the defense community on research and publication..."

AY24 Campaign Planning Handbook Handbook by the School of Strategic Landpower, US Army War College The purpose of this document is to assist United States Army War College students during the Military Strategy and Campaigning (MSC) course. It also serves to assist commanders, planners, and other staff officers in combatant commands (CCMD), joint task forces (JTF), and service component commands. It supplements joint doctrine and contains elements of emerging doctrine as practiced globally by joint force commanders (JFCs). It portrays a way to apply draft doctrine awaiting signature, published doctrine, and emerging concepts, all at the higher levels of joint command, with a primary emphasis at the combatant-command level.