The Geopolitics of AI in Warfare!

Jafrin Ahmed

In the next decade, war may no longer be fought by real humans like soldiers, but will be fought by algorithms and autonomous weapon systems (AWS) that will be controlled by artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence is influencing every area. It is rapidly changing the ways of warfare, offering strategic advantages while also having huge disadvantages about global stability, collateral damage and security risks. It depends on how the nations navigate this new change, making it very concerning for the citizens.

AI enhances military speed, surveillance, and decision-making but risks errors and ethical dilemmas.

Every country wants to be at the top, so fast and quick decision-making in the battlefield can make or break a mission. From drones to battle analytics, countries around the world are trying their best to integrate Artificial Intelligence in the military. In China, Xi Jinping has made Artificial Intelligence in military the top strategic priority. It is a very simple way. AI can process information at a speed that no human commander could. It offers real-time insights, surveillance, suspicious surroundings, decision-making, the exact location, enemy movements, predicting logistical challenges, weather changes, and even guiding weapons.

These are not just experiments anymore, they are already using it in real time. During the time of Russia’s war with Ukraine, they used military AI weapons for the first time, ever recorded for being used in active combat & electronic warfare systems. Much like Russia’s enemy, Ukraine has invested a lot in upscaling it’s military AI capabilities. China is using it to spy, using AI-interpreted camera surveillance.

So the question is not whether AI should be in warfare but how to make it efficient, so that there will be no risk. “There is no place for lethal autonomous weapon systems in our world,” Mr. Guterres said in an informal meeting at the UN in New York. “Machines that have the power and discretion to take human lives without human control should be prohibited by international law.” Was discussed. “We believe we’re in an AI race, and we want the United States to win that race,” Trump administration crypto tsar David Sacks told reporters. It shows that AI is not just about making things easy, but to win & make a difference.

Autonomous weapons raise concerns over human oversight, accountability, and civilian safety.

Despite the speedy growth of AI in warfare, there is no clear international treaty governing its warfare. This is dangerous, knowing that there are no rules or regulations, using untested AI systems in a real battlefield. Like how nuclear weapons needed treaties to avoid harm. But, with great power comes great responsibility. AI-driven weapons raise ethical questions and biases, and the terrifying possibility of making mistakes and killing soldiers and citizens.

One of the biggest concerns is the rise of the autonomous weapon systems, machines capable of selecting and targeting targets, and humans. Without human oversight, weapons systems are very efficient and quick, but they also raise genuine concerns about making life and death decisions. If algorithms misinterpret data or malfunction, then a real human life will be gone and can never be brought back again.

Lack of global treaties leaves AI-driven warfare unregulated, heightening instability and risks.

Cyber warfare further implies that these dangerous AI-powered systems could be hacked by terrorists or rogue states, manipulated or spoofed by enemy countries, turning advanced weapons into something dangerous. Despite the risks, countries around the world want to interpret AI, to make things easy, quick & reduce human casualties. Countries implementing AI in warfare could dominate and rule the world as nuclear countries once did.  Military AI is not just about war. It’s about the global economy and tech leadership.

The author is a student of business administration with a passion for artificial intelligence, international relations, climate change, war, defense, and economics.