The global competition over artificial intelligence could take a dangerous turn if artificial general intelligence, or AGI, becomes a reality.
Former U.S. national security official Jacob Stokes has outlined scenarios for how the United States might respond if China develops AGI first. His report, “Superpowers and AGI,” examines a range of possible options, including cyber operations and attacks against Chinese infrastructure supporting advanced AI systems.
Among the scenarios discussed, Stokes describes physical attacks on AI data centres as the “most dangerous” option because of the potential for a major escalation between the United States and China.
The report assumes that AGI will eventually be developed, although researchers and scientists continue to disagree over whether AGI is achievable and when it might emerge.
Critics argue that proposals involving military action could transform the competition over AI technology into a much broader geopolitical crisis, with potentially serious consequences for global security.
The debate highlights how the race to develop increasingly powerful AI systems is no longer viewed solely as a technological competition—it is also becoming an issue of national security and international relations.
