Today's Edition
By Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali*
Think tanks are a cornerstone of decision- and policy-making and how to handle diverse issues and challenges, particularly those related to national security, societal stability, and prosperity.
Through comprehensive and in-depth studies and strategic advisory, these centres provide solutions to political, economic, social, security and military challenges.
They help in crafting policies for crisis management, sustainable development and the building of the future.
One of the most pressing challenges today is the growing threat of extremist and terrorist groups, whether they promote violent ideologies or carry out actions aimed at destabilising societies, employing a wide range of tools, including artificial intelligence.
In light of this, TRENDS Research & Advisory took part in the second annual Forum for Think-Tanks in Arab Countries, themed: "Toward an Arab Mechanism to Counter the Threats of the Use of AI by Terrorist Groups."
The event was held at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo. It underscored the importance of collaboration among Arab think tanks to tackle shared concerns.
The Forum highlighted their role in linking security and development and called for the establishment of an ‘Arab Research Mechanism’ that helps deepen the understanding of regional and international issues.
At the Forum, TRENDS presented a research paper titled, “The Use of AI by Terrorist Groups: Threats and the Role of Think-Tanks.”
The paper shed light on how terrorist organisations are using AI to enhance their destructive capabilities.
This phenomenon requires proactive policies and strategies to monitor and counter AI-enhanced terrorist operations.
With AI becoming an integral part of our daily life due to its vast capabilities and tools, it also brings about significant risks, including its exploitation by terrorists to undermine security and stability.
The paper stressed the necessity of collaboration between think tanks, government agencies, and technology firms to develop innovative and effective solutions to combat these threats.
It also called for expanding the role of think-tanks in defining ethical accountability for AI developers, analysing the misuse of AI by terrorist groups, raising Arab awareness about this issue, forecasting its future, and helping in formulating countermeasures.
These recommendations are in line with the vision outlined in my recently released book, “Think-Tanks in a Changing World: Transformations, Roles, and Challenges.”
The book delves into the origins and evolution of think-tanks, their critical role in addressing uncertainty, and their methodologies for strategic foresight and future-building.
It also explores how think tanks act as crucial bridges between research and the political realm, which is increasingly grappling with sudden disruptions, multifaceted challenges, and geopolitical tensions.
Think-tanks provide policymakers with well-founded analyses and workable recommendations to tackle crises and find effective solutions to pressing problems.
At the same time, they play a vital role in educating the public on political issues and enhancing their understanding of domestic and international developments.
Furthermore, think-tanks bolster a nation’s soft power by offering new avenues of influence amidst global and regional transformations.
By delivering scientific and practical insights, think tanks empower governments to address current challenges and build a knowledge-driven future.
As AI continues to evolve, think tanks are uniquely positioned to monitor and analyse its misuse by terrorists, offering actionable strategies to mitigate risks, counter extremist agendas, and safeguard national security.
Establishing mechanisms to confront the threats posed by the terrorist use of AI is crucial to ensuring long-term security and preempting the destructive plans of such groups.
*This writer is the CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory
