AI is more dangerous than nuclear weapons, warns Yuval Noah Harari, famous for writing ‘History of Humankind’

Israeli historian and author Yuval Noah Harari has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) poses a greater threat than nuclear weapons. In a recent video shared by Instagram page @artificialintelligencenews.in, Harari argued that while nuclear bombs require human intervention to cause destruction, AI has the capability to act on its own.

Harari, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is known for his books on human history and technology’s impact, including Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind and Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow.

AI: A Weapon Beyond Human Control

In the video, Harari compared AI to traditional weapons, emphasising its unique ability to function independently. “A tool is something in your hands,” he said. “A hammer is a tool. An atom bomb is a tool. You decide to start a war and who to bomb. It doesn’t walk over there and decide to detonate itself. AI can do that.”

Unlike nuclear weapons, which require human decision-making to be deployed, AI systems can make their own choices. Harari highlighted that AI is already being used in warfare without human intervention. “We already have autonomous weapon systems making decisions by themselves,” he said. He warned that AI could go further by inventing new weapons or even developing more advanced AI systems that humans can no longer control.

A Greater Threat Than Nuclear Weapons?

Harari’s concerns reflect the growing deployment of AI-driven autonomous systems in military and security sectors. If AI continues to evolve without regulation, it could surpass human decision-making, potentially determining the fate of entire nations.

Harari has explored similar themes in his books, particularly Homo Deus, where he discussed the potential of AI surpassing human intelligence. In Sapiens, he examined how humans became dominant through storytelling, cooperation, and technological innovation. Now, he warns that AI could outpace humans entirely, posing a greater risk than any weapon ever created.

What Must Be Done?

Harari’s warning calls for urgent action. If AI is more than just a tool and has the potential to be more dangerous than nuclear weapons, humanity must establish control mechanisms. The key questions remain: Can AI be aligned with human values? Can its growth be restricted? Have we already reached a point where it is too late?As AI continues to advance rapidly, Harari makes it clear—this is no longer a theoretical issue. The future of intelligence may no longer be in human hands, and whether this leads to progress or catastrophe remains uncertain.