Artificial intelligence is reshaping global geopolitics and the balance of power among major nations. How that balance will be defined in the next century will be the subject of a presentation by Dr. Paul Scharre when he visits Lawton later this month.

Scharre, an award-winning author who is widely recognized as a leading expert on the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems in warfare, will appear at Cameron University at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in the University Theater, 27th and A Avenue. His presentation, "Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," is part of Cameron University's current academic festival, "Being Human in the Age of AI."

Scharre, executive vice president at the Center for a New American Security, will discuss the US-China AI rivalry and the fierce global competition to lead an AI-driven future.

"The age of AI is upon us," Scharre said. "Like mechanization or electricity before it, artificial intelligence will touch every aspect of our lives - and cause profound disruptions in the balance of global power, especially among the AI superpowers: China, the United States and Europe."

A former Army Ranger and Pentagon official, Scharre will talk on his book, Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. His first book, Army of None, won the 2019 Colby Award and was named by The Economist one of the top five books to understand modern warfare. TIME magazine named him in 2023 as one of the "100 most influential people in AI."

Scharre played a leading role in establishing policies on unmanned and autonomous systems and emerging weapons technologies for the Department of Defense. Prior to working with the defense department, he served as a special operations reconnaissance team leader in the U.S. Army's 3rd Ranger Battalion and completed multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Scharre holds a Ph.D. in war studies from King's College London and a master's degree in political economy and public policy, as well as and a bachelor's degree in physics from Washington University in St. Louis. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Politico and USA Today, and he has appeared on CNN, MSNow, Fox News and NPR.

The community presentation is free and open to all, but tickets must be reserved in advance. To reserve a ticket online, visit www.cameron.edu/festival-tickets. Scharre will sign copies of his books at the conclusion of his presentation in the University Theatre.

Cameron University established its academic festival series in 1991. Held once every three years, the festival explores an academic theme or societal issue through special events and campus activities, such as lectures, conferences, concerts, exhibits and theatrical productions.

The McCasland Foundation of Duncan is the primary sponsor of CU's academic festival series. Over the years, financial support has also come from the McCasland/Amquest Bank Endowed Chair, the Cameron University Foundation and the CU Lectures and Concerts Series.

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