Modern technology in its many forms is pervasive throughout our lives and society today. As with most revolutionary shifts, technological innovation, including in communications, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies, has been applied both for good and for bad. Just as the innovation of the car allowed us to travel new distances with unprecedented ease, but brought with it risks of accident and injury, the way in which we use modern technology makes us uniquely vulnerable in new ways whilst also providing solutions to problems that have historically been unsolvable. What is clear is that the rate at which novel technologies are advancing is leaving us, our governments, our leaders and our leading organizations scrambling to keep up. As cars got faster and more dangerous, seatbelt legislation eventually followed. Determining the ‘seatbelts’ that will provide protection from the weak spots of modern technology is infinitely more complex, but essential. From data security issues to inflammatory misinformation, algorithmic bias to environmental impact, the list of potential and realized negative impacts of technology are long.
Among the more contentious ways in which novel technologies are and have been applied is in conflict and war situations. The Wright brothers, who are credited with inventing the first motor-powered airplane, deplored the use of the technology they created for aerial combat, although it was used alongside peaceful applications like surveillance. The use of more autonomous technology in war is also not new; robotics technology was already used in the Second World War, including the German Goliath tracked mine, an unmanned vehicle which acted as a moving mine, as well as so-called Soviet teletanks which were remotely controlled. In recent years robotics, as well as other automated technologies and AI tools have increasingly been developed and used in conflict settings. These take a variety of different forms, including drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as other unmanned vehicles on land or underwater, and many more.
The ethical implications of the use of robots and partially automated weapons in war are complex and messy. Those in favour of using such technologies in wars cite the ability to reduce the loss of human life by replacing soldiers with automated weapons, increasing efficacy and reducing costs by circumventing expensive human needs like training, food, rest and medical treatment. What is worrying is the increasing shift to complete automation of weapons as well as the reliance on AI that is taking place behind the scenes in the development of new weapons systems. Many academics and experts in the field are lobbying against this, including those that are part of the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, which describes itself as a “coalition of non-governmental organizations that is working to ban fully autonomous weapons and thereby retain meaningful human control over the use of force.” Their website highlights that many countries are already developing weapons with “significant autonomy in the critical functions of selecting and attacking targets”, including the U.K., the U.S.A., China, Israel, Russia and South Korea.
The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots lists several reasons for calling for a ban on fully autonomous weapons. Firstly, as such weapons would make life and death decisions without any human emotional judgement, and without any ethical or moral considerations. A lack of clarity of where accountability would lie with regards to any actions of an autonomous weapon also further complicates things. The distance between the direct consequence of each action of the weapon and those creating and equipping the machines is significant, and not only creates difficulties with regards to accountability but also does not create conditions where programmed decision-making is rigorously challenged. These are just some of many reasons outlined as to why banning the development and use of fully autonomous weapons is imperative. With significant support and having just won the Peace Prize of the City of Ypres on the 8th of June, the work by the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots represents positive action against what could otherwise be a bleak future of war and conflict.
However, not all technological developments relevant to conflict are negative; time to push away the Terminator-like images that are likely forming in your mind right now. In fact, modern technology including robots, AI and communications systems also have the ability to support peace. An article published by the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research entitled ‘AI & Global Governance: Robots Will Not Only Wage Future Wars but also Future Peace’ outlines several ways that AI specifically can and may in the future support the United Nations (UN) and it’s work to forge a path to peace.
One way in which the authors anticipate the UN’s work could be supported by AI is through enhancing understanding of local media as well as diverse social media content in different languages and regional dialects. By using AI systems to interpret and translate such content, this would allow the UN to carry out more effective analysis where a language barrier exists, and thereby facilitate detection of language and reporting relating to conflict triggers in risk areas. Additionally, the article highlights that Machine Learning chatbots could also be used in such regions to engage with the population on prevalent issues and possible solutions. This would enable organizations like the UN to gain unprecedented insights into local sentiments which would be invaluable in shaping future diplomatic and humanitarian actions.
Indeed, decision making more generally could be supported by powerful algorithms and deep-learning tools that can collate and digest datasets far larger than anything a human could accurately analyze. When used to complement existing decision-making strategies, such technologies could help make a data-driven approach more accessible, something which, when used carefully, should only be positive for allowing a more well-rounded approach to these international issues and conflict.
AI and other technological advancements can also be valuable tools in understanding, anticipating and preventing factors that act as drivers for conflict. This is particularly relevant in conflicts where scarcity of natural resources or environmental factors are significant influences. Technology and AI systems have been developed and are in use to understand and analyze the environment, climate change and predict the availability of natural resources, and can therefore support understanding and predicting conflict influences in this way.
These are just some of the ways in which modern technology, including AI may play a role in peace. From landmine-detecting robots to drones that deliver medicine and food to difficult-to-reach conflict zones, many more exist and many more are sure to be developed. The communications technologies that exist today are also providing new and unique opportunities to extend the reach to communities and individuals impacted by war and violence, and can help create and disseminate global narratives for peace.
Governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals have an important role to play in order to ensure that current and future technologies find their place in shaping peace instead of driving and warping conflict for worse. Amidst a global pandemic and crippling economic uncertainty, issues surrounding our technological future as well as the way in which conflict is shaping our world are more important than ever.
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November 10, 2020 at 03:16AM
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Friend or Foe? The Role of Modern Technology In Conflict And Peace - The Organization for World Peace
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