Tracking 42 Sources
We are tracking organizations who develop national security and defense policies to collect trending defense AI and arms control policies. Fresh reports and analysis from tracking sources are collected, filtered, categorized automatically and updated in our collection on a daily basis.
Filter 583 Publications
commentary
AI and atoms: How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing nuclear material
There's a three-dimensional solution to manage the evolving dual-use concern of AI: advance states-centric monitoring and regulation, promote intellectual exchange between the non-proliferation...
2023-09-11
commentary
Interview: Emerging military technology expert Paul Scharre on global power dynamics in the AI age
The author of "Four Battlegrounds: Power in the age of artificial intelligence" surveys in matter-of-fact detail the struggle for world leadership in AI—especially as it relates to US-China power...
2023-09-11
commentary
Why AI for biological design should be regulated differently than chatbots
LLM-based chatbots and bio-design tools influence the biosecurity landscape in different ways and require independent governance.
2023-09-01
commentary
Biotech promises miracles. But the risks call for more oversight
Despite the dramatic pace of discoveries in the life sciences, the regulatory systems established for other dual-use risk domains, such as chemical and nuclear research, remain far more mature than...
2023-08-31
conference paper
Nuclear Weapons and the Militarization of AI
This contribution provides an overview of nuclear risks emerging from the militarization of AI technologies and systems. These include AI enhancements of cyber threats to nuclear command, control and communica...
2023-08-25
commentary
Convergence: Artificial intelligence and the new and old weapons of mass destruction
Artificial intelligence is capable of amplifying the risks of other technologies, and demands a reevaluation of the standard policy approach.
2023-08-18
commentary
Inside the messy ethics of making war with machines
AI is making its way into decision-making in battle. Who’s to blame when something goes wrong?
2023-08-16
commentary
War is messy. AI can't handle it.
As AI becomes part of military decision-making, it’s important to be wary of the pristine ideas of how technology can transform conflict.
2023-08-14
report
U.S.-China Competition and Military AI
This report explores how the United States can manage strategic risks—defined as increased risks of armed conflict or the threat of nuclear war—that could be created or exacerbated by military AI in its relationship with China...
2023-07-25
commentary
US is losing AI edge to China, experts tell lawmakers
China is directing more of its AI-related research into defense applications than the United States, whose tech sector is more focused on consumer AI services such as ChatGPT.
2023-07-19
report
Weaponizing Innovation? Mapping Artificial Intelligence-enabled Security and Defence in the EU
The paper provides a cautionary tale regarding the mainstreaming of AI-driven technological solutions into security and defence across the EU, noting that this legitimizes a specific geopolitical and militaristic imaginary of innovation that might not be compatible with the EU’s promotion of responsible, trustworthy and human-centric visions of such systems...
2023-07-01
news
Palestinian Forum Highlights Threats of Autonomous Weapons
Autonomous weapons systems could help automate Israel’s uses of force. These uses of force are frequently unlawful and help entrench Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians. Without new international law to subvert the dangers this technology poses, the autonomous weapon systems Israel is developing today could contribute to their proliferation worldwide and harm the most vulnerable...
2023-06-06
news
Cluster Munition Convention Offers Roadmap for New Autonomous Weapons Treaty
Although political and procedural hurdles have impeded progress on addressing autonomous weapons systems, proponents of a new treaty should look to the success of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the negotiations that led to it, for inspiration....
2023-05-30
opinion
Autonomous Weapons: Implications and Countermeasures
Defeating autonomous weapons requires a constant, preventative effort, as technology development can sometimes outpace politics. Governments, civil society organizations, researchers, and industry players must work together to properly navigate this complex topic and assure the right and ethical implementation of emerging technology …
2023-05-23
event
RoboEmercom-2023
On May 31, 2023, the III Scientific and Practical Conference on the Development of Robotics in the Field of Life Safety, known as «RoboEmercom», will take place. The conference will be discuss Experience in the use of Robotics and Technical Systems (RTS) in special military operations, along with associated problems and potential solutions...
2023-05-19
commentary
Why the United States should prioritize autonomous demining technology
If the United States decides to send cluster munitions to Ukraine, it should consider investing in autonomous capabilities for demining.
2023-05-17
commentary
Regulate AI to Boost Trustworthiness and Avoid Catastrophe, Experts Tell Lawmakers
The difference between AI that’s a boon to society or a curse lies in truthfulness, a uniquely human concept.
2023-05-16
paper
Adopting AI: how familiarity breeds both trust and contempt
Familiarity plays little role in support for AI-enabled military applications, for which opposition has slightly increased over time.
2023-05-12
commentary
How politics and business are driving the AI arms race with China
Commercial competition, politics, and public opinion are driving AI development in the United States—and unnecessarily escalating the AI arms race with China.
2023-05-12
commentary
Alteration of Rivalry in the 21st Century: from Oil to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Among the major powers that have recognized the connotation of AI in shaping the future of global supremacy dynamics are the United States, China, and Russia. With the goal of having an edge over each other, these countries have made significant investments in AI exploration and growth.
2023-05-06
article
AI, Automation, and the Ethics of Modern Warfare
In this blog post, Palantir Global Director of Privacy & Civil Liberties Engineering Courtney Bowman and Privacy & Civil Liberties Government and Military Ethics Lead, Peter Austin, explore the ethical role of technology providers in the defense domain. Future posts will explore Palantir’s work supporting defense workflows in the most consequential settings.
2023-04-07
commentary
What happened when WMD experts tried to make the GPT-4 AI do bad things
The creators of ChatGPT decided to test whether their AI systems can teach someone to build and use nuclear and biological weapons. Was it enough?
2023-03-30
commentary
How science-fiction tropes shape military AI
Pop culture influences how people think about artificial intelligence, and that spills over to how military planners think about war—obscuring the more mundane ways AI is likely to be used.
2023-03-28
commentary
There's a 'ChatGPT' for biology. What could go wrong?
As cutting-edge AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT come online, observers have begun to worry about the implications of content producing AI in areas like employment and disinformation...
2023-03-24
speech
Expert Panel on the Social and Humanitarian Impact of Autonomous Weapons at the Latin American and Caribbean Conference on Autonomous Weapons
Thank you to Costa Rica and FUNPADEM for organizing this important conference. I will address some of the social and humanitarian consequences of autonomous weapons systems. By autonomous weapons...
2023-03-08
news
Latin America and Caribbean Nations Rally Against Autonomous Weapons Systems
The push to prohibit and regulate autonomous weapons systems made significant progress last month when nearly every country in Latin America and the Caribbean endorsed a new communiqué calling for the “urgent negotiation” of a binding international treaty.
2023-03-06
news
Digital Dehumanization Paves Way for Killer Robots
Last month, members of the Stop Killer Robots campaign met in Costa Rica with 68 campaigners from 29 countries for their first in-person global conference since the Covid-19 pandemic. A central...
2023-03-03
analysis
Three lessons on the regulation of autonomous weapons systems to ensure accountability for violations of IHL
We argue that looking at how responsibility for IHL violations is currently ascribed under international law is critical not only to ensuring accountability but also to identifying clearer limits and requirements for the development and use of AWS.
2023-03-02
analysis
Reducing the Risks of Artificial Intelligence for Military Decision Advantage
Militaries seek to harness artificial intelligence for decision advantage. Yet AI systems introduce a new source of uncertainty in the likelihood of technical failures. Such failures could interact with strategic and human factors in ways that lead to miscalculation and escalation in a crisis or conflict. Harnessing AI effectively requires managing these risk trade-offs by reducing the likelihood, and containing the consequences of, AI failures.
2023-03-01
report
Compliance with International Humanitarian Law in the Development and Use of Autonomous Weapon Systems: What does IHL Permit, Prohibit and Require?
It is undisputed that the development and use of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) must comply with international humanitarian law (IHL). However, how IHL rules should be interpreted and applied in the context of AWS remains, in some respects, unclear or disputed. With a particular focus on human–machine interaction, this report aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of this issue. The report provides a baseline for policymakers to advance discussions around what types and uses of AWS are (or should be) prohibited or regulated under existing IHL.
2023-03-01
commentary
Is Humanity Risking Disaster? The Necessity of Autonomous Weapons System Governance
The logic supporting the development and deployment of autonomous weapons system (AWS) is a continuation of the escalatory deterrence strategy that characterized the Cold War, and fails to grasp how such systems will change the conduct of warfare.....
2023-02-23
policy
REAIM Call to Action
Government representatives meeting at the REAIM summit have agreed a joint call to action on the responsible development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military domain.
2023-02-16
commentary
US Woos Other Nations for Military-AI Ethics Pact
State Department and Pentagon officials hope to illuminate a contrast between the United States and China on AI.
2023-02-16
original paper
The irresponsibility of not using AI in the military
The ongoing debate on the ethics of using artificial intelligence (AI) in military contexts has been negatively impacted by the predominant focus on the use of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) in war. H...
2023-02-14
news
US: New Policy on Autonomous Weapons Flawed
A new United States Department of Defense directive concerning development of autonomous weapons systems is an inadequate response to the threats posed by removing human control from the use of...
2023-02-14
news
Review of the 2023 US Policy on Autonomy in Weapons Systems
A new directive on autonomy in weapons systems issued on January 25, 2023 shows the United States Department of Defense (DoD) is serious about ensuring it has policies and processes in place to...
2023-02-14
original paper
Artificial intelligence and humanitarian obligations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers numerous opportunities to improve military Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations. And, modern militaries recognize the strategic value of reducing civili...
2023-02-13
news
Implementation and Innovation
It is a time for innovation, especially in addressing the risks and dangers posed by autonomous weapons systems...
2023-02-02
speech
Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the CHEY Institute during his visit to the Republic of Korea
Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the CHEY Institute during his visit to the Republic of Korea
2023-01-30
policy
AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0)
On January 26, 2023, NIST released the AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0) along with a companion NIST AI RMF Playbook, AI RMF Explainer Video, an AI RMF Roadmap, AI RMF Crosswalk, and various Perspectives.
2023-01-26
commentary
NATO's new AI initiatives: full speed ahead for new military technologies
In November 2021 NATO Watch published a critique of NATO's approach to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for military purposes. This article provides a brief update to the critique following...
2023-01-06
research article
The Responsibility Gap and LAWS: a Critical Mapping of the Debate
AI has numerous applications and in various fields, including the military domain. The increase in the degree of ... is the assignment of moral responsibility for some AI-based outcomes. Several authors claim tha...
2023-01-05
essay
Meeting China's Emerging Capabilities: Countering Advances in Cyber, Space, and Autonomous Systems (Introduction)
This is the introduction to the report “Meeting China’s Emerging Capabilities: Countering Advances in Cyber, Space, and Autonomous Systems.”
2022-12-15
essay
China's Cyber, Space, and Autonomous Weapons Systems: India's Concerns and Responses
This essay examines India’s key concerns about China’s growing technological prowess in the areas of cyberspace, outer space, and artificial intelligence and automation; the Indian response; and...
2022-12-15
essay
Philippine Security Implications from China's Autonomous, Cyber, and Space Weapons Systems
This essay explores the implications of the use of established and emerging technologies by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Philippines’ limited response in countering the PRC’s...
2022-12-15
report
Meeting China's Emerging Capabilities: Countering Advances in Cyber, Space, and Autonomous Systems
In this NBR report, experts from Australia, India, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam discuss China’s emerging cyber, space, and autonomous weapons capabilities. They examine regional...
2022-12-15
essay
New Domains of Chinese Military Modernization: Security Implications for Japan
This essay examines Japan’s perceptions of and responses to major threats posed by China’s emerging capabilities in space, cyber, and autonomous weapons systems and considers policy options for...
2022-12-15
interview
Artificial Intelligence Warfare in Ukraine: an interview with Fatima Roumate
World Geostrategic Insights interview with Fatima Roumate on the use of artificial intelligence in the Ukrainian conflict. Fatima Roumate Ph.D. is a Full Professor of International Law at the Faculty of Law, Economic and Social Sciences Agdal, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco. Founding President of the International Institute of Scientific Research, Marrakech since 2010. She is a Member of …
2022-12-09
essay
Introduction: The Ethics of Automated Warfare and AI
Without a doubt, the most complex global governance challenges surrounding AI today involve its application to defence and security.
2022-11-28
essay
AI and the Future of Deterrence: Promises and Pitfalls
If ubiquitous sensors result in a tsunami of real-time data, AI might provide the analytic potency needed to anticipate an adversary’s next step, down to the very minute.
2022-11-28
essay
The Third Drone Age: Visions Out to 2040
Each attack during 2022 has acted as a pertinent reminder of what happens when state-manufactured advanced weapons technologies fall — or are perhaps placed — into the hands of hostile non-state organizations.
2022-11-28
essay
Civilian Data in Cyberconflict: Legal and Geostrategic Considerations
Assessing cyberthreats and gaps in legal protection in the biosecurity sector would therefore gain from being considered by technical and legal experts in the field.
2022-11-28
essay
AI and the Actual IHL Accountability Gap
The incentives to network and link military systems have resulted in civilian objects...increasingly becoming dual-use and thus possibly targetable infrastructure.
2022-11-28
essay
Autonomous Weapons: The False Promise of Civilian Protection
Who is to be held accountable for civilians who are hurt or killed and civilian infrastructure that is damaged or destroyed?
2022-11-28
video
The Ethics of Automated Weapons
Current applications of automated systems to many aspects of war and conflict have opened a new Pandora’s box. Systems operating autonomously with little human intervention raise ethical and legal concerns. Ethicists, international legal experts and international affairs specialists have been sounding the alarm on the potential misuse of this technology and the lack of any regulations governing its use.
2022-11-28
video
Regulating Autonomy in Weapons Systems
When deciding how much power an autonomous system has, governments need to consider the impacts of international humanitarian law and ethics, because allowing AI complete, unregulated control could be a runaway nightmare.
2022-11-28
video
The Legal Void in Which AI Weapons Operate
When states consider deploying modern autonomous systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI), they must consider the legal and ethical concerns in addition to the technical specifications of the tool.
2022-11-28
opinion
Autonomy in Weapons Systems and the Struggle for Regulation
Humans have to decide what, when and where to engage, in particular when an application of military force could endanger human life.
2022-11-28
report
Retaining human responsibility in the development and use of autonomous weapon systems
In a report for the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Marta Bo with Laura Bruun and Vincent Boulanin tackle how humans can be held responsible for violations of...
2022-11-24
article
Autonomy With Limits Essential For Future Drones Air Force Generals Say (Updated)
Advanced autonomy is key to the Air Force’s future drone plans, but humans will still make key decisions like about when to fire weapons.
2022-11-19
report
Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Command, Control, & Communications: The Risks of Integration
The increasing autonomy of nuclear command and control systems stemming from their integration with artificial intelligence (AI) stands to have a strategic level of impact that could either increase nuclear stability or escalate the risk of nuclear use.
2022-11-18
research article
The Utility of Weapons Reviews in Addressing Concerns Raised by Autonomous Weapon Systems
This article describes the traditional weapons review process and explains why this process may need to be modified to adequately evaluate autonomous weapon systems (AWS)
2022-11-18
policy
Position Paper of the People's Republic of China on Strengthening Ethical Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
China, based on its own policies and practices and with reference to useful international experience, published the position paper in the aspects of regulation, research and development, utilization and international cooperation.
2022-11-17
speech
Responsible AI to promote World Peace and Sustainable Development
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the European Commission co-hosted a workshop on "Ethics and Emerging Technologies in Weapons Systems" in April 2022. The director of Center for Long-term AI, Prof. Yi Zeng was invited as a speaker. The following is a recording of his speech.
2022-11-11
policy
Principles on Military Artificial Intelligence [Draft for Comments]
The military applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have already introduced great risks and challenges to the world. As such, we should be vigilant about lowering the threshold of war due to the development of military AI , and actively work to prevent avoidable disasters. "Defense Artificial Intelligence and Arms Control Network" published the principles that the design, research, development, use and deployment of military AI throughout the whole life cycle should comply with.
2022-11-07
interview
How Artificial Intelligence Affects International Security: an interview with Fatima Roumate
World Geostrategic Insights interview with Fatima Roumate on the main opportunities, challenges, and concerns related to the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in international relations and global governance, as well as the malicious uses of AI and the impact of AI in the Russia-Ukraine war. Fatima Roumate Ph.D. is a Full Professor of International Law …
2022-10-31
article
Command responsibility of autonomous weapons under international humanitarian law
The use of autonomous weapons is becoming one of the most significant threats to humanity in today’s society. One of the major issues confronting the use of autonomous weapons is that of command...
2022-10-28
press release
CSIS Launches AI Council
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is pleased to announce the formation of the CSIS AI Council.
2022-10-26
article
A Manifesto on Enforcing Law in the Age of "Artificial Intelligence"
"A Manifesto on Enforcing Law in the Age of 'Artificial Intelligence'" was recently presented at a gathering in Rome, with a focus of design of ...
2022-10-25
commentary
The US Navy wants swarms of thousands of small drones
Budget documents reveal plans for the Super Swarm project, a way to overwhelm defenses with vast numbers of drones attacking simultaneously.
