Title: Artificial Intelligence in National Security

Location: US

Company: King's College London

About this course:
In this self-paced course from King’s College London, you will explore how AI technologies are transforming modern warfare, surveillance, and statecraft. Led by Professor Kenneth Payne, a leading expert in war studies, the course blends theoretical insight with real-world case studies, examining:

The strategic applications of AI in defence and security

The role of autonomy, data, and decision-making in conflict

The ethical and legal challenges posed by AI-driven systems

How states compete for dominance in the AI arms race

Through thought-provoking content and expert-led discussions, you will gain a deep understanding of how AI is influencing today's security environment - and what this means for the future of war.
This is a short course that can be completed in 5 hours — designed to be flexible and fit into your schedule.

Identify key themes in artificial intelligence research, particularly where they intersect with national security

Contextualise the evolving relationship between AI technologies and state security institutions, including military and intelligence bodies

Assess how AI contributes to tactical and strategic decision-making in contemporary conflict and intelligence settings

Critically evaluate how cultural and institutional norms influence the development and deployment of AI in national security contexts

Explore the ethical and regulatory challenges associated with military AI, including issues around autonomous weapons, accountability, and international law

Reflect on how emerging AI capabilities may reshape the organisational culture and practices of defence institutions

Engage with global debates about AI’s role in deterrence, escalation, and future security environments

Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping global security and defence strategies in this forward-looking course from King’s College London.

Duration: 3 weeks

Skills:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Decision Making

Curriculum:
- Identify key themes in artificial intelligence research, particularly where they intersect with national security
- Contextualise the evolving relationship between AI technologies and state security institutions, including military and intelligence bodies
- Assess how AI contributes to tactical and strategic decision-making in contemporary conflict and intelligence settings
- Critically evaluate how cultural and institutional norms influence the development and deployment of AI in national security contexts
- Explore the ethical and regulatory challenges associated with military AI, including issues around autonomous weapons, accountability, and international law
- Reflect on how emerging AI capabilities may reshape the organisational culture and practices of defence institutions

- Engage with global debates about AI’s role in deterrence, escalation, and future security environments