Autonomous Weapon Systems as the next revolution in warfare and implications of technology deployment for global security

Abstract

This thesis addresses developments in Artificial Intelligence and the increasing trend of robotization and autonomization of military forces in the context of Revolution in Military Affairs. It examines and categorizes different approaches to concepts of AI, autonomy and RMA in the public debate and academic and military literature. It further explores potential impacts and challenges of AI and its weaponized subset - Autonomous Weapon Systems on civil-military relations, legal and ethical norms, arms control regime and general security domain. Building upon findings from previous chapters, AI and AWSs are analyzed in a context of RMA and broader socio-economic context. Specifically, AI-enabled autonomy is compared with aspects of existing remotely controlled systems. The thesis comes to a conclusion that AWSs are harbingers of the next RMA and AI has the potential to match the importance of Neolithic, Industrial and Information revolution.