Autonomous Weapons - The Inevitable Slippery Slope

We examine autonomous weapons systems (AWS), defining them as military technologies capable of selecting and engaging targets without direct human intervention. We explore the potential benefits driving their development, such as increased speed, efficiency, and reduced risk to human soldiers, while also highlighting the serious ethical, legal, and safety concerns they pose, including issues of accountability and the risk of unintended escalation. The discussion surveys the current international debate surrounding AWS, noting the slow progress in achieving a global ban due to differing national stances. Ultimately, the source frames the development of AWS as a "slippery slope", emphasizing the urgent need for international regulation to ensure human control over lethal force and prevent a future where machines make life-or-death decisions.