Autonomous Deadly Weapons
Autonomous lethal weapons, often sensationalized as “killer robots,” are no longer confined to science fiction—they are a rapidly advancing reality in modern warfare. In this conversation, Georgetown Law Professor Mitt Regan, an expert on the laws of war and international law, delves into the profound ethical and legal implications of AI-enabled weapon systems for both current conflicts and the future of warfare.
Central to the conversation are the legal frameworks governing AI-enabled weapons under international humanitarian law. Professor Regan examines principles such as distinction, proportionality, and precaution, showing how these are tested by systems that use AI to identify and engage targets. Significant gaps in legal frameworks persist, including the absence of a unified international agreement specifically addressing autonomous weaponry. As Professor Regan explains, even defining what constitutes a "lethal autonomous weapon system" remains a challenge, complicating global efforts to regulate such technologies.
This interview moves beyond the reductive “killer robots” narrative to provide a nuanced understanding of AI in warfare. It explores how AI capabilities are integrated across a range of military tools and systems, from targeting software to decision-augmentation technologies. The ethical and operational complexities of these systems require a broader, system-wide approach to oversight—one that embeds human judgment across critical stages, not just at the final trigger point. Professor Regan emphasizes the importance of legal and ethical safeguards to balance the benefits of AI with the values underpinning international law while raising important questions about the future of warfare.
Mitt Regan is a professor of law at Georgetown Law and an expert on both national security and international humanitarian law.
