Armed Drones and Autonomous Weapon Systems under International Law

Completed in December 2015

This project focused on the international legal implications of the use of armed unmanned vehicles (armed drones) and autonomous weapon systems. It aimed in particular to address the legal and ethical challenges these new technologies pose in relation to the regulation of the use of force.

Research Team

This research project was carried out by Stuart Casey-Maslen, Milena Costas Trascasas and Nathalie Weizmann.

PROJECT'S DOCUMENTS

OUTPUT

As part of the project the Geneva Academy and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) organized an expert meeting to discuss armed drones and autonomous weapon systems under international law.

The results of the research were published in November 2014 as Academy Briefing No. 8, Autonomous Weapon Systems under International Law.

This Briefing reviews the legality of using autonomous weapon systems with respect to the law that governs inter-state use of force (jus ad bellum), the international law of law enforcement and international humanitarian law, notably in regard to the rules on distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. It also examines the international obligation to conduct a legal review of autonomous weapon systems and the broader issues of accountability under domestic and international law.

Publications

Cover of the Briefing No8: Autonomous Weapons Systems Under International Law

Briefing N°8: Autonomous Weapons Systems Under International Law

November 2014

Milena Costas Trascasas, Nathalie Weizmann

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

Download >

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

LLM Students News

LLM Students Address IHL Issues Arising from the 2008 Armed Conflict in South Ossetia

16 May 2024

Students from our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights took part in a pleading exercise on the 2008 South Ossetia armed conflict between Russia and Georgia.

Read more

Military use of AI Drone News

New Report on Artificial Intelligence and Related Technologies in Military Decision-Making on the Use of Force in Armed Conflicts

13 May 2024

This report examines themes that arose during two expert workshops on the role of AI-based decision support systems in decision-making on the use of force in armed conflicts.

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Sending Up a Flare: Autonomous Weapons Systems Proliferation Risks to Human Rights and International Security

published on August 2024

Leif Monnett

Read more

Cover of Report Publication

Artificial Intelligence And Related Technologies In Military Decision-Making On The Use Of Force In Armed Conflicts: Current Developments And Potential Implications

published on May 2024

Anna Rosalie Greipl, Neil Davison, Georgia Hinds

Read more