In an era of increasing technological competition, the United States and China find themselves in a complex geopolitical dance, intertwined through economic and strategic interests. "Every critical global challenge — from climate change to international trade — is deeply connected to U.S.-China relations," explains Benjamin Chang, a doctoral candidate specializing in international relations and security studies. "The technological rivalry between these superpowers will determine the course of global affairs for decades to come."
Chang's groundbreaking research focuses on how artificial intelligence applications in military contexts are transforming the global balance of power. As Washington and Beijing navigate their roles as both competitors and collaborators, Chang investigates how AI integration across various domains could reshape international security dynamics.
"The fundamental questions surrounding technological deployment in global affairs center on the U.S. and China as the primary influencers," Chang notes. "My research specifically examines how artificial intelligence capabilities affect strategic stability between these nations."
AI and Nuclear Strategy
Within military applications, Chang has been exploring whether AI-powered systems provide advantages in nuclear deterrence strategies. "The primary challenge for the U.S. involves tracking China's mobile missile launchers, which are deliberately designed to evade detection," Chang explains. "American surveillance systems generate overwhelming data volumes that exceed human analytical capabilities, but machine learning algorithms could process this information to identify Chinese strategic assets in real-time."
Although Chang's research relies on publicly available military capabilities data, specific details about China's nuclear arsenal remain limited. "Without precise knowledge of whether China possesses 250 or 300 nuclear weapons, I've developed simulation models that test various scenarios to isolate AI's impact on strategic outcomes," he says. Chang acknowledges the guidance of his advisors—J. Chappell Lawson, Vipin Narang, and Eric Heginbotham—in refining his research methodology.
If the United States successfully develops rapid detection capabilities for mobile nuclear systems, "this could fundamentally alter battlefield calculations and threaten China's nuclear deterrent," Chang warns. "Such a scenario might create dangerous incentives for China to adopt a 'use-it-or-lose-it' posture in crisis situations."
Future research phases will examine AI's implications for cybersecurity frameworks and autonomous weapons systems, including military drone applications.
Early Interest in Security Policy
Chang's fascination with international security began during his undergraduate years. "Policy debate sparked my interest in these subjects, requiring extensive research across diverse topics," he recalls. "This experience exposed me to military affairs and shaped my understanding of America's global role."
At Princeton University, Chang graduated summa cum laude from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. While his focus on China emerged somewhat unexpectedly—through a seminar on "Building the Rule of Law in China"—he embraced the opportunity, studying Mandarin and producing a thesis comparing historical American nationalism with contemporary Chinese nationalism.
After Princeton, Chang sought practical experience before pursuing graduate studies, joining the Long Term Strategy Group, a Washington-based defense research firm. For two years, he facilitated conflict simulations in the Asia-Pacific region and authored analyses on Chinese foreign policy, nuclear signaling, and island warfare strategies.
Bridging Technology and Security Studies
Today, Chang leverages his interdisciplinary background. "I'm working to connect technical AI specialists with security studies experts who may lack deep technical knowledge," he explains. Supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and a research fellowship with the Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Chang continues developing simulation models while preparing his findings for publication.
Contrary to popular assumptions, Chang challenges the notion that China's data collection advantages will translate to military superiority. "Many believe China's extensive surveillance infrastructure will enable it to surpass the U.S. in military AI applications," he observes. "However, America actually possesses more militarily relevant data across diverse platforms—including deep ocean sensors and satellite networks—developed during the Cold War."
Among the methodological challenges Chang faces: AI technology remains in development, with limited implementation in modern military contexts. "There's insufficient existing literature or empirical data to assess its full impact," he acknowledges. Additionally, he seeks to develop a more precise definition of AI for political science applications. "Current AI conceptualizations are too broad—like studying 'explosives' without distinguishing between nuclear weapons and gunpowder," he analogizes. "My dissertation attempts to establish more defined parameters for meaningful political science analysis."
For the coming year, Chang will focus on documenting his findings. The writing process presents its own challenges. "Some days, the words flow effortlessly after a walk along the Charles River, while other days require persistent effort to articulate complex ideas clearly."
