AI era can benefit from lessons of the nuclear arms race

AI era can benefit from lessons of the nuclear arms race

AI era can benefit from lessons of the nuclear arms race
Shutterstock illustration
Short Url

Every so often, news emerges of an advanced AI model outperforming its predecessor, restarting debates about the trajectory of AI. These incremental improvements, while impressive, also reignite discussions about the prospect of artificial general intelligence or AGI — a hypothetical AI that could match or exceed human cognitive abilities across the board.

This potential technological leap brings to mind another transformative innovation of the 20th century: nuclear power. Both promise unprecedented capabilities but carry risks that could reshape or even end human civilization as we know it.

The development of AI, like nuclear technology, offers remarkable opportunities and grave dangers. It could solve humanity’s most significant challenges or become our ultimate undoing. The nuclear arms race taught us the perils of unchecked technological advancement. Are we heeding those lessons in the AI era?

The creation of nuclear weapons introduced the concept of mutually assured destruction. With AGI, we face not only existential risks of extinction but also the prospect of extreme suffering and a world where human life loses meaning.

Imagine a future where superintelligent systems surpass human creativity, taking over all jobs. The very fabric of human purpose could unravel.

Should it be developed, controlling AGI would be akin to maintaining perfect safety in a nuclear reactor — theoretically possible but practically fraught with challenges. While we have managed nuclear technology for decades, AGI presents unique difficulties.

Unlike static nuclear weapons, AGI could learn, self-modify, and interact unpredictably. A nuclear incident, however catastrophic, allows for recovery. An AGI breakout might offer no such luxury.

The timeline for AGI remains uncertain and hotly debated. While some “optimistic” predictions suggest it could arrive within years, many experts believe it is still decades away, if achievable at all.

Regardless, the stakes are too high to be complacent. Do we have the equivalent of International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards for AI development? Our current methods for assessing AI capabilities seem woefully inadequate for truly understanding the potential risks and impacts of more advanced systems.

The open nature of scientific research accelerated both nuclear and AI development. But while open-source software has proven its value, transitioning from tools to autonomous agents introduces unprecedented dangers. Releasing powerful AI systems into the wild could have unforeseen consequences.

The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink but also ushered in an era of arms control treaties. We need similar global cooperation on AI safety — and fast.

We must prioritize robust international frameworks for AI development and deployment, increased funding for AI safety research, public education on the potential impacts of AGI, and ethical guidelines that all AI researchers and companies must adhere to. It is a tough ask.

With AGI, we face not only existential risks of extinction but also the prospect of extreme suffering and a world where human life loses meaning.

Mohammed A. Alqarni

However, as we consider these weighty issues, it is crucial to recognize the current limitations of AI technology.

The large language models that have captured the public imagination, while impressive, are fundamentally pattern recognition and prediction systems. They lack true understanding, reasoning capabilities, or the ability to learn and adapt in the way human intelligence does.

While these systems show remarkable capabilities, there's an ongoing debate in the AI community about whether they represent a path toward AGI or if fundamentally different approaches will be needed.

In fact, many experts believe that achieving AGI may require additional scientific breakthroughs that are not currently available. We may need new insights into the nature of consciousness, cognition, and intelligence — breakthroughs potentially as profound as those that ushered in the nuclear age.

This perspective offers both reassurance and a call to action.

Reassurance comes from understanding that AGI is not an inevitability based on our current trajectory. We have time to carefully consider the ethical implications, develop robust safety measures, and create international frameworks for responsible AI development.

However, the call to action is to use this time wisely, investing in foundational research not just in AI but also in cognitive science, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind.

As we navigate the future of AI, let us approach it with a balance of excitement and caution. We should harness the immense potential of current AI technologies to solve pressing global challenges while simultaneously preparing for a future that may include more advanced forms of AI.

By fostering global cooperation, ethical guidelines, and a commitment to human-centric AI development, we can work towards a future where AI enhances rather than endangers human flourishing.

The parallels with nuclear technology remind us of the power of human ingenuity and the importance of responsible innovation. Just as we have learned to harness nuclear power for beneficial purposes while avoiding global catastrophe so far, we have an opportunity to shape the future of AI in a way that amplifies human potential rather than diminishing it.

The path forward requires vigilance, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of humanity. In this endeavor, our human wisdom and values are the most critical components of all.