2022-10-24
opinion
The Rise of the Digital Cold War
“The truth is that In this digital world, we all live in the prison and surveillance 24/7, Yes, in the prison of SmartPhones, Sims card, Social applications and definitely Artificial Intelligence (AI).” ~ Dr. Rana Danish Nisar ~ Welcome to digital cold war: truth is bitter and the world ready for this …
2022-10-22
commentary
DILEMA Lecture by Sven Nyholm
DILEMA Lecture on the topic of ‘The Ethics of Human–Robot Interaction and Traditional Moral Theories’.
2022-10-20
statement
Statement by Stop Killer Robots to the 77th UNGA First Committee on Disarmament and International Security
Read a copy of the statement delivered by Stop Killer Robots at the 77th UN General Assembly (UNGA) First Committee on Disarmament and International Security.
2022-10-14
opinion
Summary of NATO's Autonomy Implementation Plan
Summary of NATO's Autonomy Implementation Plan
2022-10-13
report
Artificial Intelligence and Arms Control
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) pose immense opportunity for militaries around the world. With this rising potential for AI-enabled military systems, some activists a...
2022-10-12
commentary
Taylor Woodcock: We should focus on the effects of decision-making aids, tasking, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technology in warfare
In a new podcast episode by On Air, Asser Institute researcher Taylor Woodcock discusses today’s ‘overshadowing focus on autonomous weapon systems (aws) in warfare’, and the consequential lack of...
2022-10-11
commentary
Who’s going to save us from bad AI?
About damn time. That was the response from AI policy and ethics wonks to news last week that the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the White House’s science and technology advisory agency, had unveiled an AI Bill of Rights.
2022-10-10
white paper
Increasing Autonomy in Weapons Systems
This paper highlights ten weapons systems with features that might be informative to considerations around autonomy in weapons systems. It seeks to showcase the diversity of types of weapon systems...
2022-10-06
white paper
Artificial intelligence and automated decisions: shared challenges in the civil and military spheres
This paper provides an initial sketch of responses to AI and automated decision-making in wider society while contextualising these responses in relation to autonomy in weapons systems.
2022-10-06
policy
Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights
To advance President Biden’s vision, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has identified five principles that should guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems to protect the American public in the age of artificial intelligence. The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights is a guide for a society that protects all people from these threats—and uses technologies in ways that reinforce our highest values. Responding to the experiences of the American public, and informed by insights from researchers, technologists, advocates, journalists, and policymakers, this framework is accompanied by From Principles to Practice—a handbook for anyone seeking to incorporate these protections into policy and practice, including detailed steps toward actualizing these principles in the technological design process. These principles help provide guidance whenever automated systems can meaningfully impact the public’s rights, opportunities, or access to critical needs.
2022-10-01
report
Retaining Human Responsibility in the Development and Use of Autonomous Weapon Systems: On Accountability for Violations of International Humanitarian Law Involving AWS
It is undisputed that humans must retain responsibility for the development and use of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) because machines cannot be held accountable for violations of international humanitarian law (IHL). However, the critical question of how, in practice, humans would be held responsible for IHL violations involving AWS has not featured strongly in the policy debate on AWS. This report aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of that very question.
2022-10-01
report
Ascribing Moral Responsibility for the Actions of Autonomous Weapons Systems – Taking a Moral Gambit
In this article we focus on the attribution of moral responsibility for the actions of autonomous weapons systems (AWS). To do so, we suggest that the responsibility gap can be closed if human...
2022-09-26
commentary
In or out of control? Criminal responsibility of programmers of autonomous vehicles and autonomous weapon systems
In a new paper, Asser Institute researcher Marta Bo examines when programmers may be held criminally responsible for harms caused by self-driving cars and autonomous weapons.
2022-09-23
report
Artificial Intelligence Crime: An Overview of Malicious Use and Abuse of AI
The capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) evolve rapidly and affect almost all sectors of society. AI has been increasingly integrated into criminal and harmful activities, expanding...
2022-09-16
commentary
State responsibility in relation to military applications of artificial intelligence
In a new paper, Asser Institute senior researcher Bérénice Boutin explores the conditions and modalities under which a state can incur responsibility in relation to violations of international law involving military applications of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
2022-09-13
commentary
New Publication on State Responsibility and Military AI
Berenice Boutin has recently published a new article entitled ‘State Responsibility in Relation to Military Applications of Artificial Intelligence’.
2022-09-13
research article
“Autonomous weapons” as a geopolitical signifier in a national power play: analysing AI imaginaries in Chinese and US military policies
“Autonomous weapon systems” (AWS) have been subject to intense discussions for years. Numerous political, academic and legal actors are debating their consequences, with many calling for strict regulation or e...
2022-09-02
report
Managing the risks of US-China war: Implementing a strategy of integrated deterrence
If the United States is to maintain a constructive role in preventing the outbreak of a cross-Strait war, it will need to implement a strategy to deter Chinese aggression against Taiwan that is consistent with U.S. interests and capabilities, and that provides clarity around the existentially important matter of preventing nuclear escalation, in the event a conflict does occur.
2022-09-01
original paper
Artificial intelligence and responsibility gaps: what is the problem?
Recent decades have witnessed tremendous progress in artificial intelligence and in the development of autonomous systems that rely on artificial intelligence. Critics, however, have pointed to the difficulty ...
2022-08-24
original paper
The Challenge of Ethical Interoperability
Defense organizations are increasingly developing ethical principles to ... the design, development, and use of responsible AI, most notably for defense, security, and intelligence uses. While these ... lead to m...
2022-08-10
statement
Autonomous weapons: The ICRC calls on states to take steps towards treaty negotiations
ICRC statement following the final 2022 session of government experts on lethal autonomous weapons systems of the UN Convention on CCW from 25 to 29 July.
2022-08-08
commentary
Can we Bridge AI’s responsibility gap at Will?
Artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly executes tasks that previously only humans ... medical operation. However, as the very best AI systems tend to be the least controllable ... longer be morally responsible...
2022-07-29
article
What you need to know about autonomous weapons
Autonomous weapons are an immediate cause of humanitarian concern. Senior scientific and policy adviser at the ICRC, Neil Davison, explains.
2022-07-26
commentary
AI Is Taking the Army Future Vertical Lift Program to the Next Level
Advanced algorithms equipped with databases of terrain maps, weather, and navigation information can help an aircraft correct its flight path without human intervention.
2022-07-26
review
“Ethically contentious aspects of artificial intelligence surveillance: a social science perspective”
Artificial intelligence and its societal and ethical implications are complicated and conflictingly interpreted. Surveillance is one of the most ethically challenging concepts in AI. Within the domain of artifici...
2022-07-19
commentary
Why business is booming for military AI startups
The invasion of Ukraine has prompted militaries to update their arsenals—and Silicon Valley stands to capitalize.
2022-07-07
briefing paper
Negotiating a Treaty on Autonomous Weapons Systems – The Way Forward
This briefing paper sets out a positive vision to encourage governments to commence negotiations on a new treaty on autonomous weapons systems.
2022-06-29
research article
Imaginaries of omniscience: Automating intelligence in the US Department of Defense
The current reanimation of artificial intelligence includes a resurgence of investment in automating military intelligence on the part of the US Department of Defense. A series of programs set forth a technopolitical imaginary of fully integrated, ...
2022-06-23
commentary
Is It Too Late to Stop the Spread of Autonomous Weapons?
If autonomous weapons are the future of warfare, then the United States has no choice but to grapple with their complexities.
2022-06-13
commentary
Focus on the Human Element to Win the AI Arms Race
The United States must refine its investments to incorporate a deliberate and sustained campaign of mission engineering to accelerate and improve the delivery of trustworthy AI.
2022-06-12
report
Estonia: A Curious and Cautious Approach to Artificial Intelligence and National Security
In this chapter we provide an overview of Estonia’s current AI landscape, detailing a number of public sector use-cases and developments across both industry and the military to examine AI in a...
2022-06-08
commentary
A Refreshed Autonomous Weapons Policy Will Be Critical for U.S. Global Leadership Moving Forward
The updated policy will hopefully reflect developments in the field and incorporate recent DoD initiatives, paving the way for what future governance of emerging capabilities should look like.
2022-06-08
commentary
DOD Is Updating Its Decade-Old Autonomous Weapons Policy, but Confusion Remains Widespread
In November 2012, the Department of Defense (DOD) released its policy on autonomy in weapons systems: DOD Directive 3000.09 (DODD 3000.09). Despite being nearly 10 years old, the policy remains frequently misunderstood, including by leaders in the U.S. military. For example, in February 2021, Colonel Marc E. Pelini, who at the time was the division chief for capabilities and requirements within the DOD’s Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office, said, “Right now we don't have the authority to have a human out of the loop. Based on the existing Department of Defense policy, you have to have a human within the decision cycle at some point to authorize the engagement."
2022-06-06
statement
High Representative’s statement to the Human Rights Council on the topic of lethal autonomous robotics
Below is the statement of the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs to the 23rd session of the Human Rights Council, on the topic of lethal autonomous robotics. It was delivered on behalf of the High Representative by Mr. Jarmo Sareva, Director of the Geneva Branch of UNODA
2022-05-29
commentary
‘Collaborative, Portable Autonomy’ Is the Future of AI for Special Operations
Creating autonomous teams in contested environments will be a challenge of technology—and policy.
2022-05-25
report
Military Artificial Intelligence as Contributor to Global Catastrophic Risk
Recent years have seen growing attention for the use of AI technologies in warfare, which has been rapidly advancing. This chapter explores in what ways such military AI technologies might...
2022-05-24
article
Great power identity in Russia’s position on autonomous weapons systems
ABSTRACTThis article proposes an identity-based analysis of the Russian position in the global debate on autonomous weapons systems (AWS). Based on an interpretation of Russian written and verbal...
2022-05-19
original research
Meaningful human control of drones: exploring human–machine teaming, informed by four different ethical perspectives
A human-centric approach to the design and deployment of AI systems aims to support and augment human ... But what could this look like in a military context? We explored a human-centric approach...
2022-05-18
commentary
Artificial intelligence and warfare
As part of the Asser Institute research paper series, Asser researchers Berenice Boutin, Taylor Woodcock and Tomasz Zurek from the research strand ‘Regulation in the public interest: Disruptive...
2022-05-18
commentary
New Publication on Meaningful Human Control
Berenice Boutin and Taylor Woodcock have recently published a new Chapter entitled ‘Aspects of Realizing (Meaningful) Human Control: A Legal Perspective’.
2022-05-13
research article
Minimum Levels of Human Intervention in Autonomous Attacks
This article discusses an important limitation on the degree of autonomy that may permissibly be afforded to autonomous weapon systems (AWS) in the context of an armed conflict: the extent to which international humanitarian law (IHL) requires that human beings be able to intervene directly in the operation of weapon systems in the course of an attack.
2022-05-11
report
Jus in Bello Necessity, the Requirement of Minimal Force, and Autonomous Weapon Systems
In this article we focus on the jus in bello principle of necessity for guiding the use of autonomous weapon systems (AWS). We begin our analysis with an account of the principle of necessity as it...
2022-05-06
report
Ascribing Moral Responsibility for The Actions of Autonomous Weapons Systems: A Moral Gambit
In this article we focus on the attribution of moral responsibility for the actions of autonomous weapons systems (AWS). We begin our analysis with a description of the ‘responsibility gap’ and the...
2022-05-04
commentary
Shared Responsibility: Enacting Military AI Ethics in U.S. Coalitions
America needs to enlist its oldest allies and new partners to build a safer and freer world for the AI era.
2022-04-30
article
Governing through Anticipatory Norms: How UNIDIR Constructs Knowledge about Autonomous Weapons Systems
ABSTRACTThe need for normative change is rarely self-evident but requires the sustained efforts of actors to create a demand for action. With emerging technologies such as autonomous weapons...
2022-04-29
commentary
In Defence of Principlism in AI Ethics and Governance
It is widely acknowledged that high-level AI principles are difficult to translate into practices via explicit rules and design guidelines. Consequently, many AI research and development groups that claim to a...
2022-04-28
commentary
Sitting Out of the Artificial Intelligence Arms Race Is Not an Option
The race to build autonomous weapons will have as much impact on military affairs in the twenty-first century as aircraft did on land and naval warfare in the twentieth century.
2022-04-15
report
Utility of Artificial Intelligence to Authoritarian Governance
This paper aims to provide a brief descriptive overview of potential scenarios enabled by AI for the development of authoritarian states by reviewing and discussing recent literature on the impact...
2022-04-15
report
Autonomous weapons and ethical judgments: Experimental evidence on attitudes toward the military use of "killer robots"
The advent of autonomous weapons brings intriguing opportunities and significant ethical dilemmas. This article examines how increasing weapon autonomy affects approval of military strikes...
2022-04-08
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems and Jus ad Bellum
In this article we focus on the scholarly and policy debate on autonomous weapons systems (AWS) and particularly on the objections to the use of these weapons which rest on jus ad bellum principles...
2022-04-04
commentary
Russia may have used a killer robot in Ukraine. Now what?
If open-source analysts are right, a loitering munition capable of using AI to pick a target--a killer robot--was used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Autonomous weapons using artificial...
2022-03-15
statement
Autonomous weapons: The ICRC remains confident that states will adopt new rules
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) welcomes the continued work of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and urges the High Contracting Parties to the CCW to take their important work forward in line with one of the main purposes of this Convention, namely "the need to continue the codification and progressive development of the rules of international law
2022-03-11
original research
Dual-Use and Trustworthy? A Mixed Methods Analysis of AI Diffusion Between Civilian and Defense R&D
Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be impacting all industry sectors ... a motor for innovation. The diffusion of AI from the civilian sector to the defense sector, and AI’s dual-use potential has drawn attent...
2022-03-08
original paper
The Dawn of the AI Robots: Towards a New Framework of AI Robot Accountability
Business, management, and business ethics literature pay little attention to the topic of AI robots. The broad spectrum of potential ethical issues pertains to using driverless cars, AI robots in care homes, a...
2022-03-02
commentary
Arms control law chair Thilo Marauhn: We need to adapt current arms control law to address new political challenges
Generally speaking, it is my view that international arms control law has lost too much of public support in the past decade, so it is one of my goals to make people aware of the relevance of the arms control field. In collaboration with political activists and government experts, I want to contribute to this field's potential to enhance international peace and security.
2022-02-28
commentary
Fully autonomous weapon systems
Presentation by Kathleen Lawand, head of the arms unit, ICRC. Seminar on fully autonomous weapon systems, Mission permanente de France, Geneva, Switzerland.
2022-02-22
commentary
The challenges raised by increasingly autonomous weapons
On June 24, 2014, the ICRC Vice-President, Ms Christine Beerli, opened a panel discussion on...
2022-02-22
commentary
Autonomous weapons: What role for humans?
Geneva (ICRC) – Addressing a meeting of experts at the United Nations in Geneva this week, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will urge governments to focus on the issue of human control over the use of force in their deliberations on autonomous weapons.
2022-02-22
commentary
Autonomous weapons: ICRC addresses meeting of experts
The ICRC spoke at the meeting of experts on lethal autonomous weapons systems held in the framework of the Conventional Weapons Convention in Geneva from 13 to 16 May 2014.
2022-02-22
report
Jewish Law, Techno-Ethics, and Autonomous Weapon Systems: Ethical-Halakhic Perspectives
Techno-ethics is the area in the philosophy of technology which deals with emerging robotic and digital AI technologies. In the last decade, a new techno-ethical challenge has emerged: Autonomous...
2022-02-22
report
Deontology of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems in The Total People's Defense and Security System
The total people's defense and security system (Sistem pertahanan dan keamanan rakyat semesta-Sishankamrata) is an implementation of the total defense system in Indonesia. A lethal autonomous...
2022-02-22
report
Does the Use of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems Create a Special Problem for International Human Right Law?
Lethal Autonomous Weapon System (LAWS) is discussed and considered to the principle of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Right Law (IHRL). In line with legal, moral and...
2022-02-22
report
Ethical and Legal Limits to the Diffusion of Self-Produced Autonomous Weapons
The theme of self-produced weapons intertwines diversified ideas of an ethical, legal, engineering and data science nature. The critical starting point concerns the use of 3D printing for the self-...
2022-02-22
report
Preventive Ban Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems True False Good Idea
After a campaign calling for a ban of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, an expert meeting was held in Geneva in May. The introduction of LAWS raise legal and ethical questions. It should be noted...
2022-02-22
report
Role of AI in Cyber Crime and hampering National Security
Role of AI in cyber crime and hampering National Security“The development of full AI could spell the end of the human race.. It would take off on its own and re-design itself at an ever increasing...
2022-02-22
report
Role of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in Lethal Autonomous Weaponry Systems
The advent of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) is rapidly a matter of scholarly and public interest. This research primarily focuses on LAWS' implications using Artificial Intelligence (AI)...
