Artificial Intelligence and the Changing Nature of Military Power in Global Strategic Competition

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Research in Social Sciences

Year: 2026

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Artificial Intelligence and the Changing Nature of Military Power in Global Strategic Competition

Lai Li Ng

ABSTRACT:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly important in contemporary military development and is reshaping the dynamics of global strategic competition. As states deploy AI technologies for cybersecurity, decision support systems, intelligence analysis, and surveillance, these technologies are playing an expanding role in shaping contemporary military capabilities and defence strategies. The growing integration of AI into military and security domains is changing how states process information, monitor potential threats, and support strategic planning. While research on technological innovation in warfare recognises the relevance of emerging technologies, it has paid comparatively less attention to how AI specifically contributes to changes in military power. This paper analyses how the integration of AI into military and security systems strengthens states’ capabilities in information processing, situational awareness, and strategic decision making. To explore the relationship between AI development and evolving military capabilities, the study adopts a conceptual approach, drawing on existing literature and policy reports related to emerging military technologies and security strategies. The paper argues that the expanding use of AI technologies can confer substantial strategic benefits on states, enhancing military effectiveness and influencing global strategic competition. These developments highlight the increasing role of AI-driven technological innovation in shaping military power and contemporary security dynamics.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Contemporary Security; Global Strategic Competition; Military Power; Technological Innovation in Warfare