Elliot Ackerman & Adm. James Stavridis on Iran, artificial intelligence & their new novel "2084: A Novel of Future War"

In this episode of The Takeout with Major Garrett, authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis discuss their latest novel, '2084: A Novel of Future War,' and its exploration of three existential threats to humanity: peer-level warfare, artificial intelligence, and climate change. Drawing from their military and literary expertise, they project near-future scenarios—such as continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine’s strategic gains through drone warfare, and the geopolitical upheaval caused by climate-driven migration and resource scarcity. The conversation delves into how AI is transforming warfare and society, with both authors expressing cautious optimism about its potential while warning of the need for international guardrails akin to nuclear arms control. They emphasize that despite technological upheaval, the human element remains central to conflict and resilience. The novel’s climactic vision includes a reparationist movement from equatorial nations seeking land and justice in a climate-ravaged world, symbolized by a vineyard in Greenland. The authors also reflect on their collaborative writing process, rooted in mutual respect and shared intellectual curiosity, and the importance of adaptability in both war and storytelling. Key takeaways include: (1) Climate change is a destabilizing force that will reshape geopolitics and trigger new conflicts; (2) AI’s dual nature as both a transformative tool and existential risk demands global cooperation and ethical boundaries; (3) The future of war will be defined by asymmetric technologies like drones and AI, but human judgment and adaptability remain decisive; (4) Great stories must humanize all sides of conflict, avoiding caricatured villains; (5) The U.S. military’s adaptability and innovation are strengths that must be preserved; (6) Literature can serve as a vital tool for imagining and preparing for future crises. The overall tone is thoughtful, urgent, and ultimately hopeful about human resilience.