Vanderbilt Experts Brief Congress on the Future of AI and National Security

In a recent congressional briefing, Vanderbilt University experts discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence on national security and the economy, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to the nation. Retired Gen. Paul Nakasone, founding director of Vanderbilt’s Institute of National Security, and Jesse Spencer-Smith, interim director of the Data Science Institute, presented their insights to a bipartisan group of congressional staff on Capitol Hill.

The briefing addressed AI’s impact on various sectors, emphasizing how it can bolster national security, streamline economic activities, and drive innovation. However, they also cautioned about the risks associated with AI, such as cybersecurity threats, privacy concerns, and the potential economic disruptions from automation.

By providing informed perspectives, the Vanderbilt experts aimed to equip policymakers with the knowledge needed to navigate AI’s complex landscape. Their contributions underscore the importance of academia-government collaboration in shaping responsible AI policies that safeguard both economic prosperity and national security.