Computational Modelling of the Proportionality Analysis under International Humanitarian Law for Military Decision-Support Systems

13 Pages Posted: 14 Jan 2022 Last revised: 20 Jan 2022

See all articles by Tomasz Zurek

Tomasz Zurek

University of Amsterdam - Informatics Institute

Taylor Woodcock

T.M.C. Asser Institute

Magdalena Pacholska

T.M.C. Asser Institute

Tom van Engers

University of Amsterdam

Date Written: January 14, 2022

Abstract

The emergent use of AI to aid military decision-making is increasingly contentious, raising questions about the implications for compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) during targeting. This paper presents a computational weighting model that compares incidental harm with military advantage expected from an attack, as mandated by the IHL proportionality rule. It also outlines preliminary legal and ethical issues around the use of the model, especially those related to explainability and the 'reasonable commander' standard.

Keywords: International humanitarian law, rule of proportionality, formal model, military AI

Suggested Citation

Zurek, Tomasz and Woodcock, Taylor and Pacholska, Magdalena and van Engers, Tom, Computational Modelling of the Proportionality Analysis under International Humanitarian Law for Military Decision-Support Systems (January 14, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4008946 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4008946

Tomasz Zurek

University of Amsterdam - Informatics Institute ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

Taylor Woodcock

T.M.C. Asser Institute ( email )

R.J. Schimmelpennincklaan 20-22
The Hague, 2517 JN
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.asser.nl/about-the-asser-institute/whos-who/TaylorWoodcock

Magdalena Pacholska (Contact Author)

T.M.C. Asser Institute ( email )

R.J. Schimmelpennincklaan 20-22
Den Haag, 2517 JN
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://www.asser.nl/MagdaPacholska

Tom Van Engers

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

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