International law and the governance of AI-driven military technologies

This innovative two-day training programme, co-organised with the  This link opens in a new tabStockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) This link opens in a new tab, will provide you with a deep understanding of military applications of artificial intelligence (AI). It will create a common basis of knowledge around key features of these technologies, their associated risks and benefits, and the various regimes of international law relevant to their governance.

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising military operations, driving the development of autonomous weapons systems (AWS), decision-support tools (AI-DSS), and other advanced warfare technologies. While these innovations advance at a rapid pace and AI offer significant promise for military operations, they also pose substantial risks, particularly with regard to compliance with international law.

To address these risks, numerous governance efforts and initiatives have emerged, with a notable increase, particularly over the past two years. These efforts seek, among other things, to establish prohibitions, limits, and requirements for use while building on and reinforcing existing obligations under international law.

Yet, a lack of an informed understanding of these technologies and how international legal frameworks apply to their development and use is an obstacle to the advancement of governance efforts.

This short course aims to contribute to the progress of governance efforts and other initiatives around AI-driven military technologies, by providing insights and an informed understanding of:  

• – AI-driven military technologies, including AWS and AI-DSS
• – Recent and upcoming developments in AI in the military domain
• – AI-related concepts, such as predictability, explainability, and traceability. These concepts are crucial for policymakers and experts to advance constructive debates. 
• – Knowledge of the different regimes of international law that play a role in the governance of AI-driven military technologies

Who can attend?

This short course would be valuable for policymakers, legal advisors, diplomats and other individuals involved or interested in the development, use, governance and adjudication of AI-enabled military technologies. 

This short course is organised in collaboration with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).