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15 April 2015

When ‘Killer Robots’ Declare War

APRIL 12, 2015

Militaries must ensure that the decision to go to war is made by humans—not autonomous weapons. 
This week, nations from around the world will debate the future of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), or so-called “killer robots,” at the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons in Geneva. As they do, they should remember that automated systems have long controlled operations across a variety of endeavors, including military ones, often with unexpected results. Some have been amusing, while others have been nearly catastrophic. This essay presents three historical case studies that underscore how LAWS could unexpectedly lead us to war.

Alexander Velez-Green is a Joseph S. Nye, Jr. Research Intern in the 20YY Warfare Initiative at the Center for a New American Security. His research focuses on the impact of autonomous weapon systems on strategic stability. Full Bio

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