U.S. and Russia engage in post-Cold War technological arms race

About sixty years ago, the world’s first artificial satellite was launched into space by the Soviet Union. Two years before this satellite, Sputnik, was launched, the White House declared that it would be accepting proposals from several government associations to undertake development for the launch of an Earth-orbiting satellite.

The White House timed this announcement in order for the future satellite to be launched in time for International Geophysical Year, when the cycles of solar activity would hit an all-time high. However, the Soviet Union upstaged this big reveal by launching a size much heavier than the White House’s 3.5 payload.

Unfortunately, this event was interpreted with fear by the American people. With the ability to launch satellites with a rather heavy payload, this opened up a possibility for Russia to launch ballistic missiles that could reach the US with nuclear weapons.

The Sputnik situation is being mirrored today, now including China as well. These three nations are all in agreement that ability to use artificial intelligence in the future will be the key to international power. Currently, each is striving to establish themselves as the leader of the artificial intelligence race.

According to an article on CNN, Work and Govini, a data and analytics firm, provided a news report in which they warned that “the US military must now decide if it wants to ‘lead the coming revolution, or fall victim to it’ amid emerging challenges from China and Russia”. The United States is a prime international actor in the world right now and it would degrade their reputation to be the runner-up in another significant technological arms race.

The US would begin by improving military technology to alleviate any concerns the public may have about Russian nuclear advancements. There are multiple improvements that could be made to military weapons from energy-saving equipment to longer ranges. These advances would enable the army to better protect citizens of our nation.

It is vital to both citizens and the government that international power is in the US’ possession, which elevates the importance of artificial intelligence development in our lives.

Article by MoCo Student staff writer Faith Cheung of Richard Montgomery High School

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