The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into modern warfare has sparked significant debates regarding its implications for international law, ethics, and transitional justice. This research explores the transformative role of AI-driven technologies,particularly autonomous weapons systems, in reshaping the interpretation and application of the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), International Criminal Law (ICL), and International Human Rights Law (IHRL), while highlighting critical legal and ethical gaps exposed by these advancements. The study addresses the challenges of regulating autonomous weapon systems and investigates how evolving technologies influence accountability and the enforcement of international law. Additionally, it examines the roles of individual and state actors, as well as Big Tech companies,in developing and deploying AI-driven warfare technologies, and explores the legal gaps in regulating these actors within armed conflict. The research also considers the risks AI poses in enabling or exacerbating acts of genocide, emphasizing the urgent need for updated regulations. Ultimately, this research advocates for a balanced approach to regulating AI-driven weapons in warfare—one that upholds humanitarian principles while accommodating technological progress. Through critical case studies of current armed conflicts, the conclusion argues that the rapid evolution of warfare technologies necessitates continuous legal development to protect civilians, uphold human rights, support transitional justice,and sustain global peace and security.
The Big Tech-Military Nexus: AI, Warfare, and the Future of International Law (JSDA Conference 2025)
23 Apr 2025