The Coming Wave

By Mustafa Suleyman

“We are faced with a choice – a choice between a future of unparalleled possibility and a future of unimagined peril”. Such a quote demonstrates how Suleyman dives head first into considering the crossroads humanity has reached when considering the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to totally change the way in which every single human lives their life. From autonomous vehicles to genetic engineering, research is moving at breakneck speed towards a future where Artificial General Intelligence (the point at which an AI can perform all human cognitive skills better than the smartest human beings) appears an inevitable reality. Given the potential dangers associated with powerful AIs being available to all, and the cliched sci-fi concerns of an AI becoming sentient, the main aim of The Coming Wave is to discuss whether these advancements can be contained.

The book begins by discussing technical waves of the past and outlining the similarities and differences with the rise of AI. It then discusses how the differences with this technology wave will see it proliferate at unimaginable speed with single AIs being able to achieve a range of tasks from beating humans at chess to controlling a fleet of military drones. Given the increasing availability of AI to all and its potential to become autonomous, the book then discusses how AI may disrupt the very fabric of human existence, potentially eroding the nation state as a construct altogether. The final chapter is dedicated to discussing the importance of trying to contain this technology, with the author offering ten fundamental steps that he sees as vital to reaping the benefits of AI while simultaneously protecting humankind against its dangers.

Suleyman pens an interesting and accessible book for those who are new to the concept of AI. With his background as co-founder of two leading AI companies, he uses his own experiences and regular interactions with other leaders in the field to offer excellent insight into this rapidly growing area. He provides digestible parallels to describe the relationship between technology and humankind which help with understanding how AI will deliver effect, but occasionally these comparisons seem too dissimilar to be helpful. The book is suitably detailed but seems too wordy and repetitive in parts which can make some sections less engaging.

One of Mustafa Suleyman’s ten steps for containment sees investment at the governmental level into AI technology as key to controlling the evolution. This is particularly interesting for a R SIGNALS Officer as this adds to the continuing debate about whether the British Army can keep pace with private industry when it cannot recompense technical specialists in the same way. Suleyman argues that governments must suitably invest in its people so that it can remain at the forefront of technology. Clearly the Armed Forces are a key stakeholder in this, and it will be fascinating to see how the British Military approach AI and whether it is given the attention Suleyman believes it deserves.

Reviewedby, Captain Luke Fundell-Williamson

Published by Bloomsbury Academic, collaboration with the Royal United Services Institute, 430 pages

ISBN 978-1350352964