Seoul has become the focal point for international discussions on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications, as South Korea hosts a high-stakes summit aimed at developing a framework for the responsible use of AI in armed forces. The two-day event, which commenced on Monday, sees representatives from over 90 countries, including major players like the United States and China, converge to address the implications of AI in military operations.
This summit follows the inaugural gathering held in Amsterdam last year, where global leaders issued a non-binding “call to action” regarding AI’s role in warfare. The Seoul conference builds on that foundation, with South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighting the dual nature of AI in military contexts. Kim cited the use of AI-driven Ukrainian drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a critical example of technology providing strategic advantages while also posing risks of misuse.
“The use of AI in military settings can significantly enhance operational capabilities,” Kim said in his opening address. “However, it’s akin to a double-edged sword, as the potential for abuse and unintended consequences cannot be ignored.”
The summit’s agenda includes discussions on legal frameworks to ensure adherence to international laws and mechanisms to prevent autonomous systems from making critical decisions without human oversight. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized that the summit aims to establish a blueprint for action, incorporating principles from NATO, the U.S., and other nations. This blueprint is intended to provide a baseline for responsible AI use, though it is expected to lack enforceable legal commitments.
In addition to the Seoul summit, other international forums are addressing the issue of military AI. The U.N.’s 1983 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) is exploring potential restrictions on lethal autonomous weapons systems to align with international humanitarian law. Furthermore, the U.S. government’s declaration on the responsible use of AI in military applications, which has been endorsed by 55 countries as of August, extends beyond weapons to encompass broader military applications.
The Seoul summit, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, aims to foster ongoing discussions among various stakeholders, including international organizations, academia, and the private sector. Topics under review include the protection of civilians and the role of AI in controlling nuclear weapons, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of AI’s impact on global security.
With approximately 2,000 participants registered, the summit represents a significant effort to navigate the complex landscape of AI in military contexts, striving to balance innovation with ethical considerations and international norms.
