AI-DRIVEN HYBRID WARFARE IN SOUTH ASIA: US POLICY OPTIONS AND PAKISTAN'S STRATEGIC ROLE

Abstract

The introduction of artificial intelligence in the military systems is a game changer in the South Asian strategic affairs, as it has completely changed the concept of deterrence stability and conflict escalation in the region. This paper discusses AI-based hybrid warfare as one of the aspects of critical threats in the region with special attention to strategic weaknesses and countermeasures of Pakistan. This study examines the impacts of machine-speed decision-making on compressing the traditional escalation ladders based on the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict and the US-Iran AI-powered military operations of early 2026 as it investigates qualitatively the recent developments in the field. The research questions discussed in the study are How does AI integration change the hybrid warfare capabilities in South Asia? What are the strategic weaknesses of AI-enabled conflict situations to Pakistan? What are the policy alternatives that the United States can use to encourage stability in the region and enhance technological cooperation with Pakistan? The results indicate that the measured nature of the AI militarization in Pakistan is based on the human-in-the-loop control and the capacity building at the local level which serves as a stabilizing response to the pressure in the region. The US policy choices can be institutionalization of crisis communication systems, facilitating the AI governance systems in Pakistan, and using the technological alliance to advance responsible AI use. The article ends with suggestions of the system of cooperative governance that will not only ensure the stability of the strategy but also will be able to capitalize on the use of AI in the security applications.