Real Life Jack Ryan
From Skepticism to Engagement: A Professor’s AI Awakening
Dr. Brister admits he was initially an AI skeptic. As tools like ChatGPT exploded onto the scene during his sabbatical (Fall 2023 – Spring 2024), he watched the rapid changes with caution. “When I left… Chat GPT had just really emerged, and I didn’t know much about it,” he shares. However, upon returning, the pervasiveness of AI discussions among colleagues and the broader academic world made it impossible to ignore.
He realized that AI, much like the internet before it, was becoming deeply embedded in the fabric of society. “This is going to be around for the rest of our lives,” he concluded, recognizing the need to understand and adapt rather than resist.
AI in the Classroom: Beyond Cheating Concerns
A significant portion of the conversation focused on AI’s role in education. Dr. Brister quickly moved past the initial fear of students using AI simply to cheat on papers. His focus shifted to teaching students how to use these powerful tools responsibly and critically.
- Using AI With Students: Instead of banning AI, Dr. Brister incorporates it directly into classroom activities. He might have students use different AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) to analyze a concept or generate text on a topic, then compare and critique the outputs.
- Developing Critical AI Literacy: The goal isn’t just to get answers from AI, but to understand how AI arrives at those answers, its limitations, and its biases. “We need to find a way to adapt it to the academic world,” he emphasizes.
- Skill Development vs. Dependency: Dr. Brister acknowledges the valid concern that over-reliance on AI could erode fundamental skills like critical thinking, research, and writing – comparing it to how GPS impacted map-reading abilities. His approach involves ensuring students still develop these core competencies, using AI as an augmentation tool rather than a crutch. He insists on students still engaging directly with source material (like assigned readings) and uses methods like in-class writing with pen and paper to assess fundamental understanding.
- AI as a Study Partner: He sees value in students using AI like a “tutor” – asking it to explain concepts, generate study guides from notes, or explore different perspectives on a topic.
The Global AI Race: Geopolitics and National Security
Drawing on his expertise in international relations, Dr. Brister discussed the high-stakes implications of AI on the global stage:
- The New Arms Race: He views the competition between nations (particularly the US, China, and Russia) to develop and deploy AI as critically important, suggesting “whoever dominates in AI is going to dominate militarily [and] dominate perhaps in many other ways.” He likens the current global effort to multiple “Manhattan Projects” running simultaneously.
- Ethical Dilemmas in Warfare: The use of AI in modern conflict (citing Israel’s reported use in Gaza) raises profound ethical questions, especially regarding autonomous weapons systems that could potentially make life-or-death decisions without direct human intervention (“human in the loop”).
- Red Teaming & Understanding Adversaries: AI offers powerful capabilities for “red teaming” – simulating an adversary’s perspective and decision-making processes. This is crucial for intelligence analysis and strategic planning. Dr. Brister notes AI can help understand different cultural or political logic systems.
- Propaganda and Disinformation: The potential for AI to generate convincing deepfakes and spread targeted disinformation poses a significant threat to social order and political stability.
The Human Element
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Brister returned to the importance of the human element. While AI can process data and simulate scenarios at incredible speed, he stresses the need for human judgment, ethical oversight, and critical thinking. He also voices a concern shared by many: that our increasing reliance on technology, including AI, might further disconnect us from genuine human interaction and a grounded sense of reality.
Key Takeaway:
Dr. Brister offers a nuanced perspective on AI – acknowledging its immense potential for productivity and learning while remaining acutely aware of the ethical challenges and societal shifts it entails. His approach in the classroom focuses on empowering students to become critical, responsible users of AI, preparing them for a future where these tools are ubiquitous. In the complex world of geopolitics, AI is not just a technological advancement but a transformative force reshaping power dynamics and demanding careful, ethical navigation.