The Commission of War Crimes by Autonomous Weapon Systems: Ethical and Legal Challenges
Subject Areas : International Legal Research
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Keywords: Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS), Artificial Intelligence, International Humanitarian Law, Ethics of War, Moral Responsibility, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).,
Abstract :
This article examines Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) and the ethical, legal, and humanitarian challenges associated with their use in modern warfare. With the advancement of artificial intelligence and robotics, AWS are increasingly being deployed in battlefields. These systems include cruise missiles, drones, autonomous submarines, and urban reconnaissance robots, capable of independently identifying and destroying targets. However, the use of such technologies raises serious concerns about the reduction of human control, ethical responsibility, and potential violations of international humanitarian law. The article explores international discussions on the limitations of AWS and the recommendations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for regulating these systems. Additionally, it analyzes the ethical and legal challenges related to delegating life-and-death decisions to machines and the ambiguity in attributing responsibility for war crimes committed by AWS.
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