Retired American serviceman-turned-novelist Elliot Ackerman believes that in the future, the world may break into tech alliances as a guiding political issue. Ackerman served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing a career as a novelist, drawing on his military experience to write acclaimed fiction. His new book, “2054,” explores a world transformed by technological advances, including artificial intelligence, and envisions a future where technological power could surpass military and economic power as the key to national dominance.
Collaborating with retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis, Ackerman’s book “2054” examines how countries may leverage technology for power and influence in the world of the future. The novel portrays a Japan that has used artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing to compensate for a diminished workforce and trade with India for technological advancements. AI, in particular, is seen as a force multiplier for militaries, offering benefits such as enhanced decision-making processes, increased precision in operations, and improved surveillance and reconnaissance.
However, Ackerman also highlights the ethical issues surrounding AI use, especially regarding the decision-making process in the military. He raises questions about who or what controls lethal force, and whether authorities may be delegated to algorithms and AI in order to speed up response times. Ackerman believes that we are currently living in an age of incredible change in the military, with technologies like AI fundamentally changing the way wars are fought.
The novel “2054” also presents a future where technological advances have led to quality-of-life improvements, such as suborbital flights for faster travel and world-building elements that connect the present to the future in the story. Ackerman and Stavridis worked to create a narrative that considers both the technological changes that may occur in the future and the impact these changes will have on the story. Ackerman aims to provoke thought and pose questions in his writing, rather than provide easy answers, blending his experience as a journalist with his skill as a novelist to create engaging and thought-provoking fiction.
In conclusion, Ackerman’s novel “2054” presents a vision of the future where technology plays a central role in international power dynamics and military operations. By exploring the implications of artificial intelligence on decision-making processes and military strategies, the book raises important ethical questions about the use of AI in warfare. Ackerman’s background as a military veteran and journalist allows him to navigate complex issues and create a compelling narrative that challenges readers to consider the impact of technology on society in the years to come.
