The rapid rise of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) presents a critical challenge for global security. Unlike traditional weapons, these systems can independently select and attack targets without direct human control, potentially making conflicts faster, less predictable, and harder to regulate under international law. The urgency of addressing this issue stems from the risk that AWS could lower the barriers to starting wars while creating new ethical dilemmas about machine-controlled lethal decisions.

Exploring the Impact of Autonomous Weapons

One approach to understanding this challenge would involve examining three key areas: how past military technologies (like drones) changed warfare, current AWS capabilities being deployed (such as AI-guided missiles), and future scenarios where widespread AWS use might affect global stability. This could include studying recent conflict zones where semi-autonomous systems have been tested, like Ukraine or Nagorno-Karabakh, to draw practical lessons about their real-world effects on battlefield dynamics and escalation risks.

The project could build on existing work like Paul Scharre's Army of None, but with updated analysis reflecting advancements since 2018, particularly in:

• Swarm drone technology
• Machine learning for target identification
• Integration of AWS with traditional military systems

Paths to Practical Solutions

A possible execution strategy might begin with compiling and analyzing documented cases of AWS deployment, then conducting interviews with military technologists, ethicists, and policymakers. War-gaming exercises could help model how different AWS capabilities might influence conflict scenarios, focusing on questions like:

• How does removing human decision-making time affect crisis stability?
• What happens when opposing AWS systems interact without direct human oversight?

For policy recommendations, a phased approach might be more realistic than comprehensive bans, such as initially restricting certain AWS applications (like anti-personnel autonomous weapons) while allowing continued research in areas like defensive systems. Potential monetization could come from consultative reports for defense agencies or international organizations seeking to navigate this complex landscape.

What makes this approach distinctive is its combination of technical depth with practical policy focus, bridging the gap between abstract ethical debates and the tactical realities of modern military systems. By concentrating on near-term developments with clear case studies, it could provide actionable insights for stakeholders wrestling with these technologies' rapid evolution.