Michael Kanaan - T-Minus AI: Humanitys Countdown to Artificial Intelligence and the New Pursuit of Global Power

Contents

Praise for T-Minus AI

Mike Kanaan is an influential new voice in the field of AI, and his thoughts paint an insightful perspective. A thought-provoking read.

ERIC SCHMIDT, former CEO and executive chairman of Google

Too many discussions of artificial intelligence are dominated by idealists and cynics. Mike Kanaan is neither: Hes a realist with a wealth of insight on how smart machines are shaping the future. This is one of the best books Ive read on AI.

ADAM GRANT, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take, and host of the chart-topping TED podcast WorkLife

Kanaans book makes us aware of the urgent need for international understanding and a formal agreement on AI. Without binding commitments, the future will pose threats, both military and social, that risk our very survival. AI may be a blessing, but it can also be the ultimate curse. The world must agree to draw a red line between the two, and make sure that no one crosses it.

MUHAMMAD YUNUS, Nobel Peace Prize winner, father of microfinance and social business, recipient of US Presidential Medal of Freedom and US Congressional Gold Medal

Never have I read a book that did a better job of putting the challenges and prospects of artificial intelligence into context. Its an exceptionally rich context, involving science, history, technology, and our current geopolitical situation. Reading this book will not only help you understand what AI is all about, it will help you understand how it fits into the world today and into the future.

SEAN CARROLL, theoretical physicist at the California Institute of Technology, host of Mindscape podcast, and New York Times bestselling author of Something Deeply Hidden

Kanaan recounts the history of AI and why its rapid advance prompts both hopes and fears. He offers a valuable and distinctive perspective on the international tensions it may create.

MARTIN REES, UK Astronomer Royal and former president of the Royal Society of London

T-Minus AI is enormously illuminatinga fascinating deep dive into one of the most important issues of our day by a leading expert in the fieldwho also happens to be a riveting writer. I havent learned so much from a book in ages.

AMY CHUA, Yale Law professor and New York Times bestselling author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations

Mike Kanaan is a driving new voice in the field of AI. His explanations, insights, and perspectives are trustworthy and brutally intelligent. Hes the voice of reason in the room, the one to look to.

JEREMY BASH, NBC News analyst and former chief of staff for the CIA and Department of Defense

As a tech venture capitalist, I know how critical it is that people understand artificial intelligence. T-Minus AI explains what we all need to knownot only what AI is, but also the great implications going forward. Eye opening and extremely entertaining.

JOE MONTANA, tech investor, founding partner of Liquid 2 Ventures, four-time Super Bowl champion, and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback

If we are going to prepare our students to lead the next generation, every educator needs to understand the impact of AI on our society. Kanaans work is the perfect resource to bring you up to speed and to understand the history, scope, and future of AI technology. Leaders and teachers at all levels of education, along with their students, need this book on their reading lists.

JEFF CHARBONNEAU, former US National Teacher of the Year, and former finalist for the Global Teacher Prize

T-Minus AI is a must-read about the technology that will drive massive social and political change in the future. If you want to understand AI and its impending impact on the world, this is the book to read!

JORDAN HARBINGER, creator and host of The Jordan Harbinger Show

T-Minus AI is a thought-leading gem that explains the underlying technology and geopolitical power of AI. Brilliantly written, immensely informative, and as entertaining as a great novel!

AUGUST COLE, coauthor of Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War and Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robot Revolution

For an accessible and sober explanation of todays most transformative technology, this is THE book to read. T-Minus AI will be part of a new canon.

KARA FREDERICK, technology and national security fellow at Center for a New American Security (CNAS)

Part explainer. Part call-to-arms. Kanaans book makes AI understandable and with that it also makes something clear: AI is both a threat and opportunity. A perfect hybrid of educational and thrilling, T-Minus AI is an essential read.

ALLEN GANNETT, author of The Creative Curve

It takes rare talent and a sharp mind to make complex technical topics like artificial intelligence and machine learning sound both accessible and beautiful. Kanaan has done both. This is an exceptionally well-written, thoroughly researched book. Read it. It will make you smarter!

DR. MARGARITA KONAEV, fellow at Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), Georgetown University

Artificial intelligence is the next wave that everyone and every business must understand. Mikes leadership in the field is powerful, and his explanation of the topic is second-to-none. Read this book!

JORDAN KATZMAN, cofounder of SmileDirectClub

At a critical time for humanity, this captivating book is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand how AI works, how it can be used, and how it will affect us all.

LINDSEY SHEPPARD, international security fellow at Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

What is AI? If youre mystified by the hype, high hopes, and conflicting predictions of the power and danger of artificial intelligence, this book is for you. It offers a gentle introduction to the history of intelligent machines, the strengths and the dangers that they pose, the different ways that selected world powers make use of (and misuse) these technologies, and what kinds of policies and laws might help. Mike Kanaan offers a fresh new voice.

DON NORMAN, professor and director of The Design Lab, University of California, San Diego, and bestselling author of The Design of Everyday Things

This work does not constitute an official release of US Government information. All views expressed in this book and all statements of fact, opinion, and analysis are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the US Government, the Department of Defense, the United States Air Force, or any other US Government agency. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying US Government authentication of information or endorsement of the authors views. This material has been reviewed by the Air Force Secretary of the Office of Public Affairs to prevent inadvertent disclosure of classified information and to ensure non-disclosure compliance.

: photograph of Atlas robot courtesy of Boston Dynamics, Inc; C: NASA; D: Photograph of Kilobot courtesy of K-Team Corporation.

T-Minus AI copyright 2020 by Michael Kanaan

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.