Military adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is outpacing governance, compressing decision time and heightening escalation risk. In response, “trust” must be operationalized as assured reliance, clear claims, evidence and accountability — at system, organizational and interstate levels. “Trust-by-design” frameworks offer possible ways in which to ensure both technical and governance considerations are embedded into the life cycle of AI systems. Confidence building measures (CBMs) between states, notably the United States and China, on emerging military technologies are necessary to ensure trust building. CBMs such as mutual declarations of principles, incident notification protocols and joint verification mechanisms are urgently needed to prevent miscalculation and escalation.