2022-02-22
commentary
Research Project
The ethical and legal implications of the potential use of AI technologies in the military has been on the agenda of the United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organisations for several...
2022-02-22
white paper
Protect AI systems from criminal use
The possible consequences have a particular scope: malicious attacks can manipulate AI systems - and thus also the actions of people who use the technology as the basis for certain decisions. Similarly, given a lack of safeguards, AI systems can be used to monitor people, for industrial espionage, or as weapons. Protecting AI systems from misuse by criminals, terrorists, competitors, or employers is therefore a highly relevant task for responsible use of the technology.
2022-02-22
article
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons Systems: Technology, Warfare, and Our Most Destructive Machines
The Stanley Center, in partnership with The Origins Project at Arizona State University and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, will co-host a workshop to consider the risks and opportunities...
2022-02-22
article
Military Applications of Artificial Intelligence
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), deep-learning, and robotics are enabling new military capabilities that will have a disruptive impact on military strategies. The effects of these...
2022-02-22
commentary
Conference on Law and Ethics of AI in the Public Sector
The conference will address the multiple challenges raised by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector. As AI is progressively deployed in various domains such as...
2022-02-21
article
The Techno-Military-Industrial-Academic Complex
The Harvard Strike in the spring of 1969 emerged out of what we students perceived as the university’s complicity in the Vietnam War. After Harvard ...
2022-02-18
essay
A necessary step back?
A few years back, the rapid progress of international efforts to ban lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) left arms controllers amazed: only five years after the founding of the International Committee for ...
2022-02-16
analysis
A new Solferino moment for humanitarians
This year marks the 160th anniversary of the publication of Henri Dunant’s classic text, ‘A Memory of Solferino’, in 1862. Dunant’s powerful book ...
2022-02-10
report
Innovation-Proof Governance for Military AI? How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bot
Amidst fears over artificial intelligence ‘arms races’, much of the international debate on governing military uses of AI is still focused on preventing the use of lethal autonomous weapons systems...
2022-02-10
commentary
Giving an AI control of nuclear weapons: What could possibly go wrong?
If an autonomous nuclear weapon concluded with 99 percent confidence a nuclear war is about to begin, should it fire?
2022-02-01
original research
Responsibility assignment won’t solve the moral issues of artificial intelligence
Who is responsible for the events and consequences caused by using artificially intelligent tools, and is there a gap between what human agents can be responsible for and what is being done using artificial in...
2022-01-25
opinion
Keynote speech by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the Cybersec Global 2022 event
Keynote speech by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the Cybersec Global 2022 event
2022-01-25
research article
The Compatibility of Autonomous Weapons with the Principles of International Humanitarian Law
The emergence of autonomous weapons remains a hot topic in international humanitarian law. Much has been said by States, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and academics on the matter in recent years. However, no agreement has been reached on how best to regulate this nascent technology.
2022-01-21
analysis
Shifting the narrative: not weapons, but technologies of warfare
Debates concerning the regulation of choices made by States in conducting hostilities are often limited ...
2022-01-20
commentary
A new year and a new research agenda: 'Rethinking public interests in international and European law'
At the Asser Institute, we start the new year with a brand-new research agenda (2022-2026), entitled ‘Rethinking public interests in international and European Law: Pairing critical reflection with perspectives for action’. It is organised around questions pertaining to the public interest in international and European public and private law.
2022-01-17
open forum
Optimising peace through a Universal Global Peace Treaty to constrain the risk of war from a militarised artificial superintelligence
This article argues that an artificial superintelligence (ASI) emerging in a world where war is still normalised constitutes a catastrophic existential risk, either because the ASI might be employed by a nation–s...
2022-01-11
commentary
China's New AI Governance Initiatives Shouldn't Be Ignored
The government’s three approaches will profoundly shape how algorithms are regulated within China and around the world.
2022-01-04
commentary
Dog catchers, drone swarms, anti-vaxxers, gain of function, and more: Some of our best 2021 disruptive tech stories
The Bulletin produced a lot of great coverage of biosecurity, lethal autonomous weapons, and more. Take a look at some of our best disruptive technology stories of the year.
2021-12-29
commentary
How Does China Aim to Use AI in Warfare?
AI in particular is seen as a “game-changing” critical strategic technology.
2021-12-28
statement
The ICRC urges States to achieve tangible results next year towards adopting new legally binding rules on autonomous weapons
ICRC Head of the Arms and Conduct of Hostilities Unit Laurent Gisel on humanitarian concerns raised by the use of certain conventional weapons at the 6th Review Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons
2021-12-24
research
The Role of National Parliaments in EU Defense
The EU’s pursuit of a single European defense market necessitates stronger democratic oversight. Members of the European Parliament and national legislative bodies should play a more proactive role...
2021-12-20
commentary
Australia Could Be Arming Its Unmanned Aircraft
With Boeing's ATS, the operating air force would enlarge an enemy’s risk in entering airspace within the ATS’s radius. Either the enemy’s fighter force would be burdened with more escort work or vulnerable aircraft might just have to be kept out of the area.
2021-12-19
report
LAWS in International Law
The emerging international regulatory framework for lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) relies on the continuing applicability of international law and the maintenance of human control and...
2021-12-15
policy
Position Paper of the People’s Republic of China on Regulating Military Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The rapid development and wide applications of AI technology has profoundly changed the way people work and live, bringing great opportunities as well as unforeseeable security challenges to the world. One particular concern is the long-term impacts and potential risks of military applications of AI technology in such aspects as strategic security, rules on governance, and ethics.
2021-12-14
statement
Peter Maurer: "Autonomous weapon systems raise ethical concerns for society"
Responsible choices about the future of warfare are needed, including clear and legally binding boundaries to prohibit autonomous weapons systems that are unpredictable or designed to target humans, and strict regulation of the design and use of all others.
2021-12-13
research article
Military autonomous drones (UAVs) - from fantasy to reality. Legal and Ethical implications
Autonomous drones raise important judicial and ethical issues about responsibility for unintentional harm which will be discussed in this paper.
2021-12-08
opinion
Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a panel discussion at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Symposium in Berlin
Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a panel discussion at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Symposium in Berlin
2021-12-08
perspective
Innovation and opportunity: review of the UK’s national AI strategy
The publication of the UK’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy represents a step-change in the...signalling’ document. Indeed, we read the National AI Strategy as a vision for innovation and... We pro...
2021-12-06
report
Campaign to Stop Killer Robots - 2020 Annual Report
The 2020 annual report provides an overview of activities carried out by the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots from April 2020 to March 2021.
2021-12-01
commentary
Artificial Intelligence Is the F-16's New Secret Weapon
The F-16 may soon operate within a complex digital ecosystem.
2021-11-19
commentary
The Department of Defense is issuing AI ethics guidelines for tech contractors
The controversy over Project Maven shows the department has a serious trust problem. This is an attempt to fix that.
2021-11-16
original research
Achieving a ‘Good AI Society’: Comparing the Aims and Progress of the EU and the US
Over the past few years, there has been a proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) strategies, released by governments around the world, that seek to maximise the benefits of AI and minimise potential har...
2021-11-12
analysis
Autonomous weapon systems: what the law says – and does not say – about the human role in the use of force
Intergovernmental discussions on the regulation of emerging technologies in the area of (lethal) autonomous weapon ...
2021-11-11
opinion
Keynote speech by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the GoTech World 2021 Conference
Keynote speech by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the GoTech World 2021 Conference
2021-11-11
briefing paper
Stopping Killer Robots: A Guide for Policy Makers
This pamphlet provides guidance for policy makers around the world in developing a new international treaty to overcome the dangers posed by autonomy in weapon systems.
2021-11-10
article
Views and recommendations of the ICRC for the Sixth Review Conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons
The Sixth Review Conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), in December 2021 in Geneva, is a key moment for High Contracting Parties to take stock of, and build on, the important role the CCW has played in minimizing suffering in armed conflict.
2021-11-08
research article
Truth, Lies and New Weapons Technologies: Prospects for Jus in Silico?
This article tests the proposition that new weapons technology requires Christian ethics to dispense with the just war tradition (JWT) and argues for its development rather than dissolution. Those working in the JWT should be under no illusions, however, ...
2021-11-01
commentary
Russia Looks to Combat Drones with Marker Robots
The Marker is expected to become the foundation for testing the interaction between ground robots, unmanned aerial vehicles and special operations forces.
2021-10-26
opinion
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers on 21 and 22 October at NATO Headquarters
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers on 21 and 22 October at NATO Headquarters
2021-10-20
commentary
Law and ethics of AI in the public sector
The Asser Institute invites abstracts on the topic of ‘Law and ethics of artificial intelligence in the public sector: From principles to practice and policy’, for an interdisciplinary conference...
2021-10-18
commentary
Call for Papers: Law and Ethics of AI in the Public Sector
The conference seeks to address the multiple challenges raised by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector. As AI is progressively deployed in various domains such as...
2021-10-18
research article
Ethical Principles for Artificial Intelligence in National Defence
Defence agencies across the globe identify artificial intelligence (AI) as a key technology to maintain an ... a result, efforts to develop or acquire AI capabilities for defence are growing on a global scale. Un...
2021-10-13
report
NATO's Role in Responsible AI Governance in Military Affairs
In this chapter, we explore a role for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the emerging military artificial intelligence (AI) governance architecture. As global powers compete for...
2021-10-11
statement
Civil Society Statement on Race and Intersectionality in Humanitarian Disarmament
Civil Society Statement to the UN General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security delivered on 8 October 2021.
2021-10-08
analysis
Engaging with the industry: integrating IHL into new technologies in urban warfare
Alongside the urbanization of armed conflict lies a second trend: the increase in the use ...
2021-10-07
commentary
Applying arms-control frameworks to autonomous weapons
The development of autonomous weapons and robotics technology is rapidly advancing and poses hard questions about how their use and proliferation should be governed. Existing arms-control regimes may offer a model for how to govern autonomous weapons.
2021-10-05
commentary
DILEMA Lecture by Dr Ingvild Bode
Topics of interest within the scope of this lecture series include technical perspectives on military applications of AI, philosophical enquires into human control and human agency over technologies, analyses of international law in relation to (military) AI, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and interdisciplinary contributions related to these topics.
2021-10-04
commentary
An Autonomous Robot May Have Already Killed Humans
Here is how the weapons could be more destabilizing than nukes.
2021-10-01
analysis
Autonomy in weapons systems: playing catch up with technology
For almost eight years now, the international community at the United Nations (UN) has been ...
2021-09-29
opinion
Remarks by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the AI & Cyber Conference titled “An Abundance of Potential”
Remarks by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the AI & Cyber Conference titled “An Abundance of Potential”
2021-09-27
policy
The Ethical Norms for the New Generation Artificial Intelligence, China
The National Governance Committee for the New Generation Artificial Intelligence published the “Ethical Norms for the New Generation Artificial Intelligence”. It aims to integrate ethics into the entire lifecycle of AI, to provide ethical guidelines for natural persons, legal persons, and other related organizations engaged in AI-related activities.
2021-09-25
response paper
Response to GGE Chairs Guiding Questions
This paper sets out the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots’ response to the additional questions circulated by the Chair of the Group of Governmental Experts on 12th August 2021.
2021-09-12
report
Big Data and the Future of Belligerency: Applying the Rights to Privacy and Data Protection to Wartime Artificial Intelligence
The race for military AI is in full swing. Militaries around the world are developing and deploying various AI applications including tools for the advancement of surveillance, command and control...
2021-09-08
commentary
Israel’s Newest High-Tech Border Guard: The Jaguar Robot
The IDF has broader ambitions to eventually integrate the Jaguar into its conventional warfighting capabilities.
2021-08-21
report
Code of conduct on artificial intelligence in military systems
This draft Code of Conduct for AI-enabled military systems is the product of a two-year consultation process among Chinese, American,…
2021-08-18
original research
Mapping global AI governance: a nascent regime in a fragmented landscape
The rapid advances in the development and rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies over the past years have triggered a frenzy of regulatory initiatives at various levels of government and the priv...
2021-08-17
open forum
Professional ethics and social responsibility: military work and peacebuilding
This paper investigates four questions related to ethical issues associated with the involvement of engineers and scientists in 'military work', including the influence of ethical ... )-centred systems perspectiv...
2021-08-16
analysis
The value (and danger) of ‘shock’ in regulating new technology during armed conflict
The rules and standards of war are not self-correcting. Contradictions, gaps, and ambiguities often endure until an external pressure makes them salient. This ...
2021-08-12
commentary
After Its Gaza War, Israel Is Sending Armed Robots to Watch Hamas
Supposedly Jaguars will assume routine patrol duties for the Gaza division, reducing by one battalion the forces deployed to guard the barrier.
2021-08-11
statement
Autonomous weapons: The ICRC recommends adopting new rules
The ICRC recommends that states adopt new, legally binding rules to regulate autonomous weapon systems to ensure that sufficient human control and judgement is retained in the use of force. It is the ICRC's view that this will require prohibiting certain types of autonomous weapon systems and strictly regulating all others.
2021-08-03
analysis
Responsible and Ethical Military AI
Allies of the United States have begun to develop their own policy approaches to responsible military use of artificial intelligence. This issue brief looks at key allies with articulated, emerging, and nascent views on how to manage ethical risk in adopting military AI. The report compares their convergences and divergences, offering pathways for the United States, its allies, and multilateral institutions to develop common approaches to responsible AI implementation.
2021-08-01
analysis
Military AI Cooperation Toolbox
The Department of Defense can already begin applying its existing international science and technology agreements, global scientific networks, and role in multilateral institutions to stimulate digital defense cooperation. This issue brief frames this collection of options as a military AI cooperation toolbox, finding that the available tools offer valuable pathways to align policies, advance research, development, and testing, and to connect personnel–albeit in more structured ways in the Euro-Atlantic than in the Indo-Pacific.
2021-08-01
advisory note
Autonomous Weapon Systems that Target Humans
This advisory note, circulated to campaigners and diplomats, provides the basis for a prohibition on autonomous weapon systems that target humans.
2021-07-30
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems Understanding the Potential Human Rights Violations
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) over the years has led to the realization of the dreams of robot-human interaction. This idea of a robot-human interaction on a whole new level has...
2021-07-28
commentary
The year of Zoom
With another year behind us, the Asser Institute wants to highlight our achievements of the last year in academic research, collaborations, events and publications through our 2020 Annual Report....
2021-07-28
commentary
Lethal Autonomous Weapons: 10 things we want to know
A new podcast series 'Lethal Autonomous Weapons: 10 things we want to know' was launched with Asser researcher Marta Bo. The podcast series is a part of the LAWS & War Crimes research project at...
2021-07-27
article
Can AI Weapons Make Ethical Decisions?
The ability of machines to make truly independent and autonomous decisions is a goal of many, not least of military leaders who wish to take the human out of the loop as much as possible, claiming...
2021-07-21
article
Weaponizing Artificial Intelligence: The Scary Prospect Of AI-Enabled Terrorism
There has been much speculation about the power and dangers of artificial intelligence (AI), but it’s been primarily focused on what AI will do to our jobs in the very near future. Now, there’s...
2021-07-02
article
Is Artificial Intelligence Dangerous? 6 AI Risks Everyone Should Know About
Should we be scared of artificial intelligence (AI)? Since recent developments have made super-intelligent machines possible much sooner than initially thought, the time is now to determine what dangers artificial intelligence poses.
2021-07-02
article
Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Dangerous And Should We Regulate It Now?
Now that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a what-if scenario that gets tech gurus frenzied with the possibilities, but it’s in use and impacting our everyday lives, there is renewed...
2021-07-02
article
A Short History of Machine Learning — Every Manager Should Read
In this post I offer a quick trip through time to examine the origins of machine learning as well as the most recent milestones.
2021-07-02
article
Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) A Threat To Humans?
Are artificial intelligence (AI) and superintelligent machines the best or worst thing that could ever happen to humankind? This has been a question in existence since the 1940s when computer...
2021-07-02
report
Key Elements of the Treaty Banning Fully Autonomous Weapon Systems: Perspectives in Southeast Asia
This document interprets the key elements of a treaty through a Southeast Asian perspective, recognising the diversity of national interests in the region.
2021-07-01
report
Bibliography of Resources Relating to Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
An interdisciplinary bibliography of resources relating to lethal autonomous weapon systems produced by the LAWS & War Crimes research project team at the Graduate Institute of International and...
2021-06-29
statement
Statement to the CCW informal discussions on autonomous weapon systems
This statement was delivered to CCW participants at the informal discussions on autonomous weapon systems on 29 June 2021.
2021-06-29
commentary
Israel is Using Robots with Machine Guns to Patrol Gaza Border
The Jaguar's role in a border patrol and possibly anti-riot capacity will likely continue to receive scrutiny as public security services across the world explore deploying unmanned systems with offensive capabilities.
2021-06-27
analysis
Future developments in military cyber operations and their impact on the risk of civilian harm
Over the past decade, several States have begun to develop military cyber elements capable of ...
