Four Leading Think Tanks in Defense and Intelligence AI
By Stephen Doty —
In the rapidly evolving world of defense and intelligence, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone technology, shaping strategies and operations. At the forefront of these advancements are prominent think tanks, playing pivotal roles in research, policy formation, and strategic planning. First among them are the Aspen Institute, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Brookings Institution, and Atlantic Council.
The Aspen Institute is renowned for its commitment to addressing complex global challenges. In Defense and Intelligence AI, their program Aspen Digital focuses on ethical frameworks and policy guidelines. The institute’s work ensures that AI technologies in defense are developed and used in ways consistent with democratic values and human rights. One project is an AI Primer for Journalists in consultation with reporters, providing essential knowledge about AI. Another project is the NextGen Network in collaboration with Microsoft exploring how technology could support governance, economic stability, and public health. Through its roundtables and policy papers, the Aspen Institute offers a platform for dialogue among technologists, policymakers, and military leaders, fostering responsible AI strategies.
CSIS, led by AI director Gregory C. Allen, has established itself as a powerhouse in strategic defense research. It delves deep into the implications of AI in national security, focusing on both opportunities and challenges. CSIS’s research covers AI-driven warfare technologies, cyber defense, and the global race for AI supremacy. CSIS has also launched the AI Council, which comprises distinguished global leaders providing vital insights on translating AI principles into practice, establishing common standards for AI safety and security measures, and accelerating global regulation and collaboration.
The Brookings Institution’s approach to Defense and Intelligence AI blends technological insights with geopolitical analysis. Its experts examine how AI technologies can be leveraged for intelligence gathering, threat assessment, and decision-making in defense scenarios. The Brookings Institution hosts regular AI meetings with high-level officials from different countries, industry experts, civil society representatives, and academia. These meetings aim to identify opportunities for international cooperation on AI regulation, standards, research, and development.
The Atlantic Council AI teams focus on the importance of NATO and its allies in coordinating AI strategies to counter emerging threats. Their work includes analyzing AI’s role in information warfare, autonomous systems, and the future of warfare. The Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center, in partnership with the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, implements the AI Connect program to help low and middle-income countries participate in global innovation.
The Aspen Institute, CSIS, Brookings Institution, and Atlantic Council are critical to the development of AI for national security, defense, and intelligence. Their large commitment to research, policy recommendations, and strategic dialogue helps guide governments and the defense industry in navigating AI, security, and ethics. The contributions of these think tanks and others in the field are invaluable to ensure advancements serve global peace and security.