The world is experiencing the fourth industrial revolution. Significant progress in computing power is facilitating the development of many new and ground-breaking technologies (Kroenig, 2021, p. 59). Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of these technologies that increasingly impacts society, as well as military operations. In the next quarter century, AI and other emerging technologies are also expected to have a massive effect on international security and strategic stability (Geist & Lohn, 2018, p. 1). They are already reshaping the global nuclear order and our understanding of nuclear strategy and deterrence (Futter, 2020, p. 27).

This is all happening at a time when the issue has regained relevance due to Russia’s recent war of aggression against Ukraine and subsequent deteriorating relations with the West. France and the United Kingdom are the only other countries with nuclear weapons in Europe, although the United States also has nuclear warheads across the continent (Euronews, 2022). Besides, most European countries are members of NATO, putting them under the United States’ nuclear umbrella (NATO, 2023). Since ensuring nuclear security remains vital to the EU., this Info Flash will look to the future and evaluate the potential impact of artificial intelligence on nuclear deterrence. Both the stabilising and destabilising effects of AI will be discussed.