2021-06-24
research article
Locating LAWS: Lethal Autonomous Weapons, Epistemic Space, and “Meaningful Human” Control
This paper analyzes the excessive epistemic narrowing of debate about lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), and specifically the concept of meaningful human control, which has emerged as central to regulatory debates in both the scholarly literature and policy fora.
2021-06-23
commentary
US Needs to Defend Its Artificial Intelligence Better, Says Pentagon No. 2
AI safety is often overlooked in the private sector, but Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks wants the Defense Department to lead a cultural change.
2021-06-22
analysis
Stepping into the breach: military responses to global cyber insecurity
As the global geo-political landscape continues to experience increasing fragmentation, cyberspace grows in importance as ...
2021-06-17
analysis
Avoiding civilian harm during military cyber operations: six key takeaways
In today’s armed conflicts, cyber operations are increasingly used in support of and alongside kinetic ...
2021-06-15
commentary
Killer Algorithms: How to Keep Military AI under Human Control
In an interview with the University of Amsterdam, project leader Dr Berenice Boutin discussed some of the challenges associated with military AI and how the DILEMA research project seeks to address them.
2021-06-14
policy
Norway’s Policy on Emerging Military Technologies: Widening the Debate on AI and Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
Stai, Nora Kristine & Bruno Oliveira Martins (2021) Norway’s Policy on Emerging Military Technologies: Widening the Debate on AI and Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, PRIO Policy Brief, 11. Oslo: PRIO.
2021-06-11
article
Governance of artificial intelligence
ABSTRACTThe rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the intensification in the adoption of AI in domains such as autonomous vehicles, lethal weapon systems, robotics and alike pose...
2021-06-04
commentary
If a killer robot were used, would we know?
After a recent UN report suggested that a Turkish-made Kargu-2 had autonomously hunted down retreating troops in Libya, numerous media outlets devoted coverage to the issue of so-called lethal...
2021-06-04
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems and International Humanitarian Law: Identifying Limits and the Required Type and Degree of Human–Machine Interaction
Compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) is recognized as a critical benchmark for assessing the acceptability of autonomous weapon systems (AWS). However, in certain key respects, how and to what extent existing IHL rules provide limits on the development and use of AWS remains either subject to debate or underexplored.
2021-06-01
advisory note
Recommendations on the Normative and Operational Framework for Autonomous Weapon Systems
This advisory note, circulated to campaigners and diplomats, provides recommendations for the normative and operational framework for autonomous weapon systems.
2021-05-28
research article
Presidential use of diversionary drone force and public support
During times of domestic turmoil, the use of force abroad becomes an appealing strategy to US presidents in hopes of diverting attention away from internal conditions and toward a foreign policy success. Weaponized drone technology presents a low cost and ...
2021-05-26
commentary
Was a flying killer robot used in Libya? Quite possibly
The Turkish made Kargu-2 drone can operate in autonomous mode and may have been used to attack retreating soldiers fighting against the UN-recognized government in Libya. There's an ongoing global...
2021-05-20
position paper
ICRC Position on Autonomous Weapon Systems [position and background paper]
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has, since 2015, urged States to establish internationally agreed limits on autonomous weapon systems to ensure civilian protection, compliance with international humanitarian law, and ethical acceptability. With a view to supporting current efforts to establish international limits on autonomous weapon systems that address
2021-05-17
report
Mördarrobotar: framtid eller fiktion?
The May edition of the Internationella Kvinnoförbundet för Fred och Frihet (IKFF) membership magazine focuses on autonomous weapons.
2021-05-17
commentary
Red Cross Calls for More Limits on Autonomous Weapons
Experts said the group’s unique stature might get governments to the negotiating table at last.
2021-05-13
position paper
ICRC position on autonomous weapon systems [position on autonomous weapon systems paper]
With a view to supporting current efforts to establish international limits on autonomous weapon systems that address the risks they raise, ICRC recommends that States adopt new legally binding rules, in this position and background paper.
2021-05-12
statement
Peter Maurer: “We must decide what role we want human beings to play in life-and-death decisions during armed conflicts”
Speech given by Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), during a virtual briefing on the new ICRC position on autonomous weapon systems.
2021-05-12
article
Leadership Challenges from the Deployment of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems: How Erosion of Human Supervision Over Lethal Engagement Will Impact How Commanders Exercise Leadership
Lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) – robotic weapons that have the ability to sense and act unilaterally depending on how they are programmed – will be capable of selecting targets and...
2021-05-06
report
Grejen med mördarrobotar
Swedish-language document introducing autonomous weapons and the moral, ethical, humanitarian, operational and legal challenges they present.
2021-05-01
report
Principles for the Combat Employment of Weapon Systems with Autonomous Functionalities
These seven new principles concentrate on the responsible use of autonomous functionalities in armed conflict in ways that preserve human judgment and responsibility over the ...
2021-04-28
commentary
Worried about the autonomous weapons of the future? Look at what's already gone wrong
When it comes to future autonomous weapons, many governments say they want to ensure humans remain in control over lethal force. The example of the heavily automated air defense systems that...
2021-04-21
brief
Securing the heavens
This Brief outlines the major space threats and makes concrete suggestions on how space can support the EU's Strategic Compass.
2021-04-15
commentary
Meet the future weapon of mass destruction, the drone swarm
Drone swarms are getting larger and, coupled with autonomous capability, they could pose a real threat. Think “Nagasaki” to get a sense of the death toll a massive drone swarm could theoretically...
2021-04-05
commentary
The Air Force Is Testing the Weapon of the Future: Drone Swarms
The future is drones and modern warfare will never be the same.
2021-04-03
analysis
Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
The law plays a vital role in how artificial intelligence can be developed and used in ethical ways. But the law is not enough when it contains gaps due to lack of a federal nexus, interest, or the political will to legislate. And law may be too much if it imposes regulatory rigidity and burdens when flexibility and innovation are required. Sound ethical codes and principles concerning AI can help fill legal gaps. In this paper, CSET Distinguished Fellow James E. Baker offers a primer on the limits and promise of three mechanisms to help shape a regulatory regime that maximizes the benefits of AI and minimizes its potential harms.
2021-04-01
report
Robots tueurs: bientôt opérationnels?
L’objectif de la présente: Note d’analyse est d’aller plus loin en examinant les informations fournies par une demi-douzaine de producteurs d’armes autonomes, en particulier des munitions rôdeuses.
2021-03-29
commentary
Roundtable on international laws role in the governance of AI
Friday March 26, Janne E. Nijman, chair of the board and academic director of the Asser Institute, will convene the online closing plenary of the 2021 virtual annual meeting of the American Society...
2021-03-25
commentary
China Is ‘Danger Close’ to US in AI Race, DOD AI Chief Says
JAIC leader stresses that AI ethics guidelines don’t slow down the United States. In fact, they are essential.
2021-03-23
report
The evolution of disruptive technologies and lethal autonomous weapons systems: considerations from the military field
This document addresses the issues of international politics and the different positions and strategies of the main international actors regarding the evolution of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems...
2021-03-16
report
Perverse Consequences of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) refer to military systems that employ human-made algorithms to independently identify, search for, and engage targets without human intervention. LAWS refer...
2021-03-10
report
Challenges in Regulating Lethal Autonomous Weapons Under International Law
Since 2017, the United Nations (UN) has regularly convened a group of government experts (GGE) to explore the technical, legal, and ethical issues surrounding the deployment of lethal autonomous...
2021-03-05
report
War without Oversight: Challenges to the Deployment of Autonomous Weapons
Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) are defined as robotic weapons that have the ability to sense and act unilaterally depending on how they are programmed. Such human-out-of-the-loop platforms will be...
2021-03-03
report
Leadership Challenges to the Deployment of Autonomous Weapons (AWS)
Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) are defined as robotic weapons that have the ability to sense and act unilaterally depending on how they are programmed. Such human-out-of-the-loop platforms will be...
2021-03-03
commentary
Regulating military AI will be difficult. Here's a way forward
If the international community doesn’t properly manage the development, proliferation, and use of military AI, international peace and stability could be at stake
2021-03-03
report
Explaining the Nuclear Challenges Posed by Emerging and Disruptive Technology: A Primer for European Policymakers and Professionals
This paper is a primer for those seeking to engage with current debates on nuclear risk in Europe. It demystifies and contextualizes the challenges posed by emerging and disruptive technologies in the nuclear realm. It looks in detail at five significant and potentially disruptive technological developments—hypersonic weapons, missile defence, artificial intelligence and automation, counterspace capabilities, and computer network operations (cyber)—to highlight often-overlooked nuances and explain how some of the challenges presented by these developments are more marginal, established and manageable than is sometimes portrayed. By emphasizing the primacy of politics over technology when it comes to meeting nuclear challenges, this paper also seeks to provide a basis for targeted risk reduction and arms control, as well as normative recommendations for policymakers and professionals working across Europe.
2021-03-01
position paper
ICRC Position Paper: Artificial intelligence and machine learning in armed conflict: A human-centred approach
At a time of increasing conflict and rapid technological change, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) needs both to understand the impact of new technologies on people affected by armed conflict and to design humanitarian solutions that address the needs of the most vulnerable.
2021-03-01
book chapter
Applying AI on the Battlefield: The Ethical Debates
Reichberg, Gregory M. & Henrik Syse (2021) Applying AI on the Battlefield: The Ethical Debates, in von Braun, Joachim; Margaret S. Archer; Gregory M. Reichberg; & Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, eds, Robotics, AI, and Humanity: Science, Ethics, and Poli...
2021-02-22
commentary
Illiteracy, Not Morality, Is Holding Back Military Integration of Artificial Intelligence
A data-illiterate culture in the military is widening the gap between the United States and its competitors. Success will require deeper and more direct congressional action.
2021-02-15
commentary
The next frontier in drone warfare? A Soviet-era crop duster
Azerbaijan showed during the battle for Nagorno-Karabakh that even an old Soviet-era crop duster could be repurposed and used effectively in drone warfare—another example of how militaries continue...
2021-02-10
commentary
Morality Poses the Biggest Risk to Military Integration of Artificial Intelligence
Waiting to act on AI integration into our weapons systems puts us behind the technological curve required to effectively compete with our foes.
2021-02-05
analysis
AI Verification
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into military systems raises critical questions of ethics, design and safety. While many states and organizations have called for some form of “AI arms control,” few have discussed the technical details of verifying countries’ compliance with these regulations. This brief offers a starting point, defining the goals of “AI verification” and proposing several mechanisms to support arms inspections and continuous verification.
2021-02-01
report
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: A Primer for Cambodian Policy
This primer lays out the basics and issues of lethal autonomous weapons and their relevance to Cambodian policy and law.
2021-01-20
report
Lethal Autonomous Weapons: A Primer for Indonesian Policy
This primer lays out the basics and issues of lethal autonomous weapons and their relevance to Indonesian policy and law.
2021-01-12
commentary
How Joe Biden can use confidence-building measures for military uses of AI
The Biden administration has an opportunity to foster international cooperation on military AI to reduce the risk of inadvertent conflict while still pursuing US military leadership in AI.
2021-01-12
commentary
Don’t Just Harden U.S. Military Bases, Make Them Smarter
While the main threat to military facilities may come from enemy ballistic and cruise missiles, it is time to consider the possibility of unconventional attacks involving small drones and infiltrators.
2021-01-11
report
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: A Primer for Thai Policy
This primer lays out the basics and issues of lethal autonomous weapons and their relevance to Thai policy and law.
2021-01-11
report
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: A Primer for Philippine Policy, Second Edition
This second edition of the primer lays out the basics and issues of lethal autonomous weapons and their relevance to Philippine policy and law.
2021-01-10
commentary
U.S. Military Bases: Could a Drone Swarm Attack Mean Doom?
U.S. military installations, command and control centers and even air, ground and sea war platforms could themselves quickly fall victim to drone swarm strikes.
2021-01-09
report
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: A Primer for Nepalese Policy
This primer lays out the basics and issues of lethal autonomous weapons and their relevance to Nepalese policy and law.
2021-01-09
report
Addressing the Threat of Autonomous Weapons
This paper argues for a legally-binding instrument on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) and for strong positive obligations to ensure meaningful human control over the use of force.
2021-01-01
report
Putting Humans at the Centre of the Governance of the Integration and Deployment of Artificial Intelligence in Peace Support Operations
The United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have put in place systems governing the integration and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their Peace Support...
2020-12-31
commentary
Meet the U.S Navy’s Unmanned Ships of the Future
The service will need newer, better high-tech drones to help fight future conflicts.
2020-12-30
commentary
DILEMA Lecture by William Boothby
DILEMA Lecture on the topic of ‘Remote, Autonomous Weapons and Human Agency’.
2020-12-18
commentary
Meaningful human control over autonomous weapons and International Criminal Law
In a contribution to international law blog OpinioJuris, Asser researcher Marta Bo writes that international criminal law could provide guidance for operationalising the concept of meaningful human...
2020-12-17
commentary
DILEMA lecture: Remote, autonomous weapons and human agency
What does it mean to have autonomy in the age of AI? How are remote, autonomous weapons regulated under international law? On Monday 22 February 2021 (16.00 CET / 15.00 GMT), Professor Bill Boothby...
2020-12-15
report
Campaign to Stop Killer Robots - 2019 Annual Report
The 2019 annual report provides an overview of activities carried out by the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots from April 2019 to March 2020.
2020-12-15
article
Artificial Intelligence at NATO: dynamic adoption, responsible use
The deputy head of NATO’s Innovation Unit lays out current efforts to develop Artificial Intelligence policy at NATO.
2020-11-24
essay
Influence Operations and Disinformation on Social Media
Although COVID-19 has highlighted new and incredible challenges for our globalized society, foreign influence operations that capitalize on moments of global uncertainty are far from new.
2020-11-23
essay
Artificial Intelligence and Keeping Humans “in the Loop”
AI now exceeds our performance in many activities once held to be too complex for any machine to master.
2020-11-23
essay
Public and Private Dimensions of AI Technology and Security
Public-private collaboration is essential to creating innovative governance solutions that can be adapted as the technology develops.
2020-11-16
essay
International Legal Regulation of Autonomous Technologies
Legislatures across the globe should be preparing to amend their laws, and possibly adopt new ones, governing autonomous technologies.
2020-11-16
essay
AI and the Diffusion of Global Power
The oft-used phrase that data is the new oil is, in the context of AI, probably wrong.
2020-11-16
essay
A New Arms Race and Global Stability
Despite the headlines and the catchy titles, the nature and the extent of the AI arms race are hard to discern at this stage.
2020-11-09
commentary
Introduction: How Can Policy Makers Predict the Unpredictable?
While AI applications are expected to have a significantly positive impact on our lives, those same applications will also likely be abused or manipulated by bad actors.
2020-11-09
essay
Renewing Multilateral Governance in the Age of AI
The dream of the intelligent machine now propels computer science, and therefore regulatory systems, around the world.
2020-11-09
book review
AI ethics – a review of three recent publications
In recent years, AI has become a hotly debated topic across different disciplines and fields of society. Rapidly advancing technological innovations, especially in areas such as machine learning (as well as increasingly widespread uses of AI-based systems), have brought about a growing awareness of the need for AI ethics, whether in politics, industry, science, or in society at large.
2020-11-06
commentary
Rebecca Crootof on Artificial intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and accidents in war
The DILEMA Project, led by Asser senior researcher Dr Berenice Boutin, is launching a new lecture series on legal, ethical, and technical perspectives on human agency over military Artificial Intelligence (AI).
2020-11-05
commentary
Launch of the DILEMA Lecture Series
The DILEMA Lecture Series will regularly invite academics and other experts working on issues related to the project to present their work and share reflections with a general audience comprising...
2020-11-05
policy brief
Policy Brief for CCW meeting on lethal autonomous weapons systems, 2-6 November
This policy brief highlights the need for states to outline parameters of unacceptability for autonomous weapon systems and steps to ensure meaningful human control over the use of force.
2020-11-02
statement
Statement to CCW meeting on lethal autonomous weapons systems, 2-6 November
This statement highlights the challenges that autonomous weapons present and the urgent need for a treaty.
2020-11-02
report
Responsible Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation for International Peace and Security
In 2018 the United Nations Secretary-General identified responsible research and innovation (RRI) in science and technology as an approach for academia, the private sector and governments to work on the mitigation of risks that are posed by new technologies.
2020-11-01
report
Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence: Can the European Union Lead the Way in Developing Best Practice?
The military use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become the focus of great power competition. In 2019, several European Union (EU) member states called for greater collaboration between EU member states on the topic of AI in defence. This report explores why the EU and its member states would benefit politically, strategically and economically from developing principles and standards for the responsible military use of AI. It maps what has already been done on the topic and how further expert discussions within the EU on legal compliance, ethics and technical safety could be conducted. The report offers concrete ways for the EU and its member states to work towards common principles and best practices for the responsible military use of AI.
2020-11-01
commentary
U.S. Military Bases Of The Future Must Be Smart And Secure
All the service branches understand that both their legacy fixed facilities (such as Guam) and new expedient bases will be subject to an expanded array of threats. Given this, they must be rendered more secure.
