The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is an independent foreign policy think tank established in 1910. In addition to its headquarters in Washington DC, it has offices in Beijing, Beirut, Brussels, Moscow, and New Delhi. It describes itself as a network of ‘140 thinkers and doers from diverse disciplines and perspectives spread across more than twenty countries’. And it is consistently ranked as one of the most influential think tanks in the world. Two of its programmes are particularly relevant for emerging technology in the area of foreign policy and security: the Cyber Policy Initiative and the Technology and International Affairs Program. Both explore the implications of advanced tech for international affairs.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The organisation mainly provides research and policy reports on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in international affairs and organises events on the topic.
A recent publication focuses on the expansion and implications of AI surveillance technology around the world. The paper asks some key questions such as (a) Which countries are adopting AI surveillance technology? (b) What specific types of AI surveillance are governments deploying? and (c) Which countries and companies are supplying this technology? In doing so, the paper maps countries on the AI Global Surveillance (AIGS) index.
A recent article on What the Machine Learning Value Chain Means for Geopolitics explores the extent to which governments invest in machine learning technology in a comparative perspective. A 2016 conference looked at The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Military Operations and Privacy. Other issues covered in this context include the transatlantic relationship, the impact of AI on the global economy, geopolitical implications of AI, and new governance challenges. In addition, the annual Global Technology Summit (GTS) brings together policymakers, industry experts, and scholars to explore issues such as data privacy, 5G technologies, biotechnology, AI, and financial technology.
QUANTUM COMPUTING
While quantum computing is mentioned on the sidelines along with other merging technologies, notably AI, one paper focuses specifically on the security implications of quantum computing. In Implications of Quantum Computing for Encryption Policy, the authors explore the basics of quantum computing and the implications for existing encryption algorithms and the emergence of quantum-safe encryption. The paper is published in the context of the Encryption Working Group, a co-operation between the Carnegie Endowment and Princeton University. Given the potential importance of quantum computing for encryption and security, more work and publications in this area are likely.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
- Explores the implications of AI in the field of international affairs. Its overall goal is to provide ‘global, independent, and strategic insight and innovative ideas that advance international peace’.
QUANTUM COMPUTING
- Provides ‘global, independent, and strategic insight and innovative ideas that advance international peace’.