The development of autonomous weapon systems demonstrates that AI is capable of taking on tasks traditionally performed by humans. These systems can act faster and more precisely than any human and are already capable of making strategic and tactical decisions independently. There is no doubt that AI will continue its inexorable advance; however, these developments pose immense dangers, particularly due to their application in the military sector.
A crucial aspect of autonomous weapon systems is their ability to operate at a speed that does not allow human intervention or control. Frank Sauer, a political scientist, warns of the devastating consequences of a "Flash War." This could unfold similarly to a "Flash Crash" in the stock market, where algorithms sell massive amounts of stock within fractions of a second, causing enormous economic damage. A "Flash War," however, would occur on a military level, which would be far more devastating.
The international community has been trying to regulate autonomous weapon systems for years, but so far without success. Countries that already possess or are developing such systems are unwilling to forgo this technology. The definition of what constitutes an autonomous weapon system varies significantly. China considers a system autonomous only when it can independently make strategic or tactical decisions, whereas the German government considers weapons to be autonomous when they are entirely beyond human control.
Another critical point is the question of responsibility. Who is to blame if an autonomous system makes a mistake and causes fatalities? Is it the manufacturer, the programmer, or the military forces that deploy the system? This uncertainty contributes to the concern that autonomous weapon systems could lower the threshold for waging war.
Advances in AI technology are often driven by military developments. For example, the US Air Force is already testing AI-controlled fighter jets that have been successful in simulated dogfights against human pilots. These developments show that AI can take on not only supportive but increasingly decisive roles in the military domain.
The consequences of these developments are existential. While AI has the potential to improve many areas of life, it reveals a darker side in the military sector. The automation of warfare through AI-controlled systems carries the risk of uncontrollable escalations and massive destruction. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that international regulations and controls are developed to prevent the misuse of this technology. Otherwise, we run the risk of entering a race towards the suicide of humanity.
