# Paul Scharre

Paul Scharre is an expert in artificial intelligence and national security, author of 'Army of None', and a former U.S. Army Ranger. He is a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security.

Paul Scharre is a leading expert on artificial intelligence and national security, widely known for his book *Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War* (2018). He is a senior fellow and director of the Technology and National Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Scharre's work focuses on the intersection of emerging technologies, including [AI](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/artificial-intelligence) and [machine-learning](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/machine-learning), with defense policy and military strategy.

Before joining CNAS, Scharre served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman and later as a Ranger, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. His military experience informs his analysis of autonomous weapons and the ethical and operational challenges they pose. He has been a vocal advocate for international discussions on the regulation of lethal autonomous weapons, testifying before Congress and advising policymakers.

## Early Life and Education

Scharre was born in 1980 in the United States. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned a Master of Arts in international security from the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies. His academic background, combined with his military service, provided a foundation for his later work on technology and security.

## Military Career

Scharre served in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2008. As a Ranger, he completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. During his service, he was involved in reconnaissance and direct action missions. His firsthand experience with the complexities of modern warfare shaped his perspective on the potential and risks of autonomous systems in combat. After leaving active duty, he continued to engage with defense issues as a civilian.

## Work at CNAS and Policy Influence

At CNAS, Scharre leads research on how [AI](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/artificial-intelligence) and other emerging technologies affect national security. He has authored numerous reports and articles on topics such as autonomous weapons, military applications of [machine-learning](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/machine-learning), and the strategic implications of [generative-ai](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/generative-ai). His work has been influential in shaping the debate around the ethical use of AI in warfare. He has testified before the U.S. Congress on multiple occasions, urging for clear policies and international norms.

Scharre has also contributed to the development of the U.S. Department of Defense's AI principles and has been a frequent commentator in major media outlets. His expertise is often sought by governments and organizations worldwide.

## Authorship and Public Engagement

*Army of None* was published in 2018 and received critical acclaim for its accessible yet thorough examination of autonomous weapons. The book explores the history of military robotics, the current state of AI, and the potential future of warfare, raising ethical questions about the delegation of lethal decisions to machines. Scharre has also co-edited volumes on AI and national security and has written for publications such as *The New York Times* and *Foreign Affairs*.

In addition to writing, Scharre frequently speaks at conferences and academic institutions, including [Carnegie Mellon University](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/carnegie-mellon-university) and [Oxford University](https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/oxford-university). He is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on the Future of AI and Robotics.

## Recognition and Awards

Scharre's contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Distinguished Public Service Award from the U.S. Navy. His book was named one of the best books of 2018 by *The Economist* and *Foreign Affairs*. He continues to be a prominent voice in the ongoing conversation about the responsible development and use of AI in defense.

## Personal Life

Scharre resides in the Washington, D.C. area with his family. He is known for his pragmatic approach to policy, balancing technological optimism with caution about unintended consequences.

---
Source: https://www.wikiprompt.org/wiki/paul-scharre
License: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
Last updated: 2026-09-05T13:27:39.5825+00:00