DILEMA-HILAC Lecture

[DILEMA-HILAC Lecture] Natural and artificial intelligence in armed conflict: Exploring settled and open legal questions with Dustin A. Lewis

On Thursday, 11 July 2024, Dustin A. Lewis (HLS PILAC) delivered this joint DILEMA-HILAC lecture, both online and at the Asser Institute in the Hague.

A growing number of States are reportedly preparing to use, or have already employed, in armed conflicts various techniques and methods derived from the science of artificial intelligence and associated fields. The range of applications spans diverse activities, functions, and authorities, including in such areas as the conduct of hostilities, detention, humanitarian services, and legal advice. These developments might amplify or transform existing concerns — and potentially raise new ones — regarding linkages concerning decision-making and judgment in war, accountability, and the legal regulation of armed conflict. Against that backdrop, this lecture sought to frame, identify, and evaluate certain key settled and open legal questions regarding natural and artificial intelligence in armed conflict.

The lecture was followed by a Q&A session moderated by Taylor Kate Woodcock (DILEMA Project / Asser Institute).