AI and the New Blueprint of Terrorism

Advanced violence is becoming more accessible as artificial intelligence, robotics, and sensors enable smaller groups to use targeted violence effectively from a distance. While much of the discourse focuses on state-level conflict, non-state actors will likely use AI-backed tools and open-source models for simpler, more discriminate attacks. These open models are advantageous for terrorists as they are freely available, can be run on simple devices, and are less governed by the security practices of major AI labs. This technological shift provides new tactical options for terrorist groups, who are often more willing to accept imprecise targeting on civilian targets. Policymakers should therefore develop strategies to mitigate this risk by establishing legal guidelines and hardening potential targets.