In a landmark effort to address the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in warfare, South Korea hosted an international summit aimed at formulating guidelines for the responsible use of AI in military operations. The two-day summit in Seoul brought together representatives from over 90 nations, including the United States, China, and key European allies. This global gathering, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, sought to lay the foundation for AI’s ethical deployment in the defense sector while navigating the potential risks associated with autonomous military technologies.
The Role of AI in Modern Warfare: A “Double-Edged Sword”
At the forefront of the discussions, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighted AI’s transformative role in modern warfare, specifically citing the use of AI-powered drones in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. These technologies have proven their value in enhancing military efficiency, reconnaissance, and decision-making but have also raised profound ethical concerns. Minister Kim likened AI in warfare to a “double-edged sword,” where its potential to boost operational capabilities comes with significant risks if misused. The ability of AI-driven weapons to operate with minimal human intervention presents new challenges, particularly around the issue of accountability in lethal decision-making.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul echoed these concerns, stressing the urgency of international safeguards to ensure AI technologies do not operate without human oversight, especially in life-or-death situations. He called for comprehensive mechanisms to prevent autonomous weapons from making lethal decisions independently, a sentiment widely supported by many attending nations.
Building on Existing Frameworks: NATO and Beyond
The summit aimed to build upon existing frameworks for responsible AI use in military operations. Key guidelines from NATO, as well as AI governance models from individual nations, were referenced as a basis for creating global standards. However, despite the broad consensus on the need for such standards, the proposed guidelines are expected to be non-binding. Many participating nations, while supportive of the initiative, remain hesitant to commit to legally enforceable obligations. The resulting document will likely set minimum guardrails for AI use in military contexts but will stop short of mandating strict legal restrictions.
This approach follows a similar summit in Amsterdam held last year, where world leaders endorsed a collective call to action without legal obligations. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, the international community has yet to reach a binding consensus on its regulation, particularly in the context of warfare.
A Broader Global Conversation on Autonomous Weapons
In parallel with the Seoul summit, global discussions on AI’s military applications are ongoing. The United Nations, under the framework of the 1983 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), is actively exploring potential regulations on lethal autonomous weapons systems. These discussions aim to establish boundaries on the development and use of fully autonomous military technologies that can make independent lethal decisions, which many fear could lead to unchecked escalation in conflict zones.
The United States has also played a leading role in promoting responsible AI use in defense, with its own declaration for ethical AI use in warfare gaining the endorsement of 55 countries. This highlights the global push for clear guidelines to manage the use of AI in military contexts while ensuring these technologies are not weaponized in ways that violate international norms.
A Collaborative Approach to AI Governance
Approximately 2,000 participants attended the Seoul summit, including representatives from international organizations, academia, and the private sector. The discussions went beyond military applications, touching on broader themes such as the protection of civilians and AI’s potential role in nuclear weapon control. These diverse discussions underscored the need for a collaborative approach to managing AI in warfare. As governments remain the key decision-makers, the summit highlighted the importance of cooperation across various sectors to ensure AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly.
The summit’s co-hosts—the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom—played an instrumental role in fostering this international dialogue. The event demonstrated a shared commitment among nations to ensure that AI is harnessed to enhance security without compromising ethical standards or international stability.
While the summit in Seoul marks an important step toward establishing guidelines for the responsible use of AI in military operations, the journey toward binding international agreements is far from over. As AI technologies continue to evolve, so too must the frameworks that govern their use, particularly in areas as sensitive as warfare. The international community must strike a careful balance between embracing AI’s potential to revolutionize defense and addressing the ethical dilemmas it poses. With continued collaboration and dialogue, global leaders hope to create a future where AI enhances military capabilities without sacrificing human oversight and accountability.
As governments, international organizations, and private sector leaders continue to collaborate, the outcomes of this summit will likely shape the global discourse on AI in warfare for years to come.
