Stacie Pettyjohn: AI Development in Defense and Nuclear Deterrence

About this episode

Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn discusses the role of artificial intelligence in defense and its implications for nuclear deterrence.

In this episode of NucleCast , Adam is joined by Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn , senior fellow and director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security, for a thoughtful discussion on the growing role of artificial intelligence in defense and military operations . Dr. Pettyjohn explores how AI is increasingly shaping everything from logistics and decision‑making to nuclear command and control , while weighing the potential benefits against the serious risks of integration. The conversation examines AI’s capabilities and limitations, the ethical and strategic challenges it presents, and what its use could mean for nuclear deterrence and autonomous weapons . She emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with safety, responsibility, and strategic stability as AI becomes more deeply embedded in modern defense systems. Stacie Pettyjohn is a senior fellow and director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security. A leading expert on U.S. defense strategy, force planning, airpower, and wargaming, her work focuses on the future of warfare, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, drones, and nuclear deterrence in a multipolar world…

People in this episode

Host: Adam

Guest: Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn

Topics covered

• artificial intelligence
• defense
• nuclear deterrence
• military operations
• ethical challenges
• strategic stability

Keywords

• AI
• defense strategy
• military logistics
• nuclear command
• autonomous weapons
• strategic challenges
• force planning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Center for a New American Security, RAND Corporation, Foreign Affairs, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post

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