Emerging Technologies and LOAC Signaling

Abstract

As States seek to weaponize new technologies such as robotics, cyber tools and nanotechnology, the current law of armed conflict (LOAC) that guides the employment of existing weapons will signal rules and principles that should guide national decisions on what new technologies to weaponize and how to do so in a way that ensures compliance with battlefield regulation. LOAC has served this "signaling" function historically with respect to innovative weapon systems such as balloons, submarines, airplanes, and nuclear weapons, and will continue to do so as nations look forward to potentially weaponizing emerging technologies.

Keywords: law of war, law of armed conflict, international humanitarian law, technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, cyber, virology, nanotechnology, weapons, weapons review

JEL Classification: K10, K19, K33