Developing an AI Capability Framework for the Trilateral Security Dialogue (TSD): US, Australia, and Japan
Table of Contents
Executive summary Page 1
Introduction Page 4
Rising Minilateralism: Addressing the Gap in Regional Multilateral Institutions Page 6
The Evolving Strategic and Technological Environment Page 8
Revitalizing the Trilateral Security Dialogue Page 13
Introducing the TSD AI Capability Framework Page 16
Operationalizing the TSD AI Capability Framework: Policy Recommendations Page 29
Conclusion Page 33
Endnotes Page 34
Pacific Forum in partnership with RMIT University is delighted to release the latest report, “Developing an AI Capability Framework for the Trilateral Security Dialogue (TSD): US, Australia, and Japan,” the outcome of high-level consultations among experts, practitioners, and professionals across Canberra, Tokyo, Honolulu, and Washington D.C., to assess the TSD’s perceptions and inclination towards AI cooperation.
While recent statements from the TSD members point to a deeper interest in technological collaboration, the report aims to probe such intent deeper amid the ongoing bifurcation of AI standards, and normative frameworks, investment constraints, talent shortages, and diverging perspectives between the public and the private sectors on regulation and innovation.
With the emerging trend of tech-related minilateral groupings, the most notable challenge is identifying what is strategically and operationally feasible among the key members to achieve any concrete breakthroughs. The reality is that policymakers are grappling with the urgency of addressing the myriads of challenges associated with AI as a dual-use technology given limited resources and shifting domestic priorities.
Supported by the Australian Department of Defence’s Strategic Policy Grants Program, the report presents the TSD AI capability framework to consolidate existing policies and initiatives and establish a common approach to AI development and innovation among the three countries. Building on internationally agreed principles and best practices, the AI capability framework advances four key elements: Innovation, Ethics, Interoperability, and Security.
In employing the proposed TSD AI capability framework, this report hopes that the US, Australia, and Japan can strengthen their collective AI capabilities to confront geo-technological challenges in a strategic, functional and pragmatic fashion.
Download the report here!
Contributing Authors
MARK BRYAN MANANTAN – SERIES EDITOR
Director of Cybersecurity and Critical Technologies at the
Pacific Forum.
AIDEN WARREN, PH.D. – Professor at the School of Global,
Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University
CHARLES T. HUNT, PH.D. – Professor at the School of Global,
Urban and Global Studies, RMIT University
MATTHEW (MATT) WARREN, PH.D. – Director of the
RMIT University Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation
and a Professor of Cyber Security at RMIT University
ADAM BARTLEY, PH.D. – Post-doctoral fellow at the RMIT’s
Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation
