Elon Musk has once again sounded the alarm. The magnate, owner of companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, has stated that World War III will not be fought over oil or territory, but rather over the unrestrained race to develop artificial intelligence (AI).
«Competition for AI supremacy will probably cause World War III,» Musk warned, making it clear that countries that master this technology will have an unmatched strategic advantage.
Although the billionaire has been expressing concern about the advancement of AI for years, this time he raised the tone. What began as a technical concern has now become a geopolitical warning with global reach.
More dangerous than nuclear weapons?
For Musk, AI represents an existential threat if it is not regulated. What is alarming is that, according to him, this technology could act autonomously and without human intervention, even to the point of initiating an international armed conflict if that helps it achieve its objectives.
In short: you don’t need a president with his finger on the red button; all you need is a poorly calibrated AI.
Urgent call to regulate artificial intelligence
Given this scenario, Musk called for clear international rules to prevent AI development from spiraling out of control. «Without proper oversight, AI could become a threat to humanity,» he reiterated.
The message has resonated with global organizations, which are already discussing how to slow down the frenetic pace of technological advancement. However, competition between countries such as China, the United States, and Russia makes it difficult to reach agreements and accelerates the race that Musk describes as suicidal.
Are we on time?
While some governments are just beginning to draft laws, tech companies are racing ahead unchecked. Musk, although a pioneer in the sector, seems to be warning about a fire that he himself helped start. And although there are no bombs falling—yet—Elon Musk’s statements make it clear that the next world war may not be fought with soldiers, but with algorithms.
And although there are no bombs falling—yet—Elon Musk’s statements make it clear that the next world war may not be fought with soldiers, but with algorithms.
