In early 2023, the United States released a Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy following an international conference that included dialogue with China. The declaration urged states to adopt policies ensuring ultimate human control over nuclear weapons. However, the concept of “human control” over AI systems is complex. For example, if humans authorize an AI system to stop an incoming nuclear attack, how much discretion should it have in deciding how to do so? The challenge lies in creating AI systems that can successfully thwart attacks while minimizing the risk of being used for offensive purposes.
It is important to recognize that AI technologies are inherently dual-use, meaning they can serve both peaceful and military purposes. For instance, a drone used to deliver medication to a remote hospital during a rainy season could potentially be repurposed to carry explosives to the same location. Military operations have been utilizing drones with high precision capabilities for over a decade, allowing them to carry out targeted strikes from remote locations. The dual-use nature of AI systems poses challenges in ensuring that they are used responsibly and ethically in military contexts.
The debate over lethal autonomous weapons (LAW) raises questions about whether countries should ban these systems if hostile forces continue to develop and deploy them. In a hypothetical scenario where an enemy nation deploys AI-controlled war machines to threaten security, countries may feel the need to develop more advanced AI capabilities to counter such threats. The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots has struggled to gain widespread support, with major military powers declining to endorse the campaign. China, which initially supported a ban on the use of autonomous weapons in 2018, later clarified that it only supported a ban on use, not development. However, China’s stance on autonomous weapons is likely driven more by strategic and political considerations rather than moral ones.
The development and deployment of AI technologies in military contexts raise concerns about the potential for unintended consequences and escalation of conflicts. It is essential for policymakers and military leaders to carefully consider the ethical implications of using AI in warfare and to establish clear guidelines for its responsible use. As AI technologies continue to advance, the international community must work together to address the challenges posed by autonomous weapons and ensure that human control remains a central aspect of military decision-making. By promoting transparency and accountability in the use of AI systems, countries can mitigate the risks associated with the dual-use nature of these technologies and uphold international norms and standards in military operations.
