China has a national plan for it. Russia says it will determine the "ruler of the world." The United States is investing heavily to develop it. The race is on to create, control and weaponize artificial intelligence. In Michael Kanaan's book "T-Minus AI: Humanity's Countdown to Artificial Intelligence and the New Pursuit of Global Power," set for release Aug. 25, the realities of AI from a human-oriented perspective are laid out for the reader. Such technology, often shrouded in mystery and misunderstood, is made easy to comprehend through a discussion on the global implications of developing AI.

"Mike Kanaan is an influential new voice in the field of AI, and his thoughts paint an insightful perspective. "Kanaan's book makes us aware of the urgent need for international understanding and a formal agreement on AI. Without binding commitments, the future will pose threats, both military and social, that risk our very survival. AI may be a blessing, but it can also be the ultimate curse. The world must agree to draw a red line between the two, and make sure that no one crosses it." "Never have I read a book that did a better job of putting the challenges and prospects of artificial intelligence into context.