Thomas Brister

About Thomas

Thomas Brister is a Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Wake Forest University, specializing in geopolitics, international security, irregular warfare, and intelligence. He is preparing a course on AI and politics that examines the technology’s impact on both domestic and international politics, work and the economy, the military and national security, and society in general, along with the ongoing debates between proponents and skeptics regarding the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence. Initially skeptical of AI, Brister now integrates large language models into his research workflow to test hypotheses, generate study guides, and “red team” international political scenarios. He actively encourages students to engage critically with AI—using it as an interactive study partner while insisting on rigorous standards for foundational knowledge. Brister believes AI literacy is essential for preparing students to navigate a world in which artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in economic and political institutions, while also helping them contend with modern geopolitical challenges such as deepfakes and algorithmic misinformation.