AUTONOMOUS WEAPON SYSTEMS AND THE JUST WAR THEORY: CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Autonomous weapon systems (AWS) present a formidable obstacle to the application of just war theory in international law. While just war theory has long served as a framework for assessing the moral and legal justification of armed conflict, the lack of human control over the use of force in AWS creates unique ethical and legal challenges. This article investigates the effects of AWS on just war theory in international law, including the application of jus ad bellum and jus in bello criteria. It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of AWS, the current legal framework for these systems, and the difficulties associated with applying just war theory criteria to AWS. The article concludes with recommendations for future research and policy development to address these challenges, including the need for additional research, the development of clear legal frameworks, international cooperation and coordination, public participation and awareness, and research on alternative approaches to the use of AWS in armed conflict. By addressing these concerns, researchers can work toward a future in which the development and use of AWS are consistent with the principles of the just war theory and international law