2020-10-24
research article
Artificial intelligence and rationalized unaccountability: Ideology of the elites?
In this Connexions essay, we focus on intelligent agent programs that are cutting-edge solutions of contemporary artificial intelligence (AI). We explore how these programs become objects of desire that contain a radical promise to change organizing and ...
2020-10-22
report
New Weapons, Proven Precedent: Elements of and Models for a Treaty on Killer Robots
This report outlines how legal and policy precedent can serve as a foundation for constructing a legally binding instrument without starting from scratch.
2020-10-20
commentary
In the debate over autonomous weapons, it's time to unlock the “black box” of AI
As countries around the world race to incorporate AI and greater autonomous functionality into weapons, the years-long debate at the United Nations over what if anything to do about lethal...
2020-10-16
statement
Statement to the 75th UN General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security
This statement was delivered to delegates attending the 75th UN General Assembly (UNGA) First Committee on Disarmament and International Security on 13 October 2020.
2020-10-13
discussion
Screening and Discussion of "The Perfect Weapon"
Panelists discuss how cyber became the weapon of choice for nonstate actors and states alike. Directed by John Maggio and based on the book of the same name by David Sanger, The Perfect Weapon explores the rise of cyber conflict as a primary way in which nations now compete with and sabotage one another.
2020-10-09
commentary
Pentagon Hosts Meeting on Ethical Use of Military AI With Allies and Partners
This comes in the backdrop of growing interest in global technology cooperation.
2020-09-26
statement
Statement to the CCW meeting on lethal autonomous weapons systems, 24 September
This statement was delivered to delegates attending the CCW meeting on lethal autonomous weapons systems on 24 September 2020.
2020-09-24
statement
Statement to the CCW meeting on lethal autonomous weapons systems, 21 September
This statement was delivered to delegates attending the CCW meeting on lethal autonomous weapons systems on 21 September 2020.
2020-09-21
report
Los riesgos de las armas autónomas: una perspectiva interseccional latinoamericana
This Spanish-language publication explores the potential consequences of lethal autonomous weapons among marginalized populations from an intersectional Latin American perspective.
2020-09-20
research article
Dreaming with drones: Palestine under the shadow of unseen war
This article discusses how the first-person genre, especially a Gazan wartime diary, allows both writer and reader to imagine new possibilities for understanding contemporary colonial drone warfare, which is instrumental in the strategic silencing and ...
2020-09-19
report
Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technology, and Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: Security, Moral, and Ethical Perspectives In Asia
A report covering the key concerns that development of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and autonomous weapons presents to the Asia region.
2020-09-18
report
LAWS and Lawyers: Lethal Autonomous Weapons Bring LOAC Issues to the Design Table, and Judge Advocates Need to be There
This article discusses how risks normally associated with battlefield considerations of the Law of Armed Conflict must be considered and addressed during the design of autonomous platforms'...
2020-09-11
original paper
Operations of power in autonomous weapon systems: ethical conditions and socio-political prospects
The purpose of this article is to provide a multi-perspective examination of one of the most important contemporary security issues: weaponized, and especially lethal, artificial intelligence. This technology ...
2020-08-29
commentary
Should Drones and AI Be Allowed to Kill by Themselves?
It’s a simple question, should robots kill by themselves? The technology is here. Unmanned systems, both ground and air robots, can autonomously seek, find, track, target and destroy enemies without human intervention.
2020-08-19
report
Stopping Killer Robots: Country Positions on Banning Fully Autonomous Weapons and Retaining Human Control
This report elaborates country positions on banning fully autonomous weapons and retaining human control.
2020-08-18
commentary
Developing Artificial Intelligence in Russia: Objectives and Reality
Even if AI development becomes Russia’s highest priority, Moscow has no chance of catching up with Washington and Beijing in this field. Under favorable conditions, however, Russia is quite capable...
2020-08-05
report
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: A Primer for Philippine Policy
This primer lays out the basics and issues of lethal autonomous weapons, and other emerging technologies in the field of weapons development, and their relevance to Philippine policy and law.
2020-08-02
article
World of Drones
This from the International Security Program examines the proliferation, development, and use of armed drones.
2020-07-30
research
Empowering the European Parliament: Toward More Accountability on Security and Defense
The European Parliament should be an important source of democratic oversight and accountability as the EU continues to pursue greater security and defense integration.
2020-07-20
report
Artificial Intelligence Will Merely Kill Us, Not Take Our Jobs
A prominent recent development in governance of artificial intelligence is the White House Office of Management and Budget’s 2020 Guidance for Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Applications...
2020-07-07
report
I Met Viki on the 29th of August: Why Autonomous Weapon Systems are Defensible and Should Be Developed
In this paper, I argue that there is no theoretical bar to the development of autonomous weapon systems, and that their practical benefits must be considered. Further, I argue that meaningful human...
2020-07-02
report
Data is Dangerous: Comparing the Risks that the United States, Canada and Germany See in Data Troves
Data and national security have a complex relationship. Data is essential to national defense — to understanding and countering adversaries. Data underpins many modern military tools from drones to...
2020-07-01
research
Collaborative Models for Understanding Influence Operations: Lessons From Defense Research
As fears rise over disinformation and influence operations, stakeholders from industry to policymakers need to better understand the effects of such activity. This demands increased research...
2020-06-25
commentary
Call for Papers on expert panel manuals for the Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law
Manuals on the law of armed conflict come in different guises. The most common one is the military manual, which is a publication issued by a State’s Ministry of Defence or a branch of the armed...
2020-06-23
original paper
The Chinese approach to artificial intelligence: an analysis of policy, ethics, and regulation
In July 2017, China’s State Council released the country’s strategy for developing artificial intelligence (AI), entitled ‘New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan’ (新一代人工智能发展规划). This strategy ...
2020-06-17
publication
Autonomous Weapon Systems: Implications of Increasing Autonomy in the Critical Functions of Weapons
The development of autonomous weapon systems raises the prospect of the loss of human control over weapons and the use of force.
2020-06-12
publication
Expert Meeting: Autonomous Weapon Systems, Technical, Military, Legal and Humanitarian Aspects
The ICRC convened an international expert meeting on autonomous weapon systems from 26 to 28 March 2014. It brought together government experts from 21 States and 13 individual experts, including roboticists, jurists, ethicists, and representatives from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations.
2020-06-10
article
Limits on Autonomy in Weapon Systems
Limits on Autonomy in Weapon Systems: Identifying Practical Elements of Human Control
2020-06-02
report
Artificial Intelligence, Strategic Stability and Nuclear Risk
This report aims to offer the reader a concrete understanding of how the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by nuclear-armed states could have an impact on strategic stability and nuclear risk and how related challenges could be addressed at the policy level. The analysis builds on extensive data collection on the AI-related technical and strategic developments of nuclear-armed states. It also builds on the authors’ conclusions from a series of regional workshops that SIPRI organized in Sweden (on Euro-Atlantic dynamics), China (on East Asian dynamics) and Sri Lanka (on South Asian dynamics), as well as a transregional workshop in New York. At these workshops, AI experts, scholars and practitioners who work on arms control, nuclear strategy and regional security had the opportunity to discuss why and how the adoption of AI capabilities by nuclear-armed states could have an impact on strategic stability and nuclear risk within or among regions.
2020-06-01
report
Limits on Autonomy in Weapon Systems: Identifying Practical Elements of Human Control
There is wide recognition that the need to preserve human control over weapon systems and the use of force in armed conflict will require limits on autonomous weapon systems (AWS).
2020-06-01
article
The Militarization of Artificial Intelligence
Revolutionary technologies hold much promise for humanity. When taken up for military uses, they can affect international peace and security. The challenge is to build understanding among...
2020-06-01
research article
Overcoming Barriers to Cross-cultural Cooperation in AI Ethics and Governance
Achieving the global benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) will require international cooperation on many areas of governance and ethical standards, while allowing for diverse cultural perspectives and prio...
2020-05-15
report
Military Applications of AI Raise Ethical Concerns
Artificial intelligence offers great promise for national defense. For example, a growing number of robotic vehicles and autonomous weapons can operate in areas too hazardous for soldiers. But what are the ethical implications of using AI in war or even to enhance security in peacetime?
2020-04-28
commentary
Is Russia Developing Robots Capable of Launching Kamikaze Drones?
A threat to NATO?
2020-04-24
briefing paper
FAQ Key Elements of a Treaty on Fully Autonomous Weapons
A Frequently Asked Questions paper expands on the Campaign’s position and addresses questions raised by the Key Elements of a Treaty proposal.
2020-04-21
research article
How to translate artificial intelligence? Myths and justifications in public discourse
Automated technologies populating today’s online world rely on social expectations about how “smart” they appear to be. Algorithmic processing, as well as bias and missteps in the course of their development, all come to shape a cultural realm that in turn determines what they come to be about. It is our contention that a robust analytical frame could be derived from culturally driven Science and Technology Studies while focusing on Callon’s concept of translation. Excitement and...
2020-04-17
report
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Strategic Stability and Nuclear Risk, Volume III, South Asian Perspectives
This edited volume is the third in a series of three. The series forms part of a SIPRI project that explores regional perspectives and trends related to the impact that recent advances in artificial intelligence could have on nuclear weapons and doctrines, as well as on strategic stability and nuclear risk. This volume assembles the perspectives of eight experts on South Asia on why and how machine learning and autonomy may become the focus of an arms race among nuclear-armed states. It further explores how the adoption of these technologies may have an impact on their calculation of strategic stability and nuclear risk at the regional and transregional levels.
2020-04-01
original paper
Knowledge in the grey zone: AI and cybersecurity
Cybersecurity protects citizens and society from harm perpetrated through computer networks. Its task is made ever more complex by the diversity of actors—criminals, spies, militaries, hacktivists, firms—opera...
2020-03-31
research article
Ethics of autonomous weapons systems and its applicability to any AI systems
Most artificial intelligence technologies are dual-use. They are incorporated into both peaceful civilian applications and military weapons systems. Most of the existing codes of conduct and ethical principles on artificial intelligence address the former while largely ignoring the latter.
2020-03-31
commentary
How Far Are We From Developing AI-Powered Tanks?
A remote control tank could be in the near future, but a killer robot tank is likely still many years away.
2020-03-24
report
2018 Activity Report
The 2018 activity report provides an overview of activities carried out by the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots from April 2018 to March 2019.
2020-03-15
brief
Digitalising defence
Digital technologies can vastly improve the operational readiness and effectiveness of Europe’s armed forces. As this Brief shows, however, the EU needs to better understand the risks and opportunities involved in the digitalisation of defence and it needs to financially invest in its technological sovereignty.
2020-03-11
report
Killer robots: fact or fiction? autonomous weapon systems within the framework of International Humanitarian Law (Killer Robots: Reality or Fiction? Autonomous Weapons Systems in the Context of International Humanitarian Law)
Autonomous weapons systems have presented an accelerated development in recent years. The use of this type of weapon in scenarios of armed conflict is not expressly regulated...
2020-03-09
brief
Digital divide? Transatlantic defence cooperation on AI
In the wake of the Artificial Intelligence Strategy unveiled by the US Department of Defense in 2019, this Brief examines the implications of the initiative for Europe and for transatlantic defence cooperation. It argues that Europeans need to develop a strategy for military innovation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), while the transatlantic partners need to design a common approach to AI governance.
2020-03-05
toolkit
Campaigners Kit
A toolkit for new and existing campaigners to get an overview of the key issues and steps to take action to prohibit autonomous weapons.
2020-02-27
report
Action kit: Save your university from killer robots
This new PAX action kit provides background reading and resources in order to take action and save universities from killer robots.
2020-02-26
commentary
US Department of Defense Adopts Artificial Intelligence Ethical Principles
The Pentagon adopted a set of ethical guidelines on the use of AI.
2020-02-25
commentary
Pentagon to Adopt Detailed Principles for Using AI
Sources say the list will closely follow an October report from a defense advisory board.
2020-02-18
report
Conflicted Intelligence: How universities can help prevent the development of lethal autonomous weapons
This report investigates how universities are contributing to the development of autonomous weapons.
2020-02-12
toolkit
Intersectionality and Racism
This publication explores why intersectionality is important when we are discussing killer robots and racism.
2020-02-06
analysis
A New Year’s resolution: bringing IHL home
As the old year bids farewell and the new year takes shape, we tend to ...
2020-01-21
report
A WILPF Guide to Killer Robots
A new resource guide for the WILPF network and broader public about autonomous weapon systems, also known as killer robots, bringing a gender lens to the issue.
2020-01-17
commentary
Killer robots reconsidered: Could AI weapons actually cut collateral damage?
Although activists are calling for an international ban on lethal autonomous weapons, incorporating AI into weapons systems may make them more accurate and result in fewer civilian casualties...
2020-01-10
commentary
Elsa B. Kania on Artificial Intelligence and Great Power Competition
On AI’s potential, military uses, and the fallacy of an AI “arms race.”
2019-12-31
commentary
Death of efforts to regulate autonomous weapons has been greatly exaggerated
Some say trying to use the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons to pre-emptively ban lethal autonomous weapons systems has failed—and consequently should be abandoned. This argument is wrong.
2019-12-18
report
Training and Education of Armed Forces in the Age of High-Tech Hostilities
This chapter focuses on the legal challenges posed to States by new technologies in relation to the education and training of the personnel of the armed forces. In recent decades, new technologies...
2019-12-14
commentary
AI for Peace
The United States should apply lessons from the 70-year history of governing nuclear technology by building a framework for governing AI military technology. An AI for Peace program should articulate the dangers of this new technology, principles to manage the dangers, and a structure to shape the incentives for other states.
2019-12-13
analysis
‘Act today, shape tomorrow’: the 33rd International Conference
Today we launch the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, a ...
2019-12-10
news release
Asser researcher wins NWO grant to research AI in the military context
As more Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are being integrated in different areas of our lives, and as much benefit that brings to our societies, there are also challenges. In the military context, which is the focus of Boutin’s project, AI technologies have the potential to greatly improve military capabilities and offer significant strategic and tactical advantages. At the same time, the increasing use of autonomous technologies and adaptive systems in the military context poses profound ethical, legal, and policy challenges.
2019-11-27
statement
States must address concerns raised by autonomous weapons
Convention on prohibitions or restrictions on use of certain conventional weapons which may be deemed to be excessively injurious.
2019-11-14
statement
Statement to the CCW annual Meeting of High Contracting Parties, 13-15 November
This statement was delivered to delegates attending the CCW annual Meeting of High Contracting Parties on 14 November 2019.
2019-11-14
report
Slippery Slope: The arms industry and increasingly autonomous weapons
This report analyses developments in the arms industry, pointing to areas of work that have potential for applications in lethal autonomous weapons and shows the trend of increasing autonomy in...
2019-11-11
commentary
The United States should drop its opposition to a killer robot treaty
Active US engagement in negotiating a relatively modest treaty offers the best hope for mitigating the humanitarian risks of autonomous weapons.
2019-11-07
commentary
DeepMind’s AI has now outcompeted nearly all human players at StarCraft II
AlphaStar cooperated with itself to learn new strategies for conquering the popular galactic warfare game.
2019-10-30
original research
Artificial Intelligence, Responsibility Attribution, and a Relational Justification of Explainability
This paper discusses the problem of responsibility attribution raised by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It is assumed that only humans can be responsible agents; yet this alone already r...
2019-10-24
commentary
Non-Proliferation and Emerging Technologies
Policymakers are under the false impression that they are coming too late and that there is no time for regulating new dual-use technologies. But that impression is misleading.
2019-10-23
commentary
Military artificial intelligence can be easily and dangerously fooled
AI warfare is beginning to dominate military strategy in the US and China, but is the technology ready?
2019-10-21
statement
Military needs can never justify using inhumane or indiscriminate weapons
Statement to UN General Assembly First Committee: General debate on all disarmament and international security agenda items
2019-10-18
statement
Statement to the 74th UN General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security
This statement was delivered to delegates attending the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) First Committee on Disarmament and International Security on 18 October 2019.
2019-10-18
commentary
Ethics of AI and Cybersecurity When Sovereignty is at Stake
Sovereignty and strategic autonomy are felt to be at risk today, being threatened by the forces of rising international tensions, disruptive digital transformations and explosive growth of cybersecurity incide...
2019-10-11
commentary
The Air Force Is Testing A Secret Weapon: Drone Swarms
Modern warfare will never be the same.
2019-10-10
report
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Strategic Stability and Nuclear Risk, Volume II, East Asian Perspectives
This edited volume is the second of a series of three. They form part of a SIPRI project that explores regional perspectives and trends related to the impact that recent advances in artificial intelligence could have on nuclear weapons and doctrines, as well as on strategic stability and nuclear risk. This volume assembles the perspectives of 13 experts from East Asia, Russia and the United States on why and how machine learning and autonomy may become the focus of an arms race among nuclear-armed states. It further explores how the adoption of these technologies may have an impact on their calculation of strategic stability and nuclear risk at the regional and transregional levels.
2019-10-01
analysis
Autonomous Weapons Systems: When is the right time to regulate?
