What's Happening?
The RAND Corporation's Center for the Geopolitics of AGI, part of its Global and Emerging Risks (GER) Division, is actively seeking a technical and strategic leader to fill the role of Lead for Counter-AI. This position, based in Washington, D.C., is a three-year
term appointment with potential for renewal and offers a hybrid work arrangement. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing technical leadership for the center's Counter-AI portfolio, connecting emerging technical capabilities with strategic analysis, and developing research initiatives and government partnerships. The role requires deep technical expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, specifically applied to national security challenges. Responsibilities include leading and contributing to research on the geopolitical and national security implications of AGI, drafting policy briefs and research reports, and engaging with sponsors and stakeholders. The Center for the Geopolitics of AGI aims to help decision-makers understand, anticipate, and navigate the national security and geopolitical implications of artificial general intelligence through multidisciplinary research, gaming, and convenings.
Why It's Important?
This initiative by the RAND Corporation underscores the growing recognition of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) as a critical factor in national security and geopolitics. The establishment of a dedicated leadership role for Counter-AI highlights the U.S. government's and associated research institutions' proactive approach to understanding and mitigating potential threats posed by advanced AI. The focus on translating technical concepts into strategic analysis and policy recommendations is crucial for developing effective national security frameworks in an era of rapid technological advancement. This effort will likely influence U.S. defense strategies, intelligence operations, and international relations, as the implications of AGI could reshape global power dynamics. The role's emphasis on interagency and international research collaborations suggests a broader strategy to build a collective defense against potential adversarial uses of AGI, impacting both governmental and private sector leaders involved in AI development and deployment.
What's Next?
The RAND Corporation will continue its search for a qualified candidate to lead its Counter-AI efforts, with the selected individual expected to drive research and analysis on the geopolitical and national security implications of AGI. This will involve developing research strategies, leading multidisciplinary teams, and overseeing complex research portfolios. The Lead for Counter-AI will also be instrumental in fostering partnerships across government, industry, and academia to advance shared national security objectives. The center plans to continue its multidisciplinary research, gaming, and convenings to inform decision-makers on prospective AGI-enabled capabilities and their implications. The ongoing work will likely result in policy briefs, research reports, and strategic recommendations aimed at both technical and senior policy audiences, influencing future U.S. policy on AI and national security.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of a Lead for Counter-AI position at RAND reflects a deeper societal and governmental concern about the ethical, legal, and strategic dimensions of advanced artificial intelligence. Beyond immediate national security implications, this role touches upon the broader challenge of maintaining human control and ethical oversight as AI systems become more autonomous and capable. The focus on 'Counter-AI' suggests an acknowledgment of potential malicious uses of AGI, raising questions about the future of warfare, espionage, and information integrity. This initiative could trigger long-term shifts in how governments invest in AI research, regulate its development, and collaborate internationally to establish norms and safeguards. It also highlights the increasing demand for experts who can bridge the gap between highly technical AI development and complex geopolitical strategy, indicating a growing need for interdisciplinary talent in both public and private sectors.
