AI on the Battlefield Wes O’Donnell on Ethics, Autonomy, and the Future of Warfare

In this gripping episode, Wes O’Donnell — U.S. Army and Air Force veteran, global security analyst, filmmaker, and author — unpacks the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare. As technology advances at breakneck speed, autonomous weapons and algorithmic decision-making are reshaping how wars are fought, raising urgent questions about ethics, accountability, and the limits of human control.

Tune in to explore:

• How AI influences decision-making and response times in combat.
• The differences between human and machine approaches to warfare.
• Why ethical oversight is crucial in developing autonomous weapon systems.
• The technological and moral crossroads facing global defense leaders.

With firsthand military experience and deep expertise in national security, Wes sheds light on how AI is transforming the battlefield — from drone warfare to predictive targeting — and what these developments mean for the future of global conflict and peacekeeping.

Stay connected with Wes’s ongoing research and commentary by visiting his website or subscribing to his YouTube channel.

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/38oMlMr

Keep up with Wes O'Donnell socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wesactual/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wes_actual/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@wes_actual 

X: https://x.com/wesodonnell01

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wesodonnell 

🛍️ Recommended Products & Reads from This Episode:

• 🎙️ Blue Yeti USB Microphone – A top choice for aspiring podcasters and speakers who want professional-grade audio at home.
  👉Check it out

Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!