Those wishing to control the spread and use of autonomous weapons systems generally favour pre-emptive ...
2019-09-26
report
An AI Race for Strategic Advantage: Rhetoric and Risks
The rhetoric of the race for strategic advantage is increasingly being used with regard to the development of artificial intelligence (AI), sometimes in a military context, but also more broadly....
2019-09-25
report
The Militarization of Artificial Intelligence: A Wake-Up Call for the Global South
The militarization of artificial intelligence (AI) is well under way and leading military powers have been investing large resources in emerging technologies. Calls for AI governance at...
2019-09-20
commentary
The Role of the United Nations in Addressing Emerging Technologies in the Area of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
It is only natural that advances in the intelligent autonomy of digital systems attract the attention of Governments, scientists and civil society concerned about the possible deployment and use of lethal autonomous weapons. What is needed is a forum to discuss these concerns and construct common understandings regarding possible solutions. ...
2019-09-10
commentary
Responsible Innovation for a New Era in Science and Technology
Today we are at the dawn of an age of unprecedented technological change. In areas from robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to the material and life sciences, the coming decades promise innovations that can help us promote peace, protect our planet and address the root causes of suffering in our world. ...
2019-09-10
position paper
Responsible AI: requirements and challenges
This position paper discusses the requirements and challenges for responsible AI with respect to two interdependent objectives: (i) how to foster research and development efforts toward socially beneficial app...
2019-09-03
analysis
Black magic, zombies and dragons: a tale of IHL in the 21st Century
As we marked the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions last month, I want to ...
2019-09-03
research
New Tech, New Threats, and New Governance Challenges: An Opportunity to Craft Smarter Responses?
The array of new technologies emerging on the world stage, the new threats they can pose, and the associated governance dilemmas highlight a set of common themes.
2019-08-28
article
IHL session in Viet Nam: Experts tackle tough questions on cyber warfare and autonomous weapons
As harsh as it may sound, what do you think is "better"? Being killed by a human being or by a robot? If international humanitarian law (IHL) applies to humans and they are obliged to respect it, what body of law prohibits armed drones or robots from killing people? In the context of cyber warfare and autonomous weapons, is IHL still relevant? Or, is it too old to adapt to the
2019-08-26
q&a
Intel, Ethics, and Emerging Tech: Q&A with Cortney Weinbaum
Cortney Weinbaum studies topics related to intelligence and cyber policy as a senior management scientist at RAND. In this interview, she discusses challenges facing the intelligence community, the risks of using AI as a solution, and ethics in scientific research.
2019-08-23
commentary
Dual-use Distinguishability: How 3D-printing Shapes the Security Dilemma for Nuclear Programs
Additive manufacturing is being adopted by nuclear programs to improve production capabilities, yet its impact on strategic stability remains unclear. This article uses the security dilemma to...
2019-08-22
statement
Statement to CCW GGE meeting on lethal autonomous weapons systems, 20-21 August
This statement was delivered to delegates participating at the CCW GGE meeting on lethal autonomous weapons systems on 20 August 2019.
2019-08-20
research
What the Machine Learning Value Chain Means for Geopolitics
Artificial intelligence, or AI, has become a major source of economic value, contributing as much as $2 trillion to today’s global economy. Sophisticated machine learning technology is driving this...
2019-08-05
report
Autonomous Weapons
This entry puts forth a proposed definition of autonomous weapons, explains the basis of that definition, distinguishes autonomous weapons from drones and explains how autonomous weapons are not...
2019-07-19
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems, the Law of Armed Conflict and the Exercise of Responsible Judgment
Military technology continues to outpace the law. Recent developments in cyber warfare, space warfare and air and missile warfare have generated creative initiatives by groups of lawyers,...
2019-07-03
commentary
In Syria, Russia found the chance to showcase its swagger–and its robot weapons
The Syrian civil war gave Russia the chance to test and purportedly improve its robotic and autonomous weapons. Weapons makers showcased some of their products at a recent convention in Moscow.
2019-06-28
commentary
The Navy Will Soon Have a New Weapon to Kill 'Battleships' or Submarines
The future is now?
2019-06-27
policy
Governance Principles for the New Generation Artificial Intelligence--Developing Responsible Artificial Intelligence
In order to promote the healthy development of the new generation of AI, better balance between development and governance, ensure the safety, reliability and controllability of AI, support the economic, social, and environmental pillars of the UN sustainable development goals, and to jointly build a human community with a shared future, all stakeholders concerned with AI development should observe the following principles
2019-06-17
commentary
Blog: Lethal autonomous weapons, war crimes, and the Convention on Conventional Weapons
Asser Institute and Graduate Institute researcher Dr Marta Bo and Taylor Woodcock argue, in a blog post written for The Global, that there is a lack of discussion on autonomous weapons and criminal...
2019-05-28
report
When Speed Kills: Autonomous Weapon Systems, Deterrence, and Stability
While the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) for militaries are broad and go beyond the battlefield, autonomy on the battlefield, in the forms of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS),...
2019-05-23
commentary
The US Air Force is enlisting MIT to help sharpen its AI skills
The Air Force Artificial Intelligence Incubator aims to develop technologies that serve the “public good,” not weapons development.
2019-05-20
commentary
Can We Still Regulate Emerging Technologies?
The rapid pace of advances in technology, from artificial intelligence to miltiary robotics, raises the question of whether it is too late to begin regulating emerging technologies.
2019-05-09
commentary
The United Nations and the future of warfare
The United Nations has debated whether to ban lethal autonomous weapons for years now. As countries make rapid progress in the autonomous capabilities of weapons systems, will any ban be too late...
2019-05-09
analysis
Legal regulation of AI weapons under international humanitarian law: A Chinese perspective
Arguably, international humanitarian law (IHL) evolves with the development of emerging technologies. The history of ...
2019-05-02
report
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Strategic Stability and Nuclear Risk, Volume I, Euro-Atlantic perspectives
This edited volume focuses on the impact on artificial intelligence (AI) on nuclear strategy. It is the first instalment of a trilogy that explores regional perspectives and trends related to the impact that recent advances in AI could have nuclear weapons and doctrines, strategic stability and nuclear risk. It assembles the views of 14 experts from the Euro-Atlantic community on why and how machine learning and autonomy might become the focus of an armed race among nuclear-armed states; and how the adoption of these technologies might impact their calculation of strategic stability and nuclear risk at the regional level and trans-regional level.
2019-05-01
report
The Lawful Use of Autonomous Weapon Systems for Targeted Strikes (Part 3): Evaluating the Outer Limits
Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) are essentially weapon systems that, once activated, can select and engage targets without further human intervention. While these are neither currently...
2019-04-26
commentary
Laying Down the LAWS: Strategizing Autonomous Weapons Governance
This post is the second entry in the blog series Transformative Technology, Transformative Governance, which examines the global implications of emerging technologies, as well as measures to mitigate their risks and maximize their benefits.
2019-04-24
analysis
Safety net or tangled web: Legal reviews of AI in weapons and war-fighting
Editor’s note: For those interested in the topic of legal reviews of weapons, it is ...
2019-04-18
analysis
The viability of data-reliant predictive systems in armed conflict detention
Editor’s note: In this post, Tess Bridgeman continues the discussion on detention and the potential use of ...
2019-04-08
analysis
Enhanced distinction: The need for a more focused autonomous weapons targeting discussion at the LAWS GGE
The meeting of the Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) has been taking place in Geneva this week. This ...
2019-03-28
analysis
The need for clear governance frameworks on predictive algorithms in military settings
Editor’s note: In this post, as part of the AI blog series, Lorna McGregor continues the discussion on ...
2019-03-28
commentary
Why AI researchers should reconsider protesting involvement in military projects
One Defense Department advisor suggests that “constructive engagement” will be more successful than opting out.
2019-03-26
analysis
Detaining by algorithm
Editor’s note: As part of this AI blog series, several posts focus on detention and the ...
2019-03-25
analysis
Legal reviews of weapons, means and methods of warfare involving artificial intelligence: 16 elements to consider
What are some of the chief concerns in contemporary debates around legal reviews of weapons, ...
2019-03-21
analysis
Expert views on the frontiers of artificial intelligence and conflict
Recent advances in artificial intelligence have the potential to affect many aspects of our lives ...
2019-03-19
commentary
Chinese, Local Drones Reflect Changing Middle East
Ever since 9/11, drones have been amongst the most visible, and often controversial, signs of American power in the Middle East and beyond. But as regional powers look to chart their own course, a new generation of cheaper unmanned aerial vehicles - Chinese or locally built, with far fewer restrictions on their use - are taking to the skies.
2019-03-06
report
Bio Plus X: Arms Control and the Convergence of Biology and Emerging Technologies
Technological advances in the biological sciences have long presented a challenge to efforts to maintain biosecurity and prevent the proliferation of biological weapons. The convergence of developments in biotechnology with other, emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence and robotics has increased the possibilities for the development and use of biological weapons.
2019-03-01
commentary
The next ‘Deep Blue’ moment: Self-flying drone racing
In 1997, IBM’s “Deep Blue” computer defeated grandmaster Gary Kasparov in a match of chess. It was an historic moment, marking the end of an era where humans could defeat machines in complex strategy games. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) bots can defeat humans in not only chess, but nearly every digital game that exists.…
2019-02-18
commentary
Trump orders some sort of vague action in the AI arms race
Through an executive order, President Donald Trump launched the American AI Initiative, further underscoring the importance of a group of technologies that are reshaping everything from medical...
2019-02-11
commentary
Does the U.S. Navy's Next Super Weapon Have a Fatal Flaw?
A new study on naval drones warns the real problem with autonomous drones isn’t going berserk, but rather the inability to adapt to the unexpected.
2019-02-10
commentary
China’s military is rushing to use artificial intelligence
A new report shows that a more literal AI arms race is also under way.
2019-02-07
commentary
China's Olive Branch to Save the World from AI Weapons
Is China open to arms control over AI weapons development? The United States should find out.
2019-02-01
commentary
Panel discussion: Human control over Autonomous Military Technologies
On Wednesday 13 February, the Asser Institute will be hosting a panel discussion on the topic of ‘Human Control over Autonomous Military Technologies’ from 14:30 to 17:00. The event is organised in...
2019-01-29
commentary
Cyberweapons: A Growing Threat to Strategic Stability in the Twenty-First Century
The impact of cyberweapons on strategic stability is a growing problem that extends well beyond the security of the control and communication systems of nuclear forces.
2019-01-21
analysis
Is arms control over emerging technologies just a peacetime luxury? Lessons learned from the First World War
At the turn of the twentieth century, many engineers with fertile imaginations—from France’s Gustave Gabet to America’s Orville Wright—hoped that their inventions would ...
2019-01-18
commentary
Does the United States Face an AI Ethics Gap?
Instead of worrying about an artificial intelligence “ethics gap,” U.S. policymakers and the military community could embrace a leadership role in AI ethics. This may help ensure that the AI arms race doesn't become a race to the bottom.
2019-01-11
report
Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Frameworks for Development of Standards in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Robotic Surgery
Background: This paper aims to move the debate forward regarding the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous robotic surgery with a particular focus on ethics, regulation and...
2019-01-10
commentary
Never mind killer robots—here are six real AI dangers to watch out for in 2019
Last year a string of controversies revealed a darker (and dumber) side to artificial intelligence.
2019-01-07
analysis
Machine autonomy and the constant care obligation
The debate about the way the international community should deal with autonomous weapon systems has ...
2018-12-11
article
Ethical Aspects of Military Maritime and Aerial Autonomous Systems
ABSTRACTTwo categories of ethical questions surrounding military autonomous systems are discussed in this article. The first category concerns ethical issues regarding the use of military...
2018-12-11
commentary
Air Force Hopes to Arm Stealth F-35s, F-15s and F-16s with the Ultimate Weapon
The Air Force and DARPA are now testing new hardware and software configured to enable 4th-Generation aircraft to command drones from the cockpit in the air, bringing new levels of autonomy, more attack options and a host of new reconnaissance advantages to air warfare.
2018-12-10
commentary
Artificial intelligence: a detailed explainer, with a human point of view
Is artificial intelligence, AI, a threat to our way of life, or a blessing? AI seeks to replicate and maybe replace what human intelligence does best: make complex decisions. Currently, human...
2018-12-07
commentary
Autonomous Weapons Are Coming, This is How We Get Them Right
Fully autonomous weapons are not only inevitable; they have been in America’s inventory since 1979.
2018-12-02
news release
Autonomous weapons: States must agree on what human control means in practice
Should a weapon system be able to make its own “decision” about who to kill?
2018-11-20
commentary
Learning from South Korea: How artificial intelligence can transform US export controls
How can civilian agencies in the national-security space leverage artificial intelligence to fortify security interests, with far fewer resources than their heavyweight military and intelligence counterparts...
2018-11-13
commentary
Air Force Plans to Arm Stealth F-35s, F-15s and F-16s with the Ultimate Weapon
Advances in computer power, processing speed and AI are rapidly changing the scope of what platforms are able to perform without needing human intervention.
2018-11-12
commentary
AI is not “magic dust” for your company, says Google’s Cloud AI boss
Andrew Moore says getting the technology to work in businesses is a huge challenge.
2018-11-08
commentary
Autonomous Weapons: The Ultimate Military Game Changer?
Know this: if autonomous weapons are developed and introduced into the world’s arsenals, then they are unlikely to immediately revolutionize warfare.
2018-10-21
discussion
Retaining Meaningful Human Control of Weapons Systems
A panel discussion entitled Retaining Meaningful Human Control of Weapons Systems was held on the side of the First Committee on Disarmament and International Security.
2018-10-18
statement
Weapons: Statement of the ICRC to the United Nations, 2018
United Nations General Assembly, 73rd Session, First Committee. Statement delivered by Ms. Kathleen Lawand, Head of Arms Unit, ICRC.
2018-10-17
report
The Lawful Use of Autonomous Weapon Systems for Targeted Strikes (Part 2): Targeting Law & Practice
Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) are essentially weapon systems that, once activated, can select and engage targets without further human intervention. While these are neither currently...
2018-10-12
commentary
The U.S. Air Force Plans to Arm F-15s, F-22s and F-35s with the Ultimate Weapon
The Air Force and DARPA are now testing new hardware and software configured to enable 4th-Generation aircraft to command drones from the cockpit in the air.
2018-09-13
commentary
The Pentagon is putting billions toward military AI research
DARPA, the US Defense Department’s research arm, will spend $2 billion over the next five years on military AI projects.
2018-09-10
analysis
The (im)possibility of meaningful human control for lethal autonomous weapon systems
This week, the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) is holding their third meeting at the UN Certain ...
2018-08-29
commentary
What the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots can learn from the antinuclear weapons movement
What today's campaigners against the battlefield use of A.I.-powered autonomous robots can learn from the successful antinuclear movements of yesteryear.
2018-08-29
analysis
The impact of gender and race bias in AI
Automated decision algorithms are currently propagating gender and race discrimination throughout our global community. The ...
2018-08-28
analysis
The human nature of international humanitarian law
International humanitarian law (IHL) regulates the use of force in armed conflict. It inherently provides ...
2018-08-23
commentary
Air Force to Arm F-15s, F-22s and F-35s with the Ultimate Weapon
The Air Force and DARPA are now testing new hardware and software configured to enable 4th-Generation aircraft to command drones from the cockpit in the air, bringing new levels of autonomy, more attack options and a host of new reconnaissance advantages to air warfare.
2018-08-16
analysis
Autonomous weapons: Operationalizing meaningful human control
For the second time this year, States will come together in the UN Convention on ...
2018-08-15
commentary
Why AI researchers shouldn’t turn their backs on the military
The author of a new book on autonomous weapons says scientists working on artificial intelligence need to do more to prevent the technology from being weaponized.
2018-08-14
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems: The Possibility and Probability of Accountability
This paper addresses the challenge of accountability that arises in relation to autonomous weapon systems (AWS), a challenge which focuses on the hypothesis that AWS will make it impossible to...
2018-08-09
commentary
The Army’s New Futures Command Will Succeed or Fail by Congress’s Hand
Until Congress straightens its never-ending fiscal rollercoaster and Army leadership demonstrates that it has learned from its past, the success of Futures Command remains dubious.
2018-07-29
analysis
Autonomous weapons and human control
Concerns about ensuring sufficient human control over autonomous weapon systems (AWS) have been prominent since ...
2018-07-18
commentary
India Should Be Ready To Reap Military Potential Of AI, It Can Redefine Warfare As We Know It
India has a vast talent pool and a burgeoning start-up scene which, if properly tapped and encouraged, could not only provide indigenous military solutions, but could also create significant...
2018-07-01
analysis
New types of weapons need new forms of governance
The existing national and international tools used to control the emergence and use of weapons that may contravene international humanitarian law (IHL) have ...
2018-06-28
commentary
“A Tale of Two Cities”: The Roles of Geneva and The Hague, two UN cities, in Driving Global Justice
The event brought together speakers from both Geneva and The Hague, to explore and highlight the role of these two UN Cities in linking research to policy in the areas of peace and justice.
