U.S.-China Strategic Competition: Conventional Deterrence & the Changing Face of Modern Warfare

Abstract

This paper explores the future prospects of conventional deterrence in the context of the United States and China’s rapidly advancing military technology, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). As global technological advancements accelerate, modern warfare is increasingly characterized by deploying sophisticated tools such as AI, transforming military capabilities across multiple domains. Technologies like AI, demonstrated by long-operating Mars rovers like Spirit and Opportunity, showcase machines growing abilities to learn, plan, and make decisions autonomously, paralleling human intelligence. The study adopts critical analysis to describe the dynamics of modern warfare between the US and China. AI’s integration into military operations raises questions concerning national security, command structures, and global stability. Yet, the strategic competition between the US and China shapes conventional deterrence in multifaceted spheres. Recent conflicts, such as the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, underscore the profound impact of AI-driven tools, including drones, satellites, and cyber technologies, on contemporary military strategy. By examining these developments, this paper aims to highlight the implications of AI and emerging technologies for conventional deterrence strategies, providing insights into the evolving contours of security and power in the 21st century.