Foreign Affairs · 23 Jun, 07:00 · Technology briefing

Losing the War of the Future: How New Technologies Threaten America’s Military Advantage

This Foreign Affairs article examines how emerging technologies are eroding America’s traditional military superiority.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

This Foreign Affairs article examines how emerging technologies are eroding America’s traditional military superiority. It argues that adversaries are rapidly adopting advanced systems, challenging US dominance in global security. The piece highlights the critical need for technological adaptation to maintain strategic advantage. For professionals, it underscores the accelerating pace of innovation in defence and its broader implications for national security infrastructure. The report serves as a sobering assessment of current geopolitical risks driven by technological disparity.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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You must recognise that defence technology is no longer siloed; it drives broader industrial innovation. Skills in AI strategy and cyber security are now paramount, as these fields underpin modern military capability. Professionals in engineering and public administration should monitor defence procurement trends closely. To stay relevant, you should upskill in data science to understand algorithmic warfare implications. Engage with cross-sector projects involving smart infrastructure or autonomous systems. This shift means your career resilience depends on adapting to rapid technological integration. Start by auditing your current technical stack against emerging defence needs. Collaborate with teams focused on secure, scalable systems. Your next step is to pursue certification in relevant tech domains, ensuring you remain agile in a landscape where technological superiority dictates global power dynamics and career opportunities.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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