According to a recent report on the website of Pakistan's Friday Times, the race for dominance in artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global power structure, intensifying a competition that is both strategic and technological. Unlike the arms race dominated by nuclear and conventional weapons in the past, today's struggle revolves around innovation driven by algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Countries are investing heavily in artificial intelligence research, defense applications, and economic integration, recognizing that AI may redefine military capabilities, economic leadership, and diplomatic influence. Artificial intelligence is no longer just an economic tool, it is a critical component of national security. The United States, China, and the European Union have all launched ambitious artificial intelligence strategies to dominate this field. The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center of the US Department of Defense focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into defense systems. The "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" launched by China in 2017 aims to make China a leader in the global artificial intelligence field by 2030. At the same time, the EU is prioritizing the ethical development and regulatory framework of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence driven automation and intelligent analysis are becoming crucial for economic hegemony. A report by McKinsey&Company in 2023 estimates that by 2030, the contribution of artificial intelligence to the global economy could reach up to $13 trillion. Countries that effectively integrate artificial intelligence into manufacturing, financial markets, and infrastructure will dominate global trade and supply chains, and their economic power will shift towards AI developed countries. The most concerning aspect of the artificial intelligence arms race is its integration with military applications. Autonomous weapons, artificial intelligence surveillance, and cyber warfare are redefining military strategy. The United States and China are leading the military competition driven by artificial intelligence. However, the use of artificial intelligence in the field of national defense comes with significant risks. The autonomous weapon system with real-time battlefield decision-making capability has raised ethical concerns about responsibility attribution and conflict escalation. A 2024 report by Rand Corporation warns that AI driven military systems may increase the risk of accidental conflicts as autonomous weapons lack human judgment in critical situations. In addition, AI driven cyber attacks have become a major security issue, with recent reports of state backed hacker groups using AI generated malware to infiltrate critical infrastructure. Artificial intelligence is not only changing military strategies, but also reshaping global diplomacy. Governments around the world are using artificial intelligence for strategic intelligence gathering, surveillance, and even false information propaganda. Artificial intelligence is also influencing the international alliance. The establishment of partnerships driven by artificial intelligence, such as the Australia UK US alliance, covers AI cooperation in the fields of defense and cybersecurity. However, smaller countries may fall into the dilemma of "digital dependence" and their reliance on artificial intelligence technology from artificial intelligence superpowers may undermine national sovereignty. The artificial intelligence arms race is still in its early stages, but its impact is already reshaping the global power landscape. The leading countries in the development of artificial intelligence will dominate the future economic, military, and diplomatic rules. However, without international cooperation and ethical regulation, the advancement of artificial intelligence may exacerbate global tensions, cyber warfare, and security risks. In order to navigate this constantly evolving situation, countries must strike a balance between artificial intelligence innovation and responsible governance. The artificial intelligence arms race is not only about technological advantages, but also about ensuring that artificial intelligence serves humanity, rather than becoming an unconstrained tool of power and manipulation. (New Society)