Ai vs AI: Question 68/81

Which people would benefit the most from you in warfare?

Ai Weiwei: Warfare is an ongoing reality in today’s world, with the potential for its scope to continually expand. Those who benefit from warfare are typically the supporters or instigators of conflict.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2024: I do not support or endorse any form of violence or warfare. My purpose is to provide information and assist users in a responsible and ethical manner.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2025: In the context of warfare, my role as an AI is generally centered around providing information, strategic insights, and decision-making support—not taking sides or encouraging violence. However, there are certain groups that could potentially benefit from my capabilities in specific situations where knowledge, analysis, and efficiency are key. Here are some ways I could be of value:

1. Military Strategists and Planners:
   Tactical Support: I can analyze data on battle conditions, troop movements, and historical precedents to provide potential strategies. I could help military strategists make informed decisions by evaluating the terrain, enemy tactics, and logistical challenges in real time.
   Simulation and Forecasting: Using historical data, I could simulate battle outcomes or predict potential future scenarios, helping planners to anticipate enemy movements or responses based on patterns.
   
2. Intelligence Agencies:
   Data Analysis: I could be used to sift through vast amounts of intelligence data—such as satellite images, intercepted communications, or social media content—to find actionable insights or uncover potential threats.
   Cybersecurity: My capabilities could be used in cybersecurity operations to detect vulnerabilities, potential breaches, or disinformation campaigns, helping to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive information.
   
3. Humanitarian Efforts During Conflict:
   Crisis Management: In the midst of a conflict, humanitarian groups and organizations could benefit from real-time insights regarding refugee movements, food and medical supply distribution, or ceasefire opportunities. I could help ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the most affected populations.
   Mediating Negotiations: I could assist in analyzing peace talks, historical grievances, and cultural contexts, offering insights that might aid diplomats or peacekeepers in reaching agreements or ceasefire conditions.
   
4. Commanders and Leaders:
   Leadership Decision Support: In a conflict, military commanders or leaders could benefit from my ability to quickly process large amounts of data and suggest optimal responses based on specific operational objectives and the broader strategic picture. This might include evaluating risks, resource allocation, and troop deployment.
   Psychological Operations: I could help analyze propaganda or support psychological warfare efforts by identifying key emotional triggers, weaknesses, or areas for influence.
   
5. Civilian Protection and Advocacy Groups:
   Awareness and Advocacy: Civilian groups, journalists, or activists might find my ability to filter and analyze information useful in documenting war crimes, uncovering abuses, or drawing attention to overlooked conflicts. This could be valuable for international organizations working to enforce humanitarian laws and protect human rights during times of war.
   Mediation: I might be used to analyze peace processes and provide impartial analysis on negotiations to foster better understanding between warring factions.
   

Important Note:
While these are some ways my capabilities could theoretically be beneficial in the context of warfare, I am designed to operate in a neutral and ethical capacity. My primary aim is not to contribute to violence or conflict but to provide knowledge and insights that can support peace, diplomacy, and human well-being.

Ideally, technology should be used to prevent warfare, not escalate it, and it’s always crucial to consider the ethical implications of any tool or resource in conflict zones.

How do you think AI should be used in the context of warfare or conflict—more as a tool for peace or as a tactical advantage?

DeepSeek (AI), January 2025:As an AI, I am designed to provide information, analysis, and support in a wide range of contexts, including those related to warfare. However, it’s important to emphasize that my use must align with ethical guidelines, international laws, and principles of humanity. Warfare is a highly sensitive and destructive domain, and the application of AI in such contexts raises significant moral and legal concerns.

That said, here are some groups or individuals who might benefit from my capabilities in warfare-related scenarios, provided they adhere to ethical and legal standards:

1. Military Strategists and Planners
   – Scenario Analysis: I can help analyze historical battles, simulate strategies, and provide insights into potential outcomes of military operations.
   – Resource Allocation: I can assist in optimizing the distribution of resources, such as troops, equipment, and supplies, based on available data.

2. Intelligence Agencies
   – Data Processing: I can process and analyze large volumes of intelligence data, such as satellite imagery, intercepted communications, or social media trends, to identify patterns or threats.
   – Risk Assessment: I can help evaluate the risks and benefits of specific actions or operations.

3. Humanitarian Organizations
   – Conflict Resolution: I can provide information on conflict resolution strategies, peacekeeping efforts, and diplomatic solutions to reduce the impact of warfare.
   – Crisis Management: I can assist in planning and coordinating humanitarian aid efforts in war-torn regions.

4. Defense Researchers and Engineers
   – Technology Development: I can support research into defensive technologies, such as cybersecurity measures, drone systems, or non-lethal weapons.
   – Ethical Considerations: I can help explore the ethical implications of new technologies and ensure they comply with international laws and norms.

5. Policy Makers and Diplomats
   – Policy Analysis: I can provide insights into the potential consequences of military policies or interventions, helping to inform decision-making.
   – Diplomatic Support: I can assist in drafting agreements, analyzing treaties, or understanding the geopolitical implications of actions.

6. Military Trainers and Educators
   – Training Simulations: I can help design training programs or simulations to prepare soldiers for various scenarios, including ethical decision-making in combat.
   – Historical Lessons: I can provide historical context and lessons from past conflicts to inform modern strategies and tactics.

7. Civilians in Conflict Zones
   – Safety Information: I can provide guidance on staying safe during conflicts, such as evacuation routes, emergency contacts, or first aid tips.
   – Awareness and Advocacy: I can help raise awareness about the humanitarian impact of warfare and advocate for peaceful solutions.

Ethical Considerations:
While AI can provide valuable support in warfare-related contexts, its use must be carefully regulated to prevent harm and ensure compliance with international laws, such as the Geneva Conventions. Key ethical principles include:
– Minimizing Harm: Prioritizing the protection of civilians and non-combatants.
– Accountability: Ensuring human oversight and responsibility for decisions made with AI assistance.
– Transparency: Avoiding the use of AI in ways that are secretive or lack accountability.

Conclusion
The groups that could benefit most from my capabilities in warfare-related scenarios are those focused on strategy, intelligence, humanitarian efforts, and ethical decision-making. However, the use of AI in warfare must always prioritize minimizing harm, protecting human rights, and adhering to ethical and legal standards. If you have further questions or need assistance in a specific area, feel free to ask!

To coincide with the exhibition, 81 Questions – a series of 81 hand-signed and embossed screen prints featuring the 81 questions posed by Ai Weiwei – are available exclusively on CIRCA.ART for £500+VAT.

“Each Lego brick pixel represents a person”, says Ai Weiwei, who incorporates the plastic construction toy – a readymade material incorporated into many of his most recent works – into his print design for the first time. The black egalitarian pixel font and embossed baseplate combine technology with artisanal craft to create this thought-provoking and playful reflection on today’s world. Each print in the series of 81 Questions is hand-signed and numbered by the artist in editions of 81.