Mohammed A. Alqarni is an academic and consultant on AI for business.
 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Man killed by automatic gunfire in French city of Dijon

Man killed by automatic gunfire in French city of Dijon
Updated 1 min 7 sec ago
Follow

Man killed by automatic gunfire in French city of Dijon

Man killed by automatic gunfire in French city of Dijon
LYON: A 29-year-old man was fatally shot overnight in the eastern French city of Dijon, the local prosecutor said on Sunday, adding that a gangland killing was suspected.
The southern Chenove district where the killing occurred was known for drug trafficking, the prosecutor, Olivier Caracotch, said in a statement.
“A dozen shell casings used by an automatic weapon” were found in the street where the killing took place, he said.
Nearby vehicles and a third-floor apartment were hit by some of the shots, but there were no other casualties, he said.
The police criminal investigation unit determined the shooter had approached a group that included the victim around midnight, opened fire, then escaped by car, Caracotch said.
The man killed lived in the city and had no police record for drug-related crimes, he said, adding that the investigation opened was for organized gang murder and criminal association.

Pakistan allocates 2,000MW for bitcoin mining, AI data centers in digital transformation push

Pakistan allocates 2,000MW for bitcoin mining, AI data centers in digital transformation push
Updated 20 min 15 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan allocates 2,000MW for bitcoin mining, AI data centers in digital transformation push

Pakistan allocates 2,000MW for bitcoin mining, AI data centers in digital transformation push
  • Pakistan offers a strategic location in the world for data flow and digital infrastructure as a digital bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
  • The country is positioning itself as a sovereign economy that can accumulate digital assets, export digital services, and lead in technological transformation

KARACHI: The Pakistani government has allocated 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the first phase of a national initiative to power bitcoin mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers, the finance ministry announced on Sunday, in a push to transform Pakistan into a global leader in digital innovation.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a government-backed body under the Ministry of Finance, as part of a broader strategy to monetize surplus electricity, create high-tech jobs, attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment.

Pakistan is uniquely positioned, both geographically and economically, to become a global hub for data centers, and offers the most strategic location in the world for data flow and digital infrastructure as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Pakistan’s combination of surplus power, geographic advantage, advanced subsea cable connectivity, renewable energy potential, and a large, digitally engaged population creates a compelling case for becoming a regional epicenter of Web3, AI, and digital innovation.

“This strategic allocation marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey, unlocking economic potential by turning excess energy into innovation, investment, and international revenue,” Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was quoted as saying by his ministry.

Since the inception of the PCC, there has been tremendous interest from global bitcoin miners and data infrastructure companies, and several international firms have already visited Pakistan for exploratory discussions, according to the finance ministry. Following this landmark announcement, more global players are expected to visit in the coming weeks.

It said Pakistan’s underutilized power generation capacity is now being repurposed into a high-value digital asset.

“AI data centers and Bitcoin mining operations, known for their consistent and heavy energy usage, provide an ideal use case for this surplus,” the ministry said. ‘Redirecting idle energy, especially from plants operating below capacity, allows Pakistan to convert a long-standing financial liability into a sustainable, revenue-generating opportunity.”

PCC CEO Bilal bin Saqib emphasized the transformative nature of this initiative, saying Pakistan could become a global crypto and AI powerhouse with proper regulation, transparency, and international collaboration.
“This energy-backed digital transformation not only unlocks high-value investment but enables the government to generate foreign exchange in USD through bitcoin mining,” he said.

“Additionally, as regulations evolve, Pakistan can accumulate bitcoin directly into a national wallet, marking a monumental shift from selling power in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) to leveraging digital assets for economic stability.”

In April, Pakistan introduced its first-ever policy framework to regulate virtual assets and service providers, aligning with compliance and financial integrity guidelines of the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The move followed the establishment of the PCC in March to create a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading in a bid to lure international investment.

With the right incentives, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships, Pakistan is positioning itself not only as a destination for global digital infrastructure but also as a sovereign economy that can accumulate digital assets, export digital services, and lead in the next generation of technological transformation.

“By offering stable and affordable energy, Pakistan presents a highly competitive environment compared to regional counterparts like India and Singapore, where rising power costs and land scarcity limit scalability,” the finance ministry said.

“Pakistan’s strategic advantage is further underscored by the global context: while AI data center demand has soared to over 100GW, global supply remains around 15GW. This massive shortfall creates an unprecedented opportunity for countries like Pakistan with surplus power, land, and an emerging regulatory framework.”

Pakistan’s digital connectivity has also been significantly strengthened by the landing of the world’s largest submarine Internet cable. The Africa-2 Cable Project, a 45,000-kilometer global network connecting 33 countries through 46 landing stations, has now landed in Pakistan. This milestone enhances Pakistan’s Internet bandwidth, latency, and resilience through redundant fiber routes — key for ensuring high availability and operational continuity for AI data centers.

With a population of over 250 million and more than 40 million crypto users, Pakistan holds immense potential as a regional leader in digital services, according to the finance ministry.

