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What Is Explainable AI and Why Does the Military Need It?

Benjamin Powers
Aug 25, 2017 · 9 min read

Last summer, the Defense Science Board’s report on autonomy found that investing in artificial intelligence (AI) warfare is a crucial part of maintaining the United States’ national security and military capability. As the report reads, “It should not be a surprise when adversaries employ autonomy against U.S. forces.” In other words, AI warfare is likely on the horizon; it’s just a matter of who gets there first.

This immediately sparks dystopian and apocalyptic reactions from most people, who may envision a Terminator-esque system…

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Benjamin Powers

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Benjamin’s writing has appeared in Rolling Stone, New Republic, and Pacific Standard, among others. You can find all of his work at benjaminopowers.com

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