2018-06-11
interview
Killer Robots and Autonomous Weapons With Paul Scharre
Paul Scharre, senior fellow and director of the technology and national security program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), discusses autonomous weapons and the changing nature of warfare with CFR's James M. Lindsay.
2018-06-01
commentary
China In Race To Overtake U.S. Military in AI Warfare
AI Weapons: China and America Are Desperate to Dominate This New Technology
2018-05-30
commentary
Call for Papers - Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law, Vol. 21 (2018)
In recent years numerous developments have again highlighted the importance of Weapons Law for preventing and regulating armed conflict. The use of chemical weapons in Syria, the ups-and-downs of...
2018-05-29
research article
“The Computer Said So”: On the Ethics, Effectiveness, and Cultural Techniques of Predictive Policing
In this paper, I use The New York Times’ debate titled, “Can predictive policing be ethical and effective?” to examine what are seen as the key operations of predictive policing and what impacts they might have in our current culture and society.
2018-05-02
report
Normal Autonomous Accidents: What Happens When Killer Robots Fail?
Over the past decade there has been much written on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) commonly known as “killer robots”. This includes legal, ethical and moral concerns as well as issues...
2018-04-29
commentary
Why the world needs to regulate autonomous weapons, and soon
If machines that autonomously target and kill humans are fielded by one country, it could be quickly followed by others, resulting in destabilizing global arms races. And that’s only a small part...
2018-04-27
commentary
Manifestos and open letters: Back to the future?
Why UN discussions on the management of lethal autonomous weapons need greater participation by the scientific and research communities and representatives of the private sector. Statements of...
2018-04-26
commentary
Defending against “The Entertainment”
Amid the published angst about AI and its hypothetical threats, more attention ought to be given to the threat that AI-enabled entertainment poses to our brains and our civilization.
2018-04-25
commentary
An expert collection on the military applications of AI
Over the course of this week, the Bulletin, in partnership with the Stanley Foundation, is publishing top experts on how to manage the explosion of military AI research and development around the...
2018-04-24
commentary
The promise and peril of military applications of artificial intelligence
The promise of AI—including its ability to improve the speed and accuracy of everything from logistics and battlefield planning to human decision making—is driving militaries around the world to...
2018-04-23
report
Preventing Autonomous Weapon Systems from Being Used to Perpetrate Intentional Violations of the Laws of War
Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) are essentially weapon systems that, once activated, can select and engage targets without further human intervention. While these are neither currently fielded nor...
2018-04-17
analysis
Human judgment and lethal decision-making in war
For the fifth year in a row, government delegates meet at the United Nations in ...
2018-04-11
commentary
Assers First Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law
For this first edition, the Winter Academy will include general sessions on legal and theoretical perspectives on AI (including on legal personality, collective agency, human control,...
2018-04-11
analysis
Autonomous weapon systems: A threat to human dignity?
In the opening scene of Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, six British soldiers, looking for food and ...
2018-04-10
statement
Towards limits on autonomy in weapon systems
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, statement of the ICRCThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is pleased to contribute its views to this second meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts on “Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems”.
2018-04-09
commentary
Here’s how the US needs to prepare for the age of artificial intelligence
Government indifference toward AI could let the US lose ground to rival countries. But what would a good AI plan actually look like?
2018-04-06
commentary
To kill killer robots, a brief boycott
If your university partners with a defense contractor to research autonomous weapons, do not expect AI researchers to sit still for it.
2018-04-06
commentary
Big organizations may like killer robots, but workers and researchers sure don’t
Tech firms and universities interested in building AI-powered weapons for lucrative military contracts are, predictably, facing some significant pushback.
2018-04-04
article
Ethics and autonomous weapon systems: An ethical basis for human control?
As part of continuing reflections on the legal and ethical issues raised by autonomous weapons systems, the ICRC convened a round-table meeting in Geneva from 28 to 29 August 2017 to explore the ethical aspects.This report - "Ethics and autonomous weapon systems: An ethical basis for human control?" - summarizes discussions and highlights the ICRC's main conclusions:
2018-04-03
analysis
Autonomous weapon systems: An ethical basis for human control?
The requirement for human control The risks of functionally delegating complex tasks—and associated decisions—to sensors ...
2018-04-03
article
The Critical Human Element in the Machine Age of Warfare
As major militaries progress toward the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and even command systems, Petrov’s decision should serve as a potent reminder of the risks of reliance on complex systems in which errors and malfunctions are not only probable, but probably inevitable.
2018-04-01
commentary
The Army Wants a New Tank to Take On Russia and China
The Army is massively speeding up its early prototyping of weapons and technology for its Next-Gen Combat Vehicle.
2018-03-12
research
The Dangerous Illogic of Twenty-First-Century Deterrence Through Planning for Nuclear Warfighting
Rather than use Cold War principles, nuclear states should shift their nuclear doctrines and capabilities to strategic deterrence as needed by the twenty-first century.
2018-03-06
commentary
How AI Can Help the Indian Armed Forces
The controversies surrounding autonomous weapons must not obscure the fact that like most technologies, AI has a number of non-lethal uses for militaries across the world, and especially for the...
2018-03-05
report
The Roboticization of Warfare with Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (Laws): Mandate of Humanity or Threat to It?
LAWS are a threat to humanity, and after an objective analysis without a preconceived attachment to a particular outcome they are prohibited by the lex lata. The analysis is not conducted in a...
2018-02-26
report
The Principle of Proportionality in an Era of High Technology
This chapter, in the forthcoming book Complex Battlespaces: The Law of Armed Conflict and the Dynamics of Modern Warfare (published by Oxford University Press) explores the application of a key...
2018-02-21
article
Autonomous weapon systems under international humanitarian law
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs published a collection of articles: "Perspectives on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems"
2018-01-31
video
India’s Expertise and Influence Essential to Address Challenges of Autonomous Weapons
Dr Hugo Slim, Head of Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy at the ICRC, visited New Delhi this week to speak at the Raisina Dialogue organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Observer Research Foundation 16-18 January 2018.
2018-01-19
commentary
A Good Year for Artificial Intelligence
It is necessary to move past the idea of artificial intelligence being a replacement for humans across the board, and begin having a deeper conversation about its effectiveness as a tool in the...
2018-01-11
interview
Don't fear the robopocalypse: Autonomous weapons expert Paul Scharre
A former Army Ranger—who happens to have led the team that established Defense Department policy on autonomous weapons—explains in a Bulletin interview what these weapons are good for, what they’re...
2018-01-10
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems: A New Challenging for International Humanitarian Law and International Human Right Law
This article considers the recent literature concerned with establishing an international prohibition on autonomous weapon systems. It seeks to address concerns expressed by some scholars that such...
2017-12-28
commentary
Neuro, cyber, slaughter: Emerging technological threats in 2017
Looking back at our best coverage in 2017 of emerging technological threats.
2017-12-21
commentary
“As much death as you want”: UC Berkeley's Stuart Russell on “Slaughterbots”
If you never dreamed that toy-like drones from off the shelf at the big-box store could be converted—with a bit of artificial intelligence and a touch of shaped explosive—into face-recognizing...
2017-12-05
report
Article 36 Reviews: Dealing with the Challenges posed by Emerging Technologies
Article 36 of the 1977 Additional Protocol to the 1949 Geneva Conventions imposes a practical obligation on states to determine whether ‘in the study, development, acquisition or adoption of a new weapon, means or method of warfare’ its use would ‘in some or all circumstances be prohibited by international law’. This mechanism is often colloquially referred to as an ‘Article 36 review’.
2017-12-01
perspective
UNODA Occasional Papers – No. 30, November 2017
Perspectives on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
2017-11-30
commentary
Beware the Robotic Empire
Given the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the coming years, India must keep a wary eye on Chinese developments in this field, and develop its own strategic vision of how AI...
2017-11-17
statement
Expert Meeting on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
The ICRC welcomes this first meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts on "Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems".
2017-11-15
commentary
The critical human element in the machine age of warfare
As multiple militaries have begun to use AI to enhance their capabilities on the battlefield, several deadly mistakes have shown the risks of automation and semi-autonomous systems, even when human...
2017-11-15
analysis
Ethics as a source of law: The Martens clause and autonomous weapons
Ethics evolves, the law changes. In this way, moral progress may occur. Yet the relation ...
2017-11-14
report
Mapping the Development of Autonomy in Weapon Systems
The Mapping the Development of Autonomy in Weapon Systems report presents the key findings and recommendations from a one-year mapping study on the development of autonomy in weapon systems.
2017-11-01
discussion
Pathways to Banning Fully Autonomous Weapons
On 16 October 2017, the Permanent Mission to the United Nations of Mexico partnered with the International Committee for Robot Arms Control, Human Rights Watch, Seguridad Humana en Latinoamérica y el Caribe and the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots to host a panel discussion entitled “Pathways to Banning Fully Autonomous Weapons” as part of the First Committee side event series for the 72nd Session General Assembly.
2017-10-23
commentary
The B-52 Bomber: Now Armed with Lasers?
As technology progresses, particularly in the realm of autonomous systems, many wonder if a laser-drone weapon will soon have the ability to find, acquire, track and destroy and enemy target using sensors, targeting and weapons delivery systems – without needing any human intervention.
2017-10-23
discussion
Autonomous Weapon Systems: Understanding Learning Algorithms and Bias
On 5 October 2017, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) hosted a side event, “Autonomous Weapons Systems: Learning Algorithms and Bias” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
2017-10-13
commentary
Why “stupid” machines matter: Autonomous weapons and shifting norms
Should legal and regulatory norms be adjusted to address the threat of hyperintelligent autonomous weapons in the future? Maybe—but dumb autonomous weapons are altering norms right now.
2017-10-12
analysis
Autonomous weapons mini-series: Distance, weapons technology and humanity in armed conflict
In this blog post, I look at the ethical and legal ramifications of distance in ...
2017-10-06
analysis
Introduction to Mini-Series: Autonomous weapon systems and ethics
Autonomous weapon systems & the dictates of public conscience: An ethical basis for human control? On 28–29 August 2017, the ICRC convened a ...
2017-10-04
report
Disarmament: A Basic Guide – Fourth Edition (2017)
Conceived as a comprehensive introduction to a field central to the work of the United Nations, Disarmament: A Basic Guide aims to provide a useful overview of the nuanced challenges of building a more peaceful world in the twenty-first century.
2017-10-01
commentary
These are the Weapons China Needs to Crush America in a War
Will Beijing build them?
2017-09-24
research article
Robot Wars: US Empire and geopolitics in the robotic age
How will the robot age transform warfare? What geopolitical futures are being imagined by the US military? This article constructs a robotic futurology to examine these crucial questions. Its central concern is how robots – driven by leaps in artificial ...
2017-08-31
commentary
Killer Robots are Coming, and the U.S. Isn't the Only Buyer
Other countries are competitive when it comes to artificial intelligence and robotics, and much of the skill and technology is available in the private sector - not controlled by governments.
2017-08-31
research article
When AI goes to war: Youth opinion, fictional reality and autonomous weapons
This paper relates the results of deliberation of youth juries about the use of autonomous weapons systems (AWS). The discourse that emerged from the juries centered on several key issues. The jurors expressed the importance of keeping the humans in the decision-making process when it comes to militarizing artificial intelligence, and that only humans are capable of moral agency.
2017-08-30
commentary
'Terminator' Robots: The U.S. Military's Ultimate Weapon or Ultimate Nightmare?
“Lethal autonomous weapons threaten to become the third revolution in warfare.”
2017-08-24
commentary
Should We Fear Artificial Intelligence?
It is necessary to be open-eyed and clear-headed about the practical benefits and risks associated with the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence.
2017-08-07
report
Fully Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Principles of International Humanitarian Law
The development of military technology during the 20th Century is increasing the capabilities of the machines and computers while downgrading the number and complexity of tasks conducted by the...
2017-08-01
article
Security by Design
Nuclear weapons have been around for 70 years. They are an old technology, and the norms and institutions that govern them are fairly well established. Emerging technologies, however, could create...
2017-08-01
commentary
Why India Needs a Strategic Artificial Intelligence Vision
The present trajectory of AI advancement indicates that future economies and national security will be defined by it, making it among a handful of technologies that will shape global politics.
2017-07-21
report
At the Crossroads of Control: The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence in Autonomous Weapon Systems with International Humanitarian Law
This Article explores the interaction of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with international humanitarian law (IHL) in autonomous weapon systems (AWS). Lawyers and scientists...
2017-07-05
report
Defending the Boundary: Constraints and Requirements on the Use of Autonomous Weapon Systems Under International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law
The focus of scholarly inquiry into the legality of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) has been on compliance with IHL rules on the conduct of hostilities. Comparably little attention has been given...
2017-05-24
report
Autonomous Weapon System: Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and Other Legal Challenges
The legality of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) under international law is a swiftly growing issue of importance as technology advances and machines acquire the capacity to operate without human...
2017-05-05
commentary
The case for banning autonomous weapons rests on morality, not practicality
The failure of the chemical weapons ban in Syria is not a strike against a proposed global ban on autonomous weapons. Bans derive their strength from morality, not practicality.
2017-04-24
commentary
The Dark Secret at the Heart of AI
No one really knows how the most advanced algorithms do what they do. That could be a problem.
2017-04-11
commentary
Autonomous weapon systems: Is a space warfare manual required?
The legalities for the use of Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) in space warfare are examined. Currently, there are manuals for air and missile warfare, naval warfare and cyber warfare, a clear gap in the literature is that there is no manual for space warfare.
2017-04-07
report
Toward Meaningful Human Control of Autonomous Weapons Systems Through Function Allocation
One of the few convergent themes during the first two United Nations Meeting of Experts on autonomous weapons systems (AWS) in 2014 and 2015 was the requirement that there be meaningful human...
2017-03-15
article
The upside and downside of swarming drones
ABSTRACTThe US and Chinese militaries are starting to test swarming drones – distributed collaborative systems made up of many small, cheap, unmanned aircraft. This new subset of independently...
2017-02-28
commentary
U.S. Air Force Chief Scientist: Stealth Drones and Killer Swarms Could Be Coming Soon
The future looks HUGE for the U.S. Air Force.
2017-02-23
commentary
How America's Mighty F-15, F-16 or F-35s Could Soon Be Firing Lasers
A big development is almost here.
2017-02-22
analysis
The evolution of warfare: Focus on the Law
How has warfare changed over the past 100 years? Is the international community still sufficiently equipped to reasonably minimize its negative effects on ...
2017-02-16
commentary
The U.S. Military Might Be on the Verge of the Ultimate Naval Weapon
Thanks to DARPA and BAE Systems.
2017-02-15
commentary
The Swarm of War: Is India Ready?
There is a new arms race taking shape, centered around three interconnected technologies: autonomous weapons, swarms, and cyberwarfare.
2017-02-06
commentary
AI Rules: From Three to Twenty Three
Given the pace of progress in AI development, the expanding scope for its application, and the growing intensity of the current research effort suggests that it may not be too soon to revisit and...
2017-02-05
commentary
India Has an Opportunity to Shape the Future of War
India’s elevation as chair of a group designed to kick-start talks on lethal autonomous weapon systems gives it the unique opportunity to take a leadership role in global debates on the issue.
2017-01-05
report
Legality of Lethal Autonomous Weapons AKA Killer Robots
Automated warfare including aerial drones that are extensively used in ongoing armed conflicts is now an established part of military technology worldwide. It is only logical to assume that the...
2017-01-04
commentary
ISIL ramps up fight with weaponised drones
In addition to using drones for reconnaissance in Iraq, ISIL has been sending them out with bombs attached.
2017-01-03
commentary
America's Master Plan to Turn the M1 Abrams Tank Into a Super Weapon
Algorithms are progressing to the point wherein they will be able to allow an Abrams tank crew to operate multiple nearby “wing-man” robotic vehicles in a command and control capacity while on the move in combat.
2016-12-27
report
Autonomous weapon system: Law of armed conflict (LOAC) and other legal challenges
The legality of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) under international law is a swiftly growing issue of importance as technology advances and machines acquire the capacity to operate without human control. This paper argues that the existing laws are ineffective and that a different set of laws are needed. This paper examines several issues that are critical for the development and use of AWS in warfare.
2016-12-22
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems and the Threshold of Non-International Armed Conflict
The ongoing international humanitarian law (IHL) discussion predominantly centers on whether States’ development and employment of AWS can comply with certain fundamental obligations contained in...
2016-12-19
report
Mapping the Development of Autonomy in Weapon Systems: A Primer on Autonomy
Since 2013 the governance of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) has been discussed under the framework of the 1980 United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). The discussion is still at an early stage, with most states parties still in the process of understanding the issues at stake—beginning with the fundamental questions of what constitutes ‘autonomy’ and to what extent it is a matter of concern in the context of weapon systems and the use of force. A number of states parties have stressed that future discussions could usefully benefit from further investigation into the conceptual and technical foundations of the meaning of ‘autonomy’.
