Secret Alliances: Special Operations and Intelligence in Norway 1940-1945 – The British Perspective

Abstract

swarms, hypersonic weapons, and cyber capabilities. Johnson notes AI-enabled drone swarms could be used to gather intelligence on adversaries or engage in offensive and defensive missions. Johnson notes that relatively cheap and available drone swarms could easily be used as asymmetric tools against a more powerful adversary. Regarding AI-enabled hypersonic weapons, the author notes this too could be a destabilizing force in strategic stability since it would essentially reduce another state’s nuclear credibility. Finally, the author discusses how AI-enabled cyber operations will speed up decision-making time, and as a result questions at what point human decision-making might detract from the speed and precision needed for AI-enabled cyber operations. Johnson brings it all together in chapter 9 discussing the interplay of human psychology and intelligent machines. Undoubtedly, AI will bring some capabilities to human decision makers and at times improve their decision making. Yet, the author also notes, correctly, that this capability will likely increase the speed at which decisions are made and at times lead to suboptimal decisions. In a crisis situation, where empathetic and reflective thinking is needed most, accelerated AI-enabled decision making could erode stability. Moreover, Johnson discusses the network effects of superimposing AI technologies on to legacy nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) systems. This is an important point that often goes unrecognized. By adding imperfect AI systems to vulnerable (and aging) NC3 systems, are we just compounding risk to our systems? Johnson accurately notes that this synthesis will likely increase ‘errors, distortions, and manipulations’, which in turn will erode strategic stability. While I loved Johnson’s newest work, it may not be accessible to all, and that’s okay. This book was not written for a broad audience or undergraduate students. It is written for strategic-level theorists with an interest in how emerging technologies will influence the environment. That is a niche audience. Luckily, I am part of that audience and Johnson’s contribution powerfully spoke directly to my academic interest and influenced how I view the future of warfare.