Vox Senior Correspondent to Investigate AI’s Role in Nuclear Weapons
Vox Media announced today that senior correspondent Joshua Keating has been awarded a prestigious 2025 Outrider Fellowship. This accolade, granted in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, will support Keating’s crucial investigation into the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear weapons. The fellowship provides a grant enabling Keating to dedicate the next year to producing in-depth reporting on this critical topic.
The Perilous Convergence of AI and Nuclear Arsenals
Keating’s fellowship will focus on the complex and potentially catastrophic consequences of integrating AI into the world of nuclear weapons. His reporting will delve into several key areas. One crucial aspect will be exploring the hypothetical, yet increasingly plausible, scenario of an automated battlefield escalating to nuclear conflict. This necessitates a deep understanding of AI’s decision-making capabilities, its susceptibility to error or malicious manipulation, and the potential for unintended consequences in a high-stakes environment like nuclear warfare.
Further, Keating will examine the potential uses of AI in both offensive and defensive nuclear strategies. This includes investigating how AI could be employed to improve targeting accuracy, enhance early warning systems, or even contribute to the development of new and more sophisticated nuclear weapons. Conversely, his investigation will explore the possibility of AI being used to mitigate the risk of nuclear war, potentially through improved verification and control mechanisms.
Finally, a key element of Keating’s research will focus on the impact of AI on the existing infrastructure and command-and-control systems associated with nuclear weapons. The world’s most powerful computers are used for nuclear weapons calculations and simulations; introducing AI into this realm raises profound questions about security, accountability, and the very nature of nuclear deterrence in the age of rapidly advancing technology. This includes exploring the potential for cyberattacks and other vulnerabilities introduced by integrating AI into these systems.
Expanding the Narrative Through Multimedia
Beyond written articles, Keating’s fellowship also encompasses collaboration with Vox’s popular “Today, Explained” podcast. He will produce a podcast episode directly related to one of his investigative pieces, broadening the reach and impact of his work to a wider audience. This multi-platform approach ensures a comprehensive dissemination of his findings, highlighting the importance of this often-overlooked intersection of technology and global security.
Journalistic Significance and Context
Keating’s fellowship underscores the growing concern within the journalistic community about the potential dangers of AI in the context of nuclear proliferation. The lack of public understanding surrounding this issue necessitates in-depth, rigorous reporting from trusted sources. Keating’s work promises to provide critical insights into a subject matter that demands urgent attention. His findings will be invaluable to policymakers, security experts, and the public alike, contributing to a more informed and nuanced discourse on this critical challenge to global security. The Outrider Foundation’s support for this project demonstrates a commitment to funding impactful journalism on topics of critical importance to global security. This timely fellowship will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the ongoing discussion about mitigating the risks associated with the convergence of AI and nuclear weapons.
Based on materials: Vox