2016-12-01
report
Mapping the Innovation Ecosystem Driving the Advance of Autonomy in Weapon Systems
Since 2013 the governance of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) has been discussed internationally under the framework of the 1980 United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). Thus far, the discussion has remained at the informal level. Three informal meetings of experts (held in 2014, 2015 and 2016) have been convened under the auspices of the CCW to discuss questions related to emerging technologies in the area of LAWS. Several delegations have, however, already indicated that they have concerns as to the impact that a new protocol on LAWS could have on innovation, particularly in the civilian sphere, since, arguably, much of the technology on which LAWS might be based could be dual use.
2016-12-01
commentary
Killer Robots: Moral Concerns vs. Military Advantages
The U.S. military should balance Americans' ethical concerns over computers making life and death decisions with the need to maintain an edge in the face of rapid advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning across the globe.
2016-11-04
commentary
Killer Robots: Moral Concerns Vs. Military Advantages
Ethical concerns over computers making life and death decisions are real, and they’re important
2016-11-03
commentary
The Pentagon’s ‘Terminator Conundrum’: Robots That Could Kill on Their Own
The United States has put artificial intelligence at the center of its defense strategy, with weapons that can identify targets and make decisions.
2016-10-25
report
Remote and Autonomous Warfare Systems – Precautions in Attack and Individual Accountability
The long and tragic history of human warfare manifests an endless quest for more effective ways to conduct attacks and defeat adversaries. This has in turn driven innovation in means and methods of...
2016-10-16
article
Impact of new technologies and weapons on international humanitarian law
International humanitarian law, its applicability to new weapons, means and methods of warfare and the influence of remote-controlled and autonomous weapon systems on international humanitarian law were among the topics on the agenda for a recent seminar in Seoul.
2016-10-11
analysis
Legal review of new weapons: Scope of the obligation and best practices
Article 36 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (AP I) states that each State Party is required to determine whether ...
2016-10-06
commentary
Is China's New Cruise Missile All Hype?
What should me make of the 'AI' cruise missile?
2016-09-05
commentary
The Pentagon Plans for Autonomous Systems
Today, the Defense Science Board (DSB) released a long-awaited study, simply titled Autonomy. Since the late 1950s, the DSB has consistently been at the forefront of investigating and providing policy guidance for cutting-edge scientific, technological, and manufacturing issues.
2016-08-23
commentary
Who'll want artificially intelligent weapons? ISIS, democracies, or autocracies?
If you’re a dictator who can’t trust your own people in the military, you can still trust a machine to do your dirty work.
2016-07-29
commentary
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Intelligence Agencies
The defense community has already begun a healthy dialogue about the ethics of AI in combat systems
2016-07-18
commentary
Ban killer robots? How about defining them first?
There's a lot of talk about regulating autonomous weapons, but thoughtful, effective policy will be difficult to make if we can’t even agree on what they are
2016-06-24
report
The Distraction of Full Autonomy & the Need to Refocus the CCW LAWS Discussion on Critical Functions
The United Nations (UN) Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) discussions on lethal autonomous weapons (LAWS) have been confused, not constructive, and largely for the same definitional...
2016-06-19
analysis
War crimes without criminal accountability? The case of Active Protection Systems
As weapon systems take over more and more functions in the targeting cycle that used to be fulfilled by humans, it is increasingly ...
2016-06-01
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems
This entry in the Encyclopedia of Public International Law explores the development toward and the international legal challenges posed by autonomous weapon systems (AWS). The article covers...
2016-05-30
article
Autonomous weapons systems: Profound implications for the future of warfare
In April 2016, head of ICRC arms unit Kathleen Lawand was invited to London to give the keynote address at the annual meeting of the International Committee for Robot Arms Control (ICRAC) Summit, held at Goldsmith University. In her presentation, Lawand presented the ICRC's views on autonomous weapon systems, i.e. weapons that can select and fire upon targets on their own,
2016-05-06
commentary
The U.S. Air Force's Next Super Weapon: Lethal Lasers?
Air-launched laser weapons firing from fighter jets and drones would quickly incinerate a wide range of on-the-move enemy air and ground targets such as aircraft, drones, vehicles, buildings and ground forces.
2016-05-04
article
Views of the ICRC on autonomous weapon systems
As a contribution to ongoing discussions in the CCW, this paper highlights some of the key issues on autonomous weapon systems from the perspective of the ICRC, and in the light of discussions at its recent expert meeting.
2016-04-11
article
Why autonomous weapon systems matter in Africa
Autonomous weapon systems is one emerging category of weapon of particular concern in Africa. As rapid advances continue to be made in new and emerging technologies of warfare, notably those relying on information technology and robotics, it is important to ensure informed discussions of the many and often complex challenges raised by these new developments.
2016-04-11
article
Autonomous weapons: Decisions to kill and destroy are a human responsibility
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons - statement of the ICRC, read at the Meeting of Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems.
2016-04-11
analysis
e-Briefing: New technologies and the modern battlespace
In recent years, a wide array of new technologies have entered the modern battlefield, giving rise to new means and methods of warfare, ...
2016-04-08
report
Autonomous Weapons and Human Control
Nations from around the world met at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss autonomous weapons, potential future weapons that would select and engage targets on ...
2016-04-07
report
Accountability Gap, Autonomous Weapon Systems and Modes of Responsibility in International Law
In most circumstances AWS are incapable of complying with rules of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law leading to violations of important rights like the right to...
2016-03-31
report
Are Autonomous Weapon Systems the Subject of Article 36 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions?
States have an obligation to conduct a legal review of all new weapons to ascertain the legality of the weapons and also to determine whether their use will be in all or some circumstances violate...
2016-03-28
report
Defining the Emerging Notion of ‘Meaningful Human Control’ in Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) 2016
The emerging notion of ‘Meaningful Human Control’ (MHC) was suggested by NGO Article 36 as a possible solution to the challenges that are posed by Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS). Various states,...
2016-03-27
report
Dignity, Ubuntu, Humanity and Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) Debate: An African Perspective
In this paper I discuss the relevance of the African notion of ‘ubuntu’ or humanity to the current on-going AWS debate. After tracing the notion of ubuntu back to the pre-colonial time in Zimbabwe...
2016-03-27
report
'Mapping the Debate on LAWS at the CCW: Taking Stock and Moving Forward'
Since 2013 the governance of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) has been discussed within the framework of the 1980 United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). The discussion is at an early stage, with most states still in the process of understanding the issues at stake. Extended discussions will be necessary to resolve contentious issues and generate a constructive basis for any potential formal negotiation.
2016-03-01
report
Autonomous Weapons and Operational Risk
20YY Future of Warfare Initiative Director Paul Scharre examines the risks in future autonomous weapons that would choose their own targets and the potential for catastrophic ...
2016-02-29
research article
Public opinion and the politics of the killer robots debate
The possibility that today’s drones could become tomorrow’s killer robots has attracted the attention of people around the world. Scientists and business leaders, from Stephen Hawking to Elon Musk, recently signed a letter urging the world to ban ...
2016-02-16
report
Autonomous Weapons: Regulation Tolerant or Regulation Resistant?
This paper applies the author's previously published model for evaluating weapons' susceptibility to attempts to generate international regulations on autonomous weapons. The paper concludes that...
2015-11-11
report
Implementing Article 36 Weapon Reviews in the Light of Increasing Autonomy in Weapon Systems
Article 36 of Additional Protocol I of the 1949 Geneva Conventions requires states to conduct legal reviews of all new weapons, means and methods of warfare in order to determine whether their use is prohibited by international law. However, reviewing the legality of weapons with automated and autonomous features presents a number of technical challenges. Such reviews demand complex procedures to test weapon performance and to evaluate the risks associated with unintended loss of control. As such assessments require significant technical and financial resources, there is a strong incentive for deepening cooperation and information sharing between states in the area of weapon reviews. Increased interaction can facilitate the identification of best practices and solutions to reduce costs associated with test and evaluation procedures.
2015-11-01
report
How Should Lawyers Think About Weapon Autonomy?
Various States are developing increasingly autonomous weapon systems which promise vast changes in the conduct of armed conflict over the coming years, but there remain significant unanswered...
2015-10-26
research article
Political accountability and autonomous weapons
Autonomous weapons would have the capacity to select and attack targets without direct human input. One important objection to the introduction of such weapons is that they will make it more difficult to identify and hold accountable those responsible for ...
2015-10-01
article
Lethal Autonomous Weapons: Killing the ‘Robots-don’t-Rape’ Argument
Observations on the ‘Robots-don’t-Rape’ argument.
2015-08-05
commentary
Military Robots: Armed, but How Dangerous?
The debate over using artificial intelligence to control lethal weapons in warfare is more complex than it seems.
2015-08-03
article
Australia: Q+A with Professor Chris Jenks on autonomous weapons
Technological advances in weaponry mean that decisions about the use of force on the battlefield could increasingly be taken by machines operating without human intervention. A recent event in Canberra, Crossing the Rubicon: the path to offensive autonomous weapons, focused on the range of issues associated with the potential use of these types of systems. Following the event,
2015-07-10
commentary
Should 'Killer Robots' Be Banned?
Autonomous weapons could be a military game changer that many want banned. Before considering such a move, we need to refine the debate—and America must demonstrate leadership.
2015-06-26
report
Autonomy of Military Robots: Assessing the Technical and Legal ('Jus in Bello') Thresholds
While robots are still absent from our homes, they have started to spread over battlefields. However, the military robots of today are mostly remotely controlled platforms, with no real autonomy....
2015-05-05
video
A licence to kill for autonomous weapons?
Autonomous weapons are an emotive subject, with the potential to change the whole nature of warfare.Could machines one day be able to carry out killing without human control and what should we do about the legal and moral implications of that possibility?A five-day long conference in Geneva has been looking at just such issues. Kathleen Lawand, Head of the ICRC's arms unit and
2015-04-17
statement
Autonomous weapon systems: Is it morally acceptable for a machine to make life and death decisions?
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), Meeting of Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), 13 - 17 April 2015, Geneva. Statement of the ICRC
2015-04-13
report
NATO's Targeting Process: Ensuring Human Control Over and Lawful Use of ‘Autonomous’ Weapons
The prospect of the use of so-called autonomous weapon systems has raised significant legal and moral concerns. This chapter contributes to the debate by providing an alternative perspective to the...
2015-04-13
commentary
Semi-autonomous and on their own: Killer robots in Plato's Cave
To forestall threats from future killer robots, don’t ignore today’s “semi-autonomous” weapons
2015-04-12
report
Autonomous Weapons at the UN: A Primer for Delegates
CNAS experts Paul Scharre, Michael Horowitz, and Kelley Sayler provide a pimer for UN delegates on autuomous weapons....
2015-04-07
report
War, Responsibility, and Killer Robots
Although many are concerned that autonomous weapon systems may make war “too easy,” no one has addressed how their use may alter the distribution of the constitutional war power. Drones, cyber...
2015-02-26
commentary
Stopping killer robots and other future threats
The campaign against fully autonomous weapons may be a road map for confronting tomorrow’s dangerous technologies
2015-02-22
report
An Introduction to Autonomy in Weapon Systems
20YY Warfare Initiative Director Paul Scharre and Adjunct Senior Fellow Michael Horowitz discuss future military systems incorporating greater autonomy....
2015-02-13
commentary
The United Nations and Disarmament Treaties
The very first resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations, in January 1946, addressed the problems raised by the discovery of atomic energy. Despite civil society's efforts, led by scientists and women's peace organizations, leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union rejected measures to curb nuclear ambitions. ...
2015-01-28
commentary
Take Note, America: 5 Weapons of War China Should Build Now
China's military is certainly developing some deadly capabilities. Here are five ways it could become even deadlier.
2015-01-21
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems: The Anatomy of Autonomy and the Legality of Lethality
This comment explores the legal implications and predicted efficacy of autonomous weapon systems, as well as the effects that their use might have on both international humanitarian law and the...
2015-01-21
report
A Kellog-Briand Pact for the 21st Century
This article briefly describes why the State parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons rejected human rights groups’ call for a ban on so called “killer robots.” This article...
2015-01-10
commentary
Autonomous Weapon Systems: The Military's Smartest Toys?
"We are standing at the cusp of a momentous upheaval in the character of warfare, brought about by the large-scale infusion of robotics into the armed forces."
2014-11-20
report
Public Opinion and the Politics of the Killer Robots Debate
The possibility that today’s drones could become tomorrow’s killer robots has attracted the attention of people around the world. Scientists and business leaders from Stephen Hawking to Elon Musk...
2014-11-13
article
Autonomous weapon systems - Q & A
A challenge to human control over the use of force. Technological advances in weaponry mean that decisions about the use of force on the battlefield could increasingly be taken by machines operating without human intervention. Here, we examine the potential implications of such a profound change in the way war is waged, and caution against the use of such weapons unless
2014-11-12
report
Autonomous Weapon Systems at the United Nations
CNAS experts Michael Horowitz, Paul Scharre and Kelley Sayler examine the issues facing U.N. delegates, along with recommendations for action....
2014-11-10
report
Autonomous weapon systems technical, military, legal and humanitarian aspects
Expert meeting report The ICRC convened an international expert meeting on autonomous weapon systems from 26 to 28 March 2014. It brought together government experts from 21 States and 13 individual experts, including roboticists, jurists, ethicists, and representatives from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. The aim was to gain a better understanding of
2014-11-01
report
Autonomous Weapons and Human Responsibilities
Although remote-controlled robots flying over the Middle East and Central Asia now dominate reports on new military technologies, robots that are capable of detecting, identifying, and killing...
2014-06-11
article
Lethal Autonomous Weapons: Issues for the International Community
Sandvik, Kristin Bergtora & Nicholas Marsh (2014) Lethal Autonomous Weapons: Issues for the International Community, Security & Defence Agenda, 9 May.
2014-05-09
commentary
The struggle to ban killer robots
The campaign against lethal autonomous weapons is making progress, but to succeed it will have to answer some questions, including: What distinguishes killer software from non-killer software?
2014-05-07
article
Autonomous weaponry and armed conflict
On April 10th 2014, the American Society of International Law and the International Law Association organized a joint Conference in Washington DC on autonomous weaponry and armed conflict. The panel addressed the legal, ethical and political challenges posed by the development of increasingly autonomous weapons systems. Analyzing automated weapons systems through the lenses of
2014-04-10
policy
Defining the Scope of Autonomy
Marsh, Nicholas (2014) Defining the Scope of Autonomy, PRIO Policy Brief, 2. Oslo: PRIO.
2014-02-22
commentary
Which drone future will Americans choose?
The decisions US leaders make now over unmanned aerial vehicles will have enormous consequences.
2013-11-22
conference paper
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Autonomous Weapons
Sandvik, Kristin Bergtora (2013) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Autonomous Weapons-, presented at PhD Course: Emerging Military Technologies - New Normative Challenges, Oslo, 13/11/13 – 15/11/13.
2013-11-13
report
Banning Autonomous Killing
Scientific research on fully autonomous weapons systems is moving rapidly. At the current pace of discovery, such fully autonomous systems will be available to military arsenals within a few...
2013-08-22
report
The Law that Applies to Autonomous Weapon Systems
Even though most robotics experts predict fully autonomous weapon systems will not be available for use on the battlefield for a number of years, the debate over the lawfulness of such systems has...
2013-07-21
report
Autonomous Weapons Systems: Taking the Human Out of International Humanitarian Law
Once confined to science fiction, killer robots will soon be a reality. Both the USA and the UK are currently developing weapons systems that could be capable of autonomously targeting and killing...
2013-07-10
commentary
You Might Have Missed: Drones, Targeted Killings, and Autonomous Robots
Robotics is akin to gunpowder, the steam engine, or the computer. It’s a game-changing technology not merely because of its power, but because of its impact both on and off the battlefield.
2012-10-26
commentary
The Coming Future of Autonomous Drones
The inherent advantages of U.S. Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones—like the Predator, Reaper, and Global Hawk—for spying on potential adversaries and attacking suspected militants has made them the default counterterrorism tools for the Obama administration.
2012-09-04
commentary
Time to Call-Off the Drones
Two recent conferences in Europe highlight the growing concerns among civil society about the military use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known as drones. NATO Watch shares these concerns and is calling for a global moratorium on the deployment of armed drones and for urgent international discussions to develop an arms control regime to regulate the use, development and transfer of these weapon systems.
2010-09-27
report
Arms and Artificial Intelligence: Weapons and Arms Control Applications of Advanced Computing
The impact of information technology in the field of military decision-making is superficially less visible than that of a number of other weapon developments, but its importance has grown steadily since the beginning of the 1980s. It is now the focus of special interest and efforts because of its potential role in modern weapon systems and the prospect of its inclusion as an essential ingredient in many military projects such as the Strategic Defense Initiative.
1987-01-01
report
The Uncertain Course: New Weapons, Strategies and Mind-sets
What is the present likelihood of war? Which elements need to be taken into account when making such an assessment? As the world enters the post-nuclear, or 'second' nuclear age, it has to take account of a new revolution in military affairs.
1987-01-01