Terrorism and Lethal Robot Systems: International Society Between the End of Scientific Research and the End of Humanity
Abstract
This article presents an initial discussion of scenarios linked to terrorism and lethal autonomous robot systems (LARS). LARS are a real risk to international security, and if a terrorist organization gains access to these new weapons, the most likely outcome is the end of humanity. This paper discusses two arguments: first, that LARS are different from nuclear weapons because all state and non-state actors can have access to them; and second, that technological progress goes faster than international law and diplomacy, which should ban or limit the use of LARS.
Considering the first argument, the article defines LARS and explains their different classifications and the specificities of these weapons that distinguish them from nuclear weapons and make them more dangerous.
Supporting the argument that the world is facing new threats, the article discusses different scenarios for the use of LARS by states and non-state actors as well as possible solutions for reducing the use of LARS and their risks. The paper also provides an overview of international law and the international mechanisms that necessitate a rethinking of the rules concerning the use of force. The conclusions of the article are that all debate concerning international law will not be enough to reduce the risks of possible terrorist use of LARS and that international society will have only two choices: to end research on artificial intelligence in the military field or to take the risk of ending humanity by supporting research in this area.
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References
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