From Cold War Missiles to AI-Driven Defense: Risks, Innovations, and Implications

This thesis examines the role of weaponry during the Cold War and its relevance to contemporary United States military strategy. It explores key developments, such as the deployment of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and the broader arms race, focusing on the decisions made by Presidents Truman and Eisenhower to surrounding emerging military technologies. The thesis then shifts to the present, analyzing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern military systems. It discusses both the potential benefits and significant risks of AI, highlighting the ethical and security challenges it presents. Drawing lessons from the Cold War arms race, the study emphasizes the necessity of human oversight in AI-driven military operations to prevent past mistakes from being repeated. Ultimately, it argues that while AI is the future for enhancing military capabilities, careful consideration of its ethical implications and potential for misuse is essential to maintaining security and stability.