In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor William Akoto joins Big World to discuss the intersections of artificial intelligence and international affairs.

Akoto, a member of the SIS Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security and the director of research at the Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology, begins our conversation by explaining what is currently known about how governments are using AI and emerging technology (1:58 ). Akoto then examines the potential usefulness and dangers of AI’s rapid global proliferation (4:41 ).

How can governments make sure AI is kept in the right hands and out of the wrong hands? (9:54 ). What role is AI playing in interstate cyber conflict, and how it will impact future challenges in cybersecurity? (13:35 ). Akoto answers these questions and considers the potential impacts of integrating AI models into government systems when they have proven to be imperfect (15:36 ). To conclude this episode, Akoto provides us with a few insights about the conversations he is currently having with his students about emerging tech (19:57 ).