Situational Awareness is Leopold Aschenbrenner’s June 2024 essay series examining the potential trajectory and consequences of advanced artificial intelligence. Presented as a collection of standalone essays that also form a connected argument, the series explores how advances in computing power, algorithmic efficiency, and AI capabilities could lead from systems such as GPT-4 to artificial general intelligence and, potentially, superintelligence. It discusses the possibility of rapid progress, including AI systems accelerating future AI research, and considers the implications for society and national security.

The series addresses the scale of investment and infrastructure required for AI development, including data centers, GPUs, and electricity; the security of leading AI laboratories and their technology; and the challenge of keeping highly capable systems aligned with human goals. It also examines international competition, particularly the role of the United States and China, and anticipates possible government involvement in an AGI-focused project. The work is published as an online essay series, with a table of contents, links to subsequent chapters, and a PDF version of the complete collection