Noah Smith's Future-Dated 'AI Armies' Tweet Prompts Discussion on Advanced AI Risks

Prominent economist and influential commentator Noah Smith recently shared a thought-provoking message on social media, dated August 31, 2025, stating, "> To fight the AI armies." The succinct post, shared on platform X, has drawn attention to the escalating discourse surrounding the potential long-term risks and geopolitical implications of highly advanced artificial intelligence. Smith, known for his nuanced views on technological progress, often engages in public discussions about AI's societal impact.

While Smith typically adopts a more optimistic stance regarding AI's effect on the job market, emphasizing concepts like comparative advantage and the reorganization of work, his latest tweet appears to underscore concerns about the control and potential weaponization of future AI systems. His commentary frequently highlights the need to understand AI's economic effects, suggesting that while some jobs may change, new opportunities will emerge, akin to past industrial revolutions. However, the phrase "AI armies" points towards a more existential or conflict-driven dimension of AI development.

The statement resonates within a broader global conversation about AI safety, governance, and the race for artificial general intelligence (AGI). Discussions among experts often include scenarios where advanced AI could pose significant challenges, from economic disruption to strategic instability. Smith himself has participated in dialogues concerning the US-China AI competition and the implications of AGI on global power dynamics, suggesting a recognition of the technology's dual-use potential.

The economist's past analyses have touched upon the idea that the true impact of AI may not be immediate job displacement but rather a fundamental shift in how industries operate, drawing parallels to the slow but transformative adoption of electricity in factories. Yet, the stark imagery of "AI armies" signals a departure from purely economic considerations, hinting at the need for proactive measures to manage the profound ethical and security dimensions of increasingly autonomous and powerful AI. This brief, future-dated tweet serves as a potent reminder from an influential voice about the critical foresight required in navigating the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.