AI-WAR: AI and autonomous systems in warfare

How will artificial intelligence and autonomous systems shape the future of warfare? AI-WAR is a new research network at the Swedish Defence University that brings together researchers from different disciplines to examine the strategic, political, ethical and societal implications of AI in war and conflict.

AI-WAR is an interdisciplinary research network at the Swedish Defence University that explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems are transforming warfare, security and society. The network is funded by the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS).

The network brings together researchers from the social sciences, humanities and related fields to develop knowledge about the strategic, political, ethical and societal implications of AI and autonomous systems in military contexts.

About the network

Artificial intelligence is now used in a wide range of military applications, from decision support and intelligence analysis to autonomous systems and weapons technologies. At the same time, these developments raise questions concerning accountability, human control, security, international politics and the evolving nature of war.

AI-WAR aims to:

• strengthen Swedish research on AI and autonomous systems in warfare
• create a national meeting place for researchers in the field
• promote collaboration between researchers in Sweden and internationally
• develop new research initiatives and research funding applications
• contribute to the public debate on AI, security and defence

Research areas

The network welcomes research addressing, for example:

• the significance of AI for military decision-making
• autonomous weapons systems and human control
• the changing character of war in the age of AI
• ethical and legal aspects of military AI
• security policy and international relations
• AI, military innovation and defence planning
• the societal implications of AI in conflict and war

Network activities

AI-WAR organises a range of ongoing activities for researchers and other interested participants:

• seminars and lectures
• workshops and research meetings
• networking activities for researchers at different career stages
• support for research collaborations and funding applications
• dissemination of research findings to academia, public authorities and the wider public

Activities are conducted both online and on site at the Swedish Defence University.

Participation

The network is open to researchers, doctoral students and others conducting research relevant to AI, autonomous systems, warfare, security and society.

The network is led by Antoine Bousquet, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, and Matthew Ford, Associate Professor at the Department of War Studies.

If you are interested in participating in the network’s activities or would like information about forthcoming events, please contact Antoine Bousquet.