Establishing local AI data centers will not only address growing concerns around data sovereignty but will also enhance cybersecurity, improve digital service delivery, and empower national capabilities in AI and cloud infrastructure. These centers are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, catalyzing the development of a skilled workforce in engineering, IT, and data sciences.

“This announcement marks only the first phase of a broader, multi-stage digital infrastructure rollout. Future developments are expected to include renewable energy-powered facilities — leveraging Pakistan’s immense wind (50,000 MW potential in the Gharo-Keti Bandar corridor), solar, and hydropower resources — strategic international partnerships with leading blockchain and AI companies, and the establishment of fintech and innovation hubs,” the ministry said.

“These efforts will be complemented by proposed incentives such as tax holidays, customs duty exemptions on equipment, and reduced taxes for AI infrastructure developers.”


Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes
Updated 26 min 22 sec ago
Follow

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

DUBAI: Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi made a triumphant return to the global stage, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or for his latest film “It Was Just an Accident” at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.

Panahi, long a symbol of artistic defiance in Iran, had previously faced imprisonment and a 20-year ban on filmmaking and international travel. His emotional appearance at the festival, where he received the award from jury president Juliette Binoche — a vocal supporter of his work — marked a significant moment for both the director and Cannes.

The political thriller centers on a former prisoner who kidnaps the man he believes tortured him and grapples with fellow dissidents over whether to exact revenge or offer forgiveness.

The ceremony also recognized other global talents. Chinese director Bi Gan received a special jury prize for “Resurrection,” while Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi made history as the first from his country to win the Camera d’Or for debut feature “The President’s Cake.”

Brazil’s Wagner Moura took home best actor honors for “The Secret Agent,” a 1970s-set political drama by Kleber Mendonça Filho, who also won best director.

German director Mascha Schilinski and Spain’s Oliver Laxe shared the Jury Prize for their respective films “Sound of Falling” and “Sirat.” The former is a sweeping multigenerational family saga, while the latter explores an apocalyptic vision of the Moroccan desert through techno-infused storytelling.

Actor John C. Reilly surprised audiences with a rendition of “La Vie en Rose” before presenting best screenplay to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for “Young Mothers,” the Belgian brothers' latest social drama.


Israeli military says it intercepted missile from Yemen

Israeli military says it intercepted missile from Yemen
Updated 11 min 4 sec ago
Follow

Israeli military says it intercepted missile from Yemen

Israeli military says it intercepted missile from Yemen
  • Israeli military says missile identified from Yemen towards Israel

CAIRO: The Israeli military said on Sunday that it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel.
Sirens sounded in several areas in the country, the Israeli military said earlier.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have continued to fire missiles at Israel in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Most of the group’s missile have been intercepted or have fallen short.
The Houthis did not immediately comment on the latest missile launch.


OSUS invests over SAR 2 billion in flagship "OSUS EYE" Project to transform urban living in Riyadh

OSUS invests over SAR 2 billion in flagship
Updated 46 min 8 sec ago
Follow

OSUS invests over SAR 2 billion in flagship "OSUS EYE" Project to transform urban living in Riyadh

OSUS invests over SAR 2 billion in flagship "OSUS EYE" Project to transform urban living in Riyadh

OSUS Real Estate Development Company has officially launched its flagship project “OSUS EYE” — a fully integrated urban destination that brings together elegant residences with contemporary luxury, a world-class Hilton Garden Inn hotel, branded residences tower under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, premium-grade offices, and retail spaces. Strategically located at the intersection of Takhassusi Road and Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road in northern Riyadh, the SR2-billion ($533 million) project extends over gross floor area exceeding 180,000 square meters, embodying the concept of a 10-minute city aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

The development features 627 residential units, including apartments and townhouses, designed with modern architectural aesthetics across a dedicated residential area of 82,370 square meters. Additionally, the project allocates 46,854 square meters for commercial offices and retail, offering a contemporary business environment that supports entrepreneurship and investment. To meet the needs of residents and visitors, the project includes multi-story parking facilities totaling 155,400 square meters, ensuring ease of mobility and smooth traffic flow. 

“OSUS EYE” is also home to a variety of recreational amenities, including lush green parks spanning 62,893 square meters, dining venues, cafes, and pedestrian and cycling paths — delivering a comprehensive urban experience that enhances the quality of life in the capital. 

With this project, OSUS reaffirms its commitment to developing sustainable destinations and pioneering smart urban concepts that elevate living, working, and leisure experiences. 

Founded in Riyadh in 2006, OSUS has established itself as a leading real estate developer, delivering high-impact projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. The company has developed a robust portfolio of 54 projects, including vibrant residential neighborhoods, modern office spaces, and urban landmarks that contribute to the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector, underscoring its clear strategic vision and excellence in execution.