In the rapidly evolving landscape of military strategy and artificial intelligence, a groundbreaking study has emerged that could redefine how armed forces approach wargaming and strategic planning. Researchers from a diverse array of backgrounds have collaborated on a paper titled “Shall We Play a Game? Language Models for Open-ended Wargames,” exploring the potential of AI systems, particularly language models (LMs), to revolutionize the way military organisations simulate and analyse conflicts.
The study takes a bold stance: AI systems are rapidly approaching, and may one day surpass, human-expert capability in strategic planning. This assertion is not made lightly. The researchers argue that AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and generate insights in real-time could provide a significant advantage in open-ended wargames—simulations that use natural language to convey actions and outcomes, allowing for more dynamic and unpredictable scenarios.
The paper presents a scoping literature review of 100 unclassified studies on AI in wargames, curating a novel ontology of open-endedness. This ontology considers the creativity afforded to players, the role of adjudicators, and the novelty provided to observers. The researchers argue that as AI systems become more capable of influencing large-scale decisions, there is an urgent need for additional research into the safety, interpretability, and explainability of AI in these open-ended wargames.
The practical applications for the defence and security sector are profound. AI-driven wargames could enable military planners to explore a wider range of strategic implications, test hypotheses more efficiently, and gain insights into the consequences of real-world decisions. This could lead to more informed decision-making, improved operational readiness, and enhanced strategic foresight.
However, the researchers also highlight critical safety considerations. As AI systems become more integrated into wargaming and strategic planning, ensuring their reliability, transparency, and alignment with human values becomes paramount. The paper presents a set of high-impact open research challenges for future work, urging the community to address these issues proactively.
The study also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The team of researchers brings together expertise from computer science, military strategy, and cognitive science, demonstrating the value of diverse perspectives in tackling complex challenges. This collaborative approach could serve as a model for future research in the field.
In conclusion, the paper “Shall We Play a Game? Language Models for Open-ended Wargames” offers a compelling vision of the future of military strategy. By harnessing the power of AI, armed forces could gain a significant advantage in understanding and preparing for the complexities of modern conflict. However, this potential comes with responsibilities. Ensuring the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI in wargaming will require ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation. As the defence and security sector navigates this new frontier, the insights and recommendations from this study will be invaluable. Read the original research paper here.