T-Minus AI: Humanity's Countdown to Artificial Intelligence and the New Pursuit of Global Power

Recognized national AI expert, and the US Air Force’s first Chairperson for Artificial Intelligence, Michael Kanaan weaves an intriguing new spin on our history of innovation and technology to masterfully explain what each of us should know about modern computing, AI, and machine learning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2020
Publisher: BenBella Books

Late in 2017, the global significance of the conversation about artificial intelligence (AI) changed forever. China put the world on alert when it released a plan to dominate all aspects of AI across the planet. Only weeks later, Vladimir Putin raised a Russian red flag in response by declaring AI the future for all humankind, and proclaiming that, "Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world."

The race was on. Consistent with their unique national agendas, countries throughout the world began plotting their paths and hurrying their pace. Now, not long after, the race has become a sprint.

Despite everything at stake, to most of us, AI remains shrouded by a cloud of mystery and misunderstanding. Hidden behind complicated and technical jargon and confused by fantastical depictions of science fiction, the modern realities of AI and its profound implications are hard to decipher, but crucial to recognize.

In T-Minus AI: Humanity's Countdown to Artificial Intelligence and the New Pursuit of Global Power, author Michael Kanaan explains AI from a human-oriented perspective we can all finally understand. A recognized national expert and the U.S. Air Force's first Chairperson for Artificial Intelligence, Kanaan weaves a compelling new view on our history of innovation and technology to masterfully explain what each of us should know about modern computing, AI, and machine learning.

Kanaan also dives into the global implications of AI by illuminating the cultural and national vulnerabilities already exposed and the pressing issues now squarely on the table. AI has already become China's all-purpose tool to impose its authoritarian influence around the world.

The United States, Europe, and other countries are responding with their own AI strategies, including investments in research and development, regulations to prevent misuse, and efforts to promote ethical and responsible AI development.

The implications of AI are far-reaching and complex, including the potential for job displacement, the erosion of privacy, and the emergence of new forms of discrimination and inequality.

As the race to develop AI continues, it is essential to approach the technology with caution, to prioritize ethical and responsible development, and to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared broadly across society.

In conclusion, the global conversation about AI has reached a critical point, with China's plan to dominate the field and Vladimir Putin's proclamation that AI will shape the future of humankind. T-Minus AI provides a human-oriented perspective on AI that can help us all understand the technology and its profound implications. As the race to develop AI continues, it is essential to approach the technology with caution, prioritize ethical and responsible development, and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared broadly across society.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781948836944