Shaping the global regulation of Autonomous Weapons Systems
Professor Robin Geiß’s pathfinding research—on why and how Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) and the use of artificial intelligence in military decision-making should be regulated—provides the legal and ethical underpinnings for the policy requirement of maintaining ‘meaningful human control’. His research has been instrumental in shaping national policy in Germany and building consensus for regulation internationally.
The research
AWS, such as drones, are the product of recent, rapid technological advancements. It may soon be possible for AWS to enter combat without any human control.
Where new technologies emerge, legal and ethical questions about when and how they should be used inevitably follow. From 2015 onwards, Professor Geiß’s research has helped to set the agenda for these discussions.
Geiß’s policy study provided the first comprehensive mapping of the general legal and ethical issues arising in relation to the use of AWS, with a list of clear policy recommendations addressed to the German government.
Working with the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Geiß then edited a collection of statements delivered at the third United Nations Convention on Conventional Weapons meeting of experts.
This work provides an evidence base for the development of legal positions and national policies around the globe with a view to developing a common policy on AWS at UN level.
The impact
From 2015 onwards, Geiß’s research has been instrumental in shaping national policy on the regulation of AWS in Germany.
Germany has no plans to procure or develop AWS and has adopted an approach that recognises the complex legal and ethical concerns surrounding the issue, while moving towards an outright ban.
Germany is leading the drive for the introduction of universal legal and ethical standards in relation to the use of AWS in combat situations. International regulation of this type must be developed by the United Nations. However, the negotiation process is potentially difficult.
Germany has adopted a step-by-step approach, arguing that to effectively ban AWS, countries that are currently developing such weapons must be brought on board.
The significance of Geiß’s research has been demonstrated by his role in the German government’s programme of international consensus-building around the regulation of AWS with the United Nations, NATO and the G7.
In recognition of this work, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, announced the appointment of Professor Robin Geiß as Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research on 5 February 2021.
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