Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8909-8136

Date of Award

Summer 8-15-2025

Document Type

Thesis (Master's)

Department or Program

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Peter DeShazo

Second Advisor

Soroush Vosoughi

Third Advisor

David Rezvani

Abstract

The history of societies and the emergence of powerful states have been marked by cycles of conflict and war, followed by periods of cooperation that foster international stability. Similarly, the Cold War era saw a significant rise in military and economic capabilities, which highlighted a security dilemma as the former USSR and the United States sought to protect their national interests. Currently, artificial intelligence has expanded the scope of invisible warfare beyond the atomic bomb. Some scholars like Paul Scharre advocate that there is no arms race in place, and others support the idea of a healthy competition and collaboration that pushes innovation of AI among states. This thesis aims to investigate whether an AI Arms Race is presently unfolding between China and the United States. To support the idea that there’s an ongoing arms race and the U.S. is leading it, the argument will be built around the analogy of human anatomy to demonstrate a complete functional structure of the current warfare crisis. The skeletal system refers to the semiconductor production that drives AI systems, as well as the securitization of the supply chain. The nervous system represents the approach of AI regulations between government institutions. It explores the quid pro quo measures taken to balance political power as AI emerges as a powerful development and defense strategy. The muscular system acts as a military mechanism and autonomous weapons capabilities that both the US and China are developing to enhance security, but this also raises the risk of war escalation. Lastly, the cardiovascular system symbolizes the heart of artificial intelligence, representing the technology that fuels innovation and advanced LLMs.

This thesis concludes that the United States remains technologically superior in the securitization of supply chains and military AI systems. However, China's rise, with its ambitious strategic plans, demonstrates resilience and progress despite export controls, positioning itself as a major competitor capable of closing the gap with the United States if the opportunity arises.

Original Citation

Rojas Maldonado, D. (2025). Anatomy of an AI arms race: U.S. and China technological dispute for AI leadership. Dartmouth College

Download

Available for download on Sunday, August 15, 2027

Share

COinS