Wicked Grim Stories

AS I SEE IT #002

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by

BlakKwene
in

The Next Arms Race May Not Be Missiles—It May Be Minds

By Sister Leah M
July 21, 2026 • 6-minute read

“The greatest victories are often won long before the first battle begins.”

Today’s Topic

The United States and China are preparing for their first formal talks on artificial intelligence under the current administration. The discussions are expected to focus on the risks posed by advanced AI, including military applications, cybersecurity, and economic competition. Both countries are investing heavily in AI while also restricting access to certain technologies, reflecting both cooperation and rivalry. 

As I See It…

When most people hear “arms race,” they think of bombs, missiles, or nuclear weapons.

I think the next great race is different.

It’s a race to build the smartest machines.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just another invention. It’s becoming a tool that can influence military strategy, financial markets, medical research, education, manufacturing, and even the information we see every day.

That is why these talks between the United States and China matter.

Both countries understand that whoever leads in AI could gain advantages that reach far beyond technology. Leadership in AI could shape economic growth, national security, and international influence for decades.

The challenge is that AI can become both a remarkable servant and a dangerous master, depending on how people choose to use it.

Technology itself has no conscience.

People do.

Connecting the Dots

History shows that major technological breakthroughs almost always change the balance of power.

The printing press reshaped religion and politics.

Steam engines transformed industry.

Electricity changed daily life.

Nuclear energy altered warfare.

Now artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape nearly every field at once.

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad consistently encouraged his followers to pursue knowledge and understand the forces shaping the world around them. Whether one approaches his teachings from a religious, historical, or philosophical perspective, one recurring message is that ignorance leaves people vulnerable while knowledge strengthens communities.

That lesson seems just as relevant today.

Many observers believe AI will improve medicine, transportation, and scientific discovery.

Others worry about surveillance, misinformation, cyberattacks, and autonomous weapons.

Those concerns are real subjects of public debate.

Some people also speculate that AI could eventually become a tool for unprecedented social control if concentrated in too few hands. That remains a possibility discussed by some analysts and commentators, not an established outcome. Whether that future develops depends on human decisions, laws, public oversight, and international cooperation.

History reminds us that every powerful invention has reflected the character of those who used it.

Remember When?

When the internet first entered American homes, many people saw it mainly as a faster way to send email and look up information.

Few imagined that it would influence elections, reshape businesses, transform education, and become part of everyday life.

Artificial intelligence may follow a similar path.

What seems like a technical story today could become one of the defining stories of this generation.

What I’ll Be Watching

  • Whether the United States and China establish shared principles for AI safety.
  • New policies affecting AI development and international competition.
  • How AI changes jobs, education, and healthcare.
  • Whether governments increase transparency about how AI is used in public decision-making.

Think About It

  • Should artificial intelligence be treated like any other technology, or does it require unique safeguards?
  • How can innovation continue while protecting privacy, freedom, and security?
  • What role should citizens play in shaping AI policy rather than leaving it entirely to governments and corporations?
  • What values do we want future generations to build into the technologies they create?

The future will not be shaped by technology alone.

It will be shaped by the wisdom—or the lack of wisdom—with which humanity chooses to use it.

And that’s how I see it.

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