How Should A.I. Be Used in Warfare? Open to Debate and CFR Live Debate September 15 in NYC
As modern warfare becomes increasingly automated and reliant on artificial intelligence, the question of who, or what, should have ultimate control over lethal decision-making systems has never been more urgent. This debate centers on the controversial concept of a "kill switch": a mechanism designed to shut down or override autonomous weapon systems in conflict zones. Should this power reside in human hands, ensuring systems are always remotely-piloted, with humans in control? Or should A.I., with its unmatched speed and data-processing abilities, be entrusted to carry out missions in real time, if activated by a human? As militaries race to integrate A.I. into combat systems, the "kill switch" debate is no longer theoretical. Rather, it's a pressing policy and ethical dilemma. On Monday, September 15, nonpartisan debate series Open to Debate in partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is taping a live debate in New York City on the question “Wartime Kill Switch: Human or A.I.?”
Arguing the “Human” side are bestselling author Elliott Ackerman, a former White House fellow, former Marine Raider Officer, and CIA Special Activities Officer who served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan; and Red Cross Senior Advisor for New Technologies & Conflict Laura Walker McDonald, whose work focuses on principled, practical, and impactful ways to use and govern technology in global social change work
Arguing the “A.I.” side are CFR senior fellow for technology and innovation Michael C. Horowitz, who previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Development and Emerging Capabilities and Director of the Emerging Capabilities Policy Office, and retired Air Force lieutenant general Jack Shanahan, who in his final role served as the inaugural Director of the U.S. Department of Defense Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, where he led efforts to integrate A.I. across the defense enterprise.
The debate will tape in front of an invite-only audience on Monday, September 15 at 6pm ET at the Council on Foreign Relations’ office in New York City. Media are invited to attend and can email raypadgett@shorefire.com for access.
DEBATER BIOS – ARGUING HUMAN
* Elliot Ackerman: Former Marine Raider Officer and CIA Special Activities Officer; Bestselling Author
Elliot Ackerman is a former White House fellow, former Marine Raider Officer, and CIA Special Activities Officer who served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. Ackerman is also a contributing writer at The Atlantic and the New York Times best-selling author of the novels “2034,” “Sheepdogs,” “Red Dress in Black and White,” “Waiting for Eden,” “Dark at the Crossing” and “Green on Blue,” as well as the memoirs “Places and Names: On War, Revolution, and Returning” and “The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan.” His books have been nominated for the National Book Award, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and nonfiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, among others.
* Laura Walker McDonald: Senior Advisor for New Technologies & Conflict at the International Committee of the Red Cross
Laura Walker McDonald is a senior technology policy leader with almost two decades of experience in bridging humanitarian principles, responsible AI governance, and building and deploying rights-respecting technology. She is currently a Senior Advisor in Technologies & Conflict at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), where she advises on the impacts of technology on conflict, the conduct of hostilities and humanitarian action, and leads related policy, learning and research initiatives. Laura focuses on principled, practical, and impactful ways to use and govern technology in global social change work. She brings together deep knowledge of technology policy, practice, and people across humanitarian aid and development, with applied research, software product management, and human-centered design. Before joining the ICRC, she worked at Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) at the United Nations Foundation, Global Alliance for Humanitarian Innovation (GAHI), SIMLab, FrontlineSMS, and the British Red Cross. She holds an LL.B (Hons) in Law, French and German from the University of the West of England, Bristol, and an LL.M in International Development Law and Human Rights from Warwick University.
DEBATER BIOS – ARGUING A.I.
* Michael C. Horowitz: Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations; Director of Perry World House and Richard Perry Professor at the University of Pennsylvania
Michael C. Horowitz is a senior fellow for technology and innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also the director of Perry World House and Richard Perry Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Development and Emerging Capabilities and Director of the Emerging Capabilities Policy Office. His research interests include the intersection of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics with global politics, military innovation, the role of leaders in international politics, and geopolitical forecasting methodology. He is the author of “The Diffusion of Military Power: Causes and Consequences for International Politics,” and co-author of “Why Leaders Fight.” He won the Karl Deutsch Award from the International Studies Association for early career contributions to the fields of international relations and peace research. He has published in a wide array of peer-reviewed journals and popular outlets. Horowitz worked for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy as a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow. He is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Professor Horowitz received his Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University and his B.A. in political science from Emory University.
* Jack Shanahan: Inaugural Director of Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer
Lt. Gen. (ret.) John (Jack) N.T. Shanahan, United States Air Force, Retired, concluded a distinguished 36-year military career in 2020. In his final role, he served as the inaugural Director of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), where he led efforts to integrate AI across the defense enterprise. Over his career, Jack held a variety of operational and staff positions spanning flying operations, intelligence, policy, and command and control. He commanded at the squadron, group, wing, Agency, and Numbered Air Force levels. As the founding Director of the Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team (Project Maven), he pioneered the DoD’s first operational AI program, advancing the use of AI for military operations and intelligence collection, and analysis. He is an Adjunct Senior Fellow with the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) Technology and National Security Program. Additionally, Jack serves on numerous defense- and intelligence-focused committees, boards, and advisory groups, and advises on the use of AI for national security. Jack earned a Master of International Studies degree from North Carolina State University in 2022 and serves on the NCSU Shelton Leadership Center Board of Advisors.
ABOUT OPEN TO DEBATE
Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. We are the nation's only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. We know debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America. Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide. Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.
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ABOUT THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators and students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens in order to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. CFR takes no institutional positions on policy issues and has no affiliation with the U.S. government. All views expressed in its publications and on its website are the sole responsibility of the author or authors.
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For more information on Open to Debate, contact Ray Padgett (raypadgett@shorefire.com) or Mark Satlof (msatlof@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media.