Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Cyber Defence

2Concepts and Discourses

Constructivist theories give discourse a central place in the analysis of international relations. Discourses construct objects and construct reality. Certain words, as well as certain forms of discourse and particular actors influence and weigh more than others on perceptions, representations and understandings of the world and its issues. International relations, and security and defense issues in particular, are closely dependent on who expresses themselves, when and in what terms:

“Artificial intelligence is a subject that has fascinated people the world over for many years, but with the introduction of the computer this fascination is becoming a reality. I do not mean the intelligence depicted in so many science fiction books and sensational movies, but rather the slow and methodical application of computers to perform tasks formerly thought to require intelligence.” [WIM 77]

The current craze for artificial intelligence is a revival. It can be seen in statements that seek to make an impression: “The development of artificial intelligence could have an effect on society and the economy that is greater than the invention of fire or the industrial revolution.”¹

The advent of AI is described as a new transformation, a new industrial revolution (it would then be the fourth)², a new electricity [NG 16], it would be a Holy Grail to be conquered (we speak of a “quest”) [NIL 09], it would bring with it considerable progress (it would be a